Essay 3

Arguing Definitions


Dictionaries provide us with formal definitions of words but often words can have multiple
layers of definition. Definitions play a role in how we think about words and ideas. Arguing
definitions can be an effective path for change and rethinking an important topic. Essay 3 will
give you a chance to explore the layers of definition and build an argument using the knowledge
you have developed in your previous essays about the way you see the world.

Choosing A Topic
For this essay you will choose a word to explore and argue the definition of. I am leaving the
topic choice up to you. However, remember to have a narrow focus that will allow you to as the
important questions. When defining, the whys are often more important(or interesting) than
the whats.

The term you choose should be debatable, so using a less concrete topic works well. You
could, for example, define courage, or evil, or honesty, or laziness, or marriage. As youll be
asking others for their definitions, your terms should be fairly universal, and should have some
significance to your audience. (See audience below.)

As you begin working on your topic, remember that youll be expected to explore the topic fully
all the subtle layers as well as the more obvious. We will discuss ways of exploring
definitions in class.

Developing A Thesis
Begin with a working thesis, but as you progress in your thinking and research, refine that thesis
into a revelatory statement. You want to develop a thesis that provides a specific way of defining
your topic. A dictionary definition is too broad and un-interesting. Were looking for more.

The Twitter Twist
For those of you familiar with Twitter, the one thing that it has taught me the most is that every
word you say counts. For this essay you are going to construct your thesis statement Twitter
style: 140 characters. Your thesis for this essay should be exactly 140 characters- no more or
less. Make every word count. Please type your thesis at the top of your page below your title.

Developing Support
For this essay, you will be asked to use a number of different types of support.
1 Interviews youll determine a set of questions to ask others about their
definitions. (we will discuss interviewing in class)
2 Example use a particular case to illustrate your definition. This case may be
from personal experience, firsthand knowledge, or from a newspaper account.
3 Allusion use at least one reference to public knowledge.
4 Appeal to Value connect your topic to a value that you assume your readers
share.
or
5 Appeal to Logic provide a line of reasoning that will lead your readers to your
definition.
If you wish, you may also use Testimony and/or a Scenario to help you define your term.

Concessions and Counter-Arguments
There must be other ways to define your term (or else its not an appropriate topic for argument.)
So, in your paper, you will need to at least briefly acknowledge other ways to define your term.
You may be able to use your interviews to present these.

Audience
For this essay, YOU will define the readers you have in mind. What group of people do you
want to influence? For example: you decide to define animal cruelty by looking into the
conditions of cattle raising in feed lots. If your audience is The Humane Society, your goal will
be very different that if your audience is the Cattlemans Association. As you type your final
paper, youll need to identify your readers you can type it in under your name in the left hand
corner.

Length
This essay will be 3-4 pages. The assumption here is that it will be at least 3 full pages of text.
The 3-4 pages does not include any visuals you may choose to include in your essay. As support
for your interviews, youll also hand in your interview notes.