For this assignment, write an extended definition of a key term or concept. An extended definition is a long explanation of a term that goes into much detail and uses a variety of methods to develop the definition. Within an extended definition, there are often many strategies used to define a concept. Different methods for defining terms include using the denotative definition, operational definition, examples, analogies, classification and compare/contrast. The “argument” in an argument of definition is evident in how the writer tries to convince his reader that his definition is true, valid, and acceptable. Information about claims of definition can be found in Chapter 9, “Definition: Clarifying Key Terms” (pp. 247-270). The section on Writing Extended Definitions on pages 260-261 should be particularly useful as well. Consider three different types of arguments of definition that may be used:Formal Definition—formulate a controversial or provocative definition. Such definitions place a term in its proper genus and species—first determining its class and then identifying the features or criteria that distinguish it from other members of that class. Operational Definitions—challenge a definition. Identify an object or idea not by what it is so much as by what it does or by the conditions that create it.Definitions by Example—define a class by listing its individual members. When considering a topic, look for issues of definition in your everyday affairs—for instance, in the way jobs are classified at work; in the way key terms are described in your academic major; in the way politicians characterize the social issues that concern you; in the way you define yourself or others try to define you. Option 1Write an argument of definition about a term such as military combatants, illegal alien, or Dreamer (DACADoes the crime rate remain constant there, regardless
of who moves in or out?),Covid-19/China Virus that has suddenly become culturally significant or recently changed in some important way. Either defend the way the term has come to be defined or raise questions about its appropriateness, offensiveness, inaccuracy, and so on. Consider words or expressions such as terrorism, marriage equality, racist, sexist, white privilege, assisted suicide, enhanced interrogation, collateral damage, forcible rape, net neutrality, social justice, crisis actor, millennial, toxic masculinity, snowflake, rape culture, gender neutral, etc. Option 2Write an essay in which you compare or contrast the meaning of two related terms, explaining the differences between them by using one or more methods of definition: formal definition, operational definition, definition by example. Be clever in your choice of the initial terms: look for a pairing in which the differences might not be immediately apparent to people unfamiliar with how the terms are used in specific communities. Consider such terms as liberal/progressive; classy/cool; lead soprano/prima donna; student athlete/jock; highbrow/intellectual; feminist/anti-man (misandrist); cult/
established church; justice/equality; liberal/ radical; agnostic/atheist; conservative/extreme right-wing; enhanced interrogation/torture; opera/musical; science-fiction/fantasy.Option 3Try to find definitional arguments that may arise whenever people deploy adjectives such as true, real, actual, or genuine. Why is there a need to attach such an adjective? Is it not enough to say conservative? Why use true conservative? What is the difference? In an argument of definition essay, explain the differences between the term and what the term denotes when such a label is applied. Some examples include a true Texan, real environmental degradation, actual budget projections, genuine rap music, classic rock and roll, true vintage, authentic Mexican food, true patriot, real reform.Option 4Sometimes new terms come about because of societal trends and may describe a new idea or phenomena. Technology also plays a factor in the creation of such terms as does social media. Write an extended definition explaining what such a term means, why it came about, and why it is culturally significant. Some examples include soccer mom, rockabilly, gaming, adulting, blogging, phishing, meme addiction, meme lord, internet trolls or trolling, shitposter, slacker parents, helicopter parents, lawnmower parents, metrosexual, cult films, Black Friday, Weebs, snowflake, work wife or work husband, a Chad, a Karen, cosplayer, trekki, parrot head, etc. Do some research on whatever term(s) has been selected for this essay. Look up the denotative definition or perhaps definitions in the urban dictionary. Also, find some articles that might help define or shed light on the term(s). Use at least two sources in this essay and cite them per MLA or APA guidelines, including in-text parenthetical citations and a Works Cited or References page. This assignment needs to be a multiple paragraph paper consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. It need to be formatted per the guidelines specified in class and should be three pages in length, not counting the Works Cited or References.
