Definition Essay
The fifth essay of the semester is the definition essay. This essay falls into our "mini" essay category because we will spend less time preparing and researching for the essay. This essay will require students to find an abstract term that they feel strongly needs to be defined or redefined. The goal of this essay is to master the art of the word. By choosing an abstract term, in order to define it, the students will have to rely on concrete imagery and examples to illuminate and "show" the meaning. This essay is a step back from the more rigid and structured essays of the semester and more of an exploration in figurative language. This essay is essentially the vehicle for students to showcase their knowledge of "showing" vs. "telling."
Brainstorming: Writing prompts, Quick-fire journaling, word-association games, TARPS, Outline, Word research, student example evaluation.
Drafting: Students will draft an essay that utilizes the elements of a narrative working within a word count constraint that the prompt requires OR a goal of 900 words.
Revising: Self-revision will involve a focus on word choice, sentence structure, and imagery.
Proofreading: Focus will be on the 6 comma rules and writing in a "warm" 3rd person point of view.
Publishing: As writing is a process, these essays are always welcome to be re-submitted AFTER the student has a conference with Ms. O.
Brainstorming: Writing prompts, Quick-fire journaling, word-association games, TARPS, Outline, Word research, student example evaluation.
Drafting: Students will draft an essay that utilizes the elements of a narrative working within a word count constraint that the prompt requires OR a goal of 900 words.
Revising: Self-revision will involve a focus on word choice, sentence structure, and imagery.
Proofreading: Focus will be on the 6 comma rules and writing in a "warm" 3rd person point of view.
Publishing: As writing is a process, these essays are always welcome to be re-submitted AFTER the student has a conference with Ms. O.