Instructor Dowling
Eng 101: Definition Claim
The Standard Claim form of a definition thesis is: X represents Y because it has features A, B, C.
Purpose: You have read contemporary sources that deal with, whether indirectly or directly, the
concept of LOVE. You goal is to now write a definition claim that seeks to define LOVE.
Works to consider:
Poems: “First Poem for You” Addonizio, “Lonely Hearts” Cope , “Sex Without Love” Olds,
“you fit into me” Atwood, “Embrace” Collins, “Sous-entendu” Stevenson, “Most Like an Arch
This Marriage” Ciardi
Short Stories: Atwood “Happy Endings,” Paz “My Life with a Wave,” and Woolf “A Haunted
House”
Assignment: You need to first start with your definition of what LOVE is, contains, or
embodies. List at least three elements. Then insert LOVE for Y and your chosen work that best
embodies your definition of LOVE for X. Then, A, B, and C become your chosen elements. An
example thesis looks like this: “you fit into me” by Margaret Atwood best defines LOVE because
it examines elements of union, vulnerability, and frisson.
You must use three other works as refutation for your claim that one of the works best
encapsulates your definition of LOVE. (This means that in addition to your chosen work, you
have to reference lines from three additional works you’ve read in this section which do NOT fit
your definition.)
Make sure it’s clear why your readers should care about the topic and give them enough
information to understand your position. At some point in your argument, explain to your readers
why you think it’s important to define LOVE. What are the implications of your claim?
AUDIENCE: Ask yourself: to whom does this argument matter? Why should my claim matter to
them? How will this audience’s needs and assumptions shape my argument strategy?
You essay should be a minimum of 4 (or more) pages long, typed, double-spaced, and carefully
proofread. You should format your essay according to MLA guidelines and include an additional
Works Cited page after four full pages of text.
Thesis and Outline – Due:
Type up your Thesis and outline, and turn in one copy to me.
Rough Draft – Due
(Bring 3 copies!!!) Your rough draft must be at least three pages
long, with a clear thesis and must show evidence of developing supporting detailed paragraphs.
Final Draft Due— Due
(Turn in with all rough drafts!)
Instructor Evaluation / Essay #1 / Definition Claim
Writer ___________________________
Score_____________________
Your essay has been read and evaluated based on the criteria listed on this prompt.
* The essay contains a clear definition claim in the correct format.
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* The essay uses several quotes from each of the assigned works (at least 9 quotes for the paper).
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* Writer shows deep understanding of the assigned texts through analysis.
-----Yes
-----Fairly -----Somewhat -----No
* Audience is considered when exploring implications of definition.
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* Paper looks at explicit examples and gives implicit meaning based on those examples. (i.e. Uses the P.E.C.E.
method)
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* The organization is clear and effective. Topic sentences are used. Paragraph breaks are thoughtful.
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* Correct MLA formatting for citing sources is followed.
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* The essay is free of errors in grammar, syntax, usage, and punctuation.
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No
* The essay is presented according to the format guidelines stated in the syllabus.
-----Yes
-----Fairly
-----Somewhat
-----No