Informative Text Final: Writing an
Extended Definition
We have completed two Language Arts units during which we have explored the definitions of
words. We have look at the dictionary definition, explored examples of the words in action, and
written extended definitions of our own. Now it is time to demonstrate how well you can
understand and explain a word on your own.
Part One
Your assignment:
You will view a video and read an article on the topic of sportsmanship, taking notes from these
sources, and then writing an informative essay about sportsmanship.
Steps you will be following:
In order to plan and write your essay, you will do all of the following:
1) Watch a video and read an article.
2) Answer three questions about the sources.
3) Plan and write your essay.
Directions for beginning:
You will now watch a short video at the link below and read an article. Take notes because you
may want to refer to your notes while writing your essay. You can refer to any of the sources as
often as you like.
Video Link: Sara Tucholsky Home Run/ESPY Sportsmanship Moment
Article Link: Teens Health: Sportsmanship (Be sure to read all three pages of the article).
Questions
Answer the questions below. Your answers to these questions will be scored. Also, they will help
you think about the sources you've read, which should help you write your essay. You may refer to
the sources when you think it would be helpful. You may also refer to your notes.
1. What definition of sportsmanship was demonstrated by the story in the video? How?
2. What definition(s) of sportsmanship did the article provide? What examples did the article
provide to support their definition(s)?
3. What experiences with sportsmanship, good or bad, have you had or seen?
Part Two
You will now review your notes and sources, plan, draft, and revise your essay. While you may use
your notes and refer to the sources, you must work on your own. You may also refer to the
answers you wrote to earlier questions. Now read your assignment and the information about
how your essay will be scored, and then begin your work.
Your Assignment
Your assignment is to write an informative essay about sportsmanship. In the essay, you should
explain what sportsmanship is and present examples to support your definition, including specific
details and examples from the sources you viewed and read, and your personal experiences.
How your essay will be scored: You will earn points for
1. Statement of Purpose/Focus: How well you clearly state and maintain your controlling idea or
main idea.
2. Organization: How well the ideas progress from the introduction to the conclusion using
effective transitions and how well you stay on topic through out the essay.
3. Elaboration of Evidence: How well you provide evidence from sources about your topic and
elaborate with specific information.
4. Language and Vocabulary: How well you effectively express ideas using precise language that
is appropriate for your audience and purpose.
5. Conventions: How well you follow the rules of usage, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
Now begin work on your essay. Manage your time carefully so that you can:

plan your essay

write your essay

revise and edit for a final draft