Writing Assignment Two: Definitional Argument
Words do not have essential properties; that is, they are constructs of the world in which we live.
They are dynamic and powerful instruments that evolve over time and vary depending on
context. One of the misconceptions of words is that their definitions do not change. Definitions
determine what something or someone is—they can result in inclusion and exclusion. They also
help us to recognize that classifications change over time and are the result of cultural, social,
and political forces that may come and go. So, rather than thinking of definitions as natural and
unchanging, definitional arguments allow us to recognize classifications as unnatural and
constructed. That is, definitions serve certain agendas at certain times while ignoring or
suppressing others.
The definitional essay assigns additional meaning to a given word (often, a word whose
definition is under debate), and it argues that the word needs to be understood in an additional
way. Your objective is not to do away with the old meaning, but rather to argue that the word
also needs to be used and understood in terms of your additional meaning.
Assignment Description:
Main Topic: X is/is not a Y because it has (or does not have) feature A, B, C, and so on.
Write a logos-centered argument that develops a definitional claim of the form “X is/is not a Y,”
where Y is a term with a disputed definition. Your argument will have a criteria section in
which you develop an extended definition of your Y term, and a match section in which you
argue that your X does/does not meet the criteria for Y. You will also conduct research on your
topic to help develop your Y criteria and support your argument.
When selecting a topic, you may want to focus on large, national issues, state issues, or issues in
pop culture/the media. (Sample topics might include: “President Obama is a conservative,”
“alcoholism is not a disease,” “standardized testing is not education,” “NASCAR is a sport,”
“Panda Express is not gourmet food,” etc.) It is crucial that you choose a topic that has relevance
in today’s world. Also, your topic must make a statement that is not completely accepted.
*In order to construct your definition, you should consult authorities on your controversial word.
A dictionary does not have ethos on any particular subject. For example, if you have chosen to
extend the definition of “feminist,” you might consult Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Simone de
Beauvior, bell hooks, etc. Encyclopedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster’s English Dictionary
are not specialized texts. To simply copy a definition from the dictionary undermines the
very nature of this assignment.
Assignment Goals:
 Focus on a specific rhetorical purpose, namely, the writing of a definitional argument
 Explore the multiple facets (ideological, social, cultural, political, economic, historical) of
issues and use writing to construct informed, critical positions about these topics
 Identify the kind of ideological work a written text can undertake and how it serves to
persuade readers to accept a particular account of an issue as accurate and effective
 Practice developing claims and supporting them with evidence
Audience:
A neutral audience that is not yet knowledgeable about your chosen topic. Persuade them to
care, and to accept your definitional argument.
Grading Criteria:
 Integration of research with your central argument (at least 3 sources)
 Effective implementation of definitional argument strategies (persuasive criteria for the
Y category, and logos-based matching of your X term into this category, discussion of why the
definition is important/why there is a need for a clear articulation of the term)
 Logos-centered argument
 Is the paper clearly written, well organized, and insightfully argued?
 Demonstration of critical thought
 Evidence of revision from early drafts to final draft
 Evidence of final editing and proofreading
 Proper use of MLA guidelines for citations
 Works Cited page
Minimum length for your definitional argument: 3-4 pages
Additional requirements: all your drafts must be typed, double-spaced using Times New Roman
12 point font, and be stapled. Please use one-inch margins on all pages. Finally, your article
must have an interesting and appropriate title.
Rough Draft Due: Monday, October 29th
Final Draft Due: Monday, November 5th