ENG 111
Essay 1
Definition: Concept Identification
Basic essay structure with introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion– SLO 6
Thesis development with supporting topic sentences – SLO 6
Guided directions of how to structure assignment -SLOs 1, 3
Skills review – SLOs 5, 7
MLA Formatting (No in-text citations)
Focus on Writing as a Process – SLOs 2, 10
Metacognitive Reflection – SLO 4 (in the form of self-reflection)
No sources cited
What is definition/exemplification?
Providing a definition obviously means to define a word, term, or concept. However, this essay requires an extended definition that goes beyond the denotative (or dictionary) meaning of what is being defined and instead focuses on the connotative meaning (the meaning that changes depending on who is defining the term).
Since your personal meaning may differ from the general concept, your goal is to make your meaning clear for your readers. One way to do this is through exemplification—providing specific, detailed examples that explain or clarify your definition. From your paper, your readers should be able to understand your perspective.
Assignment Directions:
No two people are exactly alike, as we all have different traits, experiences, and perspectives that make up our individuality. Therefore, Essay 1 is a definition essay in which you evaluate what makes you unique from others. Then you define this aspect using exemplification (examples) to support your assertion. Since your readers will come from diverse backgrounds, some of them unfamiliar with your experiences, you will need solid examples to support your thesis and represent the qualities or characteristics you are explaining. Keep in mind that this essay is not a narrative assignment, so you should not tell your life story.
Essay prompt:
Your essay will be titled What It Means to Be a ______ (you fill in the blank), so focus on an aspect of your self-identity that could be used to fill in the blank and what examples you could use to exemplify the concept you select to define.
For instance, I am a working mother, so I could explore societal pressures and expectations for women today in an essay I might call “What It Means to Be a Working Mom.” As someone who had a child in her late 30’s, I could define “What It Means to Be an Older Parent.” I have also struggled with anxiety off and on throughout my life, so I could write about the challenges that come with anxiety. In other words, we all have many fascinating aspects that make up how we self-identify, so for this writing piece, select one aspect and concentrate on how to define it without using any outside sources.
Another example is model Winnie Harlow, who discusses what it is like living with Vitiligo: Winnie Harlow Discusses Vitiligo and Beauty (Opens in TED Talk)
Here are additional articles that might interest you on the topic of self-identity. In one, Quannah Chasinghorse discusses what it is like being Indigenous and the lack of representation, while Nur Sajat discusses being transgender in a country where it is taboo.
Quannah Chasinghorse Discusses Being Indigenous (Opens to website)
Nur Sajat Discusses Being Transgender (Opens in The New York Times website)
Junteenth: Freedom’s Promise Is Still Denied to Thousands of Blacks Unable to Make Bail (Opens in Website)
America’s White Working Class Is the Smallest It Has Ever Been (Opens in Website)
Specifics:
Weight/ Percentage: 15% of your overall grade
Length: 900 words (With correct heading and spacing, it is approximately 2.5 – 3 pages). Do not go over 1200 words.
(Times New Roman,12-point font, double-spaced). Points will be deducted for not meeting the page requirement.
Sources: None allowed – including the dictionary
Format: This essay should be written in 3rd person with correct MLA format. No “I” or “you” will be allowed. Although you will use experiences and perspectives to define what it means to be whatever you are defining, you will discuss those experiences rather than narrate a story.
Audience: Academic setting of diverse thinkers
Sample Topics Used on Previous Papers:
What It Means to Be a Black Man
Being an Artist
Being a Student Athlete
Being a Parent
What It Means to Be a North Carolinian
What It Means to Be a Waitress
Being an Introvert
Being an Optimist
Being Musical
What It Means to Be Transgender
Being in the Military
….and the list is endless.
*The only topics off limits are what it means to be a successful student or anything relating to religion, politics, abortion, or video games. This is not an argument piece. It is focused on defining your topic with examples.
Organization:
Introduction: In the first paragraph, introduce the audience to your topic. Create a hook to draw readers into your essay. Create a thesis that is one central idea with three aspects for exploration. For instance, if you write about being Hispanic, you could break the topic into three areas that you plan to discuss, such as customs, social challenges, and role models. These three points become your thesis, which is presented at the end of the introduction.
Body: For each body paragraph you will begin with a topic sentence that links explicitly to one point of the thesis. Your body paragraphs should follow the order of the thesis since it is essentially a roadmap of your essay. You will provide detailed examples and illustrations in each paragraph and end with a concluding sentence.
Conclusion: Summarize your definition and main points. Without being redundant in word choice, you may want to reflect back on the points made in the introduction. Be sure to end the conclusion by emphasizing why this aspect of your self-identity is so important.
There is NO Works Cited page because sources, including the dictionary, are not allowed.
Reminder: An essay assignment turned in late will be docked a letter grade for each calendar day that it is late (late penalties start at 12:01 a.m. the next calendar day). After two days have passed since the due date, I will not accept the assignment, thus resulting in a grade of 0.