Writing Homework Help

Write a 650 to 750-word extended definition essay (see formatting sheet: typewritten, single-spaced heading, double-spaced body, creative title, 12 pt. Times New Roman) on an approved word or phrase. As we discussed in class, not every word is suitable for an effective extended definition essay. In general, a word or phrase suitable for this assignment is one that satisfies at least one of the following criteria:

• It has a meaning that is too rich or complex to be adequately conveyed in a straightforward dictionary definition
• It carries multiple meanings, some of which might be ambiguous or even contradictory, and is dependent on a particular social context to infuse it with a precise meaning
• It can be classified into subtypes or subcategories that are unexposed
• It has a meaning that has evolved or changed dramatically over time (usually as a result of social, cultural, and political events) 
• It is used frequently in everyday conversation but has concealed meanings or connotations deserving of exploration
• It has been recently invented to capture an idea or concept that cannot be sufficiently captured by any current word or phrase in the English language 
• It has a meaning that is best illustrated through a descriptive narrative
• It comes packed with one or more misconceptions that need to be unfolded and refuted

Your essay should begin by introducing the word* and its primary dictionary definition (the universally accepted denotation) while citing the source using any of the methods illustrated in class. Then, you should briefly share any important linguistic and historical roots. Remember, however, not to treat this assignment as a research paper. You should include no more than two or three sentences explaining the word’s origin and/or development. At the end of the introductory paragraph, you should present a thesis statement that will express your purpose for examining the word. This statement should consist of a sentence or two previewing your “take” on the word—one that promises to add a layer of insight to what we already know about its meaning(s) and uses. 

The body of the essay will develop and substantiate your perspective on the word using descriptive narration, contextualization, classification, social analysis, negation, expansion/deepening, or a combination of these modes we reviewed in class. Do not feel the need to adopt one of these delivery modes exclusively; your message is what is important. Your body paragraphs should offer effective support for the perspective you propose in your thesis, and as such, the pattern of development will not differ that markedly from an argumentative essay. In other words, there should be a clear and perceptive point of view presented throughout your essay; the essay should not resemble an informative Wikipedia entry. Your conclusion can exercise wider latitude. You may be creative as you wish here, choosing any number of interesting means to validate your “angle” on the word and make it more convincing to the reader.