ENG 101 – College English I – Greg Bryant, Instructor
Major Paper #4
Name ____________________________________
Write an extended definition of a word or phrase whose meaning is important to you. Use a
variety of rhetorical modes to develop the meaning. See the exercise on rhetorical modes for
ideas. Before you hand it in, identify at least three different modes you have used.
The idea of definition is to improve the way your reader thinks about the word or phrase:
clear up misunderstandings, raise awareness, clarify values, comment on life, offer wisdom. A
few brainstorming ideas for topics:
 an abstract word or phrase. Abstract means “apart from concrete existence”
(“Abstract”); something not seen, smelled, or held in your hand: devotion, peace,
fatherhood, success, education. To be understood, abstract ideas need grounding
in real life, as Gilb did in “Pride” and Naylor in “The Meanings of a Word.”
 a word or phrase whose meaning is more important than some people realize, like
Nancy Mairs’s discussion of “Disability” or Paul’s discussion of love (1 Cor. 13)
 a word or phrase that has more meanings than people think
 a word or phrase that is poorly understood, or completely misunderstood
 a word or phrase that has a particular, special meaning for you alone
The following ideas may help you get started, but you don’t have to use any of them:
 Recall experiences that formed your understanding of the term (narrative or
anecdote).
 Ask others what “________” means to them. (If you use their ideas, cite them.)
 Discuss the word or phrase with friends, family, even strangers.
 Read the pages in our textbook about the “definition” rhetorical mode.
 Write a satire, using irony to show what the word seems to mean to some people.
 Look the word up in a dictionary and analyze the definition. Either support it or
show why you find the dictionary definition inadequate.
You do not have to use any sources on this assignment—not even a dictionary. However,
if you do use any sources, make good use of them through discussion, and cite and list them in
MLA format. If you use a source, do so only to support your own ideas; do not let your source
take over and write your paper. If the source doesn’t help make your point, leave it out.
I want to see a standard “college essay” organization: introduction, several body
paragraphs, and conclusion. See “Parts of an Essay” for general descriptions of these. Also
remember that details aren’t boring, they’re interesting, and so are your discussions of those
details. Helpful discussions and transitions can be creative and add interest.
Use many rhetorical modes to develop your ideas. They won’t always be distinct, but
don’t get locked into just giving three examples to support each paragraph; it’s tedious. Gloria
Naylor uses incidents and definitions. Dagoberto Gilb uses narratives, examples, and
illustrations for poetic effect. Nancy Mairs makes use of cause and effect. Explore your options.
As always, after I grade the finished paper you may revise it and improve your score.
Finished paper is due ___________________________
Works Cited
1 Corinthians chapter 13, New Testament of the Bible (any translation or edition).
“Abstract.” The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language. 4th ed. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Print.
Grading Criteria for Definition Essay
Greg Bryant, Instructor
Depth
(0-12)
Focus
(0-12)
Organization
(0-10)
Style
(0-8)
Conventions
(0-8)
Total
Revision totals
Name___________________________
knowledge of material; technical
vocabulary; challenging ideas
thesis; support, rhetorical variety,
explanations; staying on target
arrangement; transitions; open;
close; paragraphing
clearness & accuracy of prose;
pleasantness of style; word choice
grammar, spelling, punctuation,
MLA format & documentation
50 possible. Scale: 45 = A40 = B35 = C30 = D-
fresh or deep understanding; go
beyond the obvious meanings
use at least 3 rhetorical modes
effectively; thorough discussion
intro, several body ¶s, conclusion; a
sense of progress toward an end
specificity; accuracy; precision; avoid
cliché, repetitiousness, wordiness
proofreading; sources, if any were
used, cited and listed MLA style
(this assignment ↑ in particular)