Definition Essay Rubric
Introduction
Engaging Introduction
Definition of term
Thesis statement
Profound statement about your word
Body
1 paragraph about what your word is not (2nd paragraph)
1 paragraph about what your word is (3rd paragraph)
Well-timed parallel syntax and metaphor in these paragraphs (2nd and 3rd paragraphs)
1 paragraph proving something profound about your word
Your paragraphs should have:
Creative Topic Sentences –in blue on the sample essay
Rich examples—examples that cut across various themes, genres, topic—political, social,
literary, historical, etc….
Support claims with an example---multiple examples per paragraph
Conclusion
Counterargument—this is red in the sample essay
Final statement about the term—perhaps your most significant and global statement
Conventions—periods, capitals, commas, sentence structures