Assignment: Definition and Exemplification
Definition and Example Essay
Length: 2 pages (non-researched) OR 3 pages plus Works Cited (researched)
Due date:
Student Learning Objectives (SLOs)
- Compose a definition and example essay (SLO 2)
- Organize the definition and example essay using a structure appropriate to the rhetorical modes (SLO 3)
- Apply MLA format to prose free of grammar and spelling errors (SLO 6)
- If choosing the research option, students will also evaluate, represent, and respond to the ideas and research of others while documenting sources (SLO 5)
Description of assignment:
Choose one of the terms below to define in a definition/example essay. This is not an argument essay, so you are not arguing for or against anything. The idea is also not to write a technical article; instead, use denotation and connotation together to define a term in such a way that your audience can easily understand. Your definition should include a basic definition as well as an extended definition, which may use specific examples, history, etymology, compare/contrast, and more.
As you plan your essay, consider these questions: Why is it important to understand this term? Why is this term in the news right now? Why is it relevant to someone living in Louisiana? If a friend asked me what this term meant, how would I explain it?
In order to answer these questions to define your term, you should use specific, relevant examples. Each example should further your reader’s understanding of your term.
The essay must be in MLA format with double spacing and Times New Roman 12-point font. The length of the essay should be between 2 and 4 full pages of text. Your essay should be free of grammar and spelling errors.
Goal of assignment:
Define a term by providing a basic definition, an extended definition, and relevant specific examples.
Skills we will work on with this paper:
- definition
- examples/illustration
- research using scholarly sources (if writing the research option)
- MLA in-text citation
- Works Cited page
- emphatic-order organization (“save the best for last”)
Suggestions for topics:
Non-researched
- Lagniappe
- Laissez les bons temps rouler
Researched
- Gerrymandering
- Gentrification
- Cultural Appropriation
Rubric [with percentage breakdown for different aspects of evaluation/grade (%)]:
Content = 30%
A: 30-27 points
- Paper is creative and original
- Student has clearly followed and met the assignment guidelines
B: 26-23 points
- Paper is somewhat creative and original
- Student has mostly followed and met the assignment guidelines
C: 22-19 points
- Paper is unoriginal and ideas are obvious or general
- Student has followed and met basic assignment guidelines
D: 18-15 points
- Paper is unoriginal and ideas are obvious or general
- Student has not followed and met the basic assignment guidelines
F: 14-0 points
- Paper contains few complete ideas
- Student has not followed and met most of the basic assignment guidelines
Development = 30%
A: 30-2