Essay Instructions: My two Article are "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara and "I have a Dream" by King Jr.
A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept from a subjective perspective. It is an extended definition that goes beyond the denotative meaning of what is being defined in order to explore the connotative meaning(s). Since authors? personal meanings may differ from the general concept, their goal is to make the meaning clear for readers. One way to do this is through the use of specific, detailed examples that explain or clarify the definition utilizing rhetorical devices in explanations of their vision.
Goals:
? Understand and apply principles of definition
? Analyze and evaluate appropriate author and personal experiences
? Understand and apply principles of exemplification
? Organize ideas and examples effectively
? Understand and apply requirements of assignment, including use of MLA format and turn-in instructions
? Apply rules of standard English and skills learned in ENG 111
Length: 3.5-5 pages excluding Works Cited page. Do not go under 3.5 or over 5 full pages excluding Works Cited.
ESSAY TWO DUE DATE: W 2-20 Late due date: F 2-22 (NO PAPERS ACCEPTED PAST THIS DATE)
Essay Topic: Pick two readings from the articles in Unit Two (see syllabus) and discuss how each author defines, explains, or portrays their vision of the American Dream through use of styles and rhetorical devices used to convey the author?s point.
Essay Structure
Paragraph 1: Introduction (use third person)
A brief overview of your understanding of the general idea of the American Dream, transition sentence mentioning authors and articles, and includes a thesis statement offering subpoints used in your essay development.
A sample thesis statement to inspire yours:
While (Author 1) (verb) the American Dream through (rhetorical device or style), (Author 2) (verb) (rhetorical device or style) to (verb) their definitions of the American Dream.
Paragraphs 2 and 3: Main Body Paragraphs (use third person)
Each paragraph begins with author?s name and a topic sentence relating to the subpoint from thesis. Evidence includes proper in-text citation (see LB 421) with a quotation from article. The rest of the paragraph provides a student-generated response elaborating on how the quotation selected supports the main topic sentence. You may choose two or more quotations, but make sure you have a balance of quotes and analysis.
Paragraph 4: All about YOU (You CAN use first, second, or third person ONLY in this paragraph)
This section is your personal idea of the American Dream. When you define your concept, be sure to use a mix of vivid details and rhetorical devices to make your definition come alive to the reader. This section is where you can explore similarities or differences from authors? point s of view, examples of people you know who have or have not achieved the American Dream, etc.
Paragraph 5: Conclusion (use third person only)
Restate (not repeat) authors? visions, your vision, and a discussion of where the American Dream is heading or the reality of the American Dream today.
Using Signal Phrases in MLA Papers
When using direct quotations in a research report or documented essay, use signal phrases to identify the source and type of information (facts, opinions, observations, etc.) and to help readers distinguish the author?s information from your own. This prevents you from dropping quotations, which can confuse your reader and make them think that a specific idea or opinion is yours when, in fact, it comes from a source. Effective signal phrases include the author?s name and usually an action verb that characterizes the information. Try varying the placement and language of the signal phrase to avoid repetition. The following sample signal phrases show how their placement and language can be varied to avoid repetition:
Remember to include a parenthetical reference, usually a page number for print sources, after the direct quotation. (See the handout ?Most Common MLA Entries for a Works Cited Page & In-text Citations.?)
Paper
Use white paper, 8 1/2 x 11 inches. If you lack this paper, you can use the closest available size. Print on single side only.
Margins
1 inch {top, bottom, left, and right} (1 inch = 2.5cm)
Header: for page numbers, set at 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) from the top upper-right hand
corner, flushed to the right margin.
Text Formatting-
Font: Times New Roman 12 pt. INCLUDING HEADER
- Do not justify the text
- Double-space the entire research paper. Remove extra spaces at end of paragraphs.
- Leave one space after a period
Heading
Begin at 1 inch from the top of the page, type:
- Your name
- Professor name
- Course number
- Date 8 January 2013 (in that format)
All on separate lines.
Title: Begin your research paper title on a new line and center it. See example on the image below, on the Sample section.
Do not:
- Italicize, underline, in quotation, boldface, or type in all CAPs your title.
- There is no period after your title or after any heading in your paper
Page Numbers
-Place page number in all pages
- Place page numbers 1/2 inch from the top-right margin
- Type your last name before the page number: your last name followed by
a space then page number.
These are a list of errors I see all the time on papers. An A paper needs to, in the words of Gelertner, ?blow the pants off? the stack with little to no errors. A B paper needs to be above average with minor errors or issues. A C paper needs to meet minimum requirements, may present one or two major errors, but will still be coherent. D or F papers have major grammatical or organizational issues and may not meet all required elements of the assignment.
Use your diagnostic essay evaluation, your LB, and the ILC Writing Center to receive further instruction and assistance on any of these errors.
MLA
Wrong font for header, heading, or main body
Date in incorrect format
Leaving out section number
No space in between last name and page number in header
Margins are not one inch
Extra spaces in both heading and in between paragraphs. To eliminate, go to Page Layout, Paragraph, Indents and Spacing, and click the box next to ?Don?t add spaces between paragraphs of same style?
Paragraphs are not indented
Works Cited Page
Entries in the incorrect format with missing components
Italics, punctuation marks, and other items are incorrect or in the wrong place
List of authors is not in alphabetical order
Indentions and double spacing are incorrect
Header page number is not the next page in your essay (should not say page 1)
Composition in regards to MLA
Authors or page numbers are not cited correctly
No signal phrases; ?naked? quotes are stuck in there
Incorrect format for long quotations
Disorganized paragraphs
Grammatical and Mechanical Issues-Sentence Boundary Issues
COMMA USAGE. Oh, my! These are by far the most common and major errors.
Comma splices and fused sentences
Commas with coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS)
Commas as introductory elements, in a series, and for nonessential components
When and how to use commas and semicolons
Fragments
Apostrophe misuse
Pronoun Agreement (singular nouns need singular pronouns, and same for plurals)
Academic Voice: Use Third Person, No Contractions, and scholarly language
Composition
Thesis statement is lacking in plan of development
Organization does not flow
Sentence construction is not coherent
Sentences could use stronger language for clarity
Tight beginning, middle, and end need strong topic sentences
Keep verb tense the same