write an essay in which you argue that the way the word(PTSD) is being used in this context is actually code for something else more menacing. In other words, you need to explain why the word or phrase could be misconstrued due to the connotative and historical connection(s) to the word or phrase.
o write an essay like this, you will need to research and then present the following:
The dictionary definition of the word
The historical use of the word
How the word is used in the context I presented and why that is problematic.
Why some people may disagree with your argument and why.
A thesis statement for this type of essay should contain the word you are going to define and what the focus of your argument will be. For example, below is a thesis statement for my “slave” example above.
The fact that the word “slave” was used to equate having to work hard while still getting paid versus the historical context of the word is inappropriate because the two meanings are not equivalent, and it does a disservice to those who endured slavery.
Note how I put the word that I am arguing about in quotes. You should do the same. Also, note how I gave a brief description of my reasoning which will, of course, be expanded on in the essay.
The essay should be structured as follows:
Introduction: The hook should be the sentence you are writing about from my list above in quotes followed by the dictionary definition. Then, you need to explain a little about the general idea of the topic. The thesis statement should be at or near the bottom of the introduction.
Body Paragraphs: There should be four or more body paragraphs.
One to two body paragraphs should explore the historical context of the word and compare/contrast that to the dictionary definition.
One to two body paragraphs should look at how and why it is being used in the context I provided and why that is a problem.
There should be opposition as well. You can do this in a separate body paragraph that only focuses on the opposition position, or you can weave opposition arguments throughout your body paragraphs. Either way, you want to make sure to acknowledge and then refute the opposition’s position.
Conclusion: Finally, you will need to present a conclusion paragraph that wraps up your argument for why the word is inappropriate in the context (and possibly any context) in which it is being used in the statement you are writing about.
Essay Requirements:
Your final draft must be 1500-2000 words. Put your final word count at the end of the essay.
The essay must be in MLA format.
You need to highlight parts of your essay as follows:
Highlight the thesis and all of the topic sentences in light yellow. That way I can see what you think is the thesis and which sentences you feel are the topic sentences, and then I can verify that.
Highlight all quotes, including citations, in light green. Direct quotes are often necessary and can provide a real impact; however, they should be used sparingly. An essay with too many direct quotes lacks development and will be marked as such. So, again, having that information highlighted gives a visual cue if you are using too many quotes.
Highlight all summaries, including citations, in light blue. I have you do this because one of the issues you need to be careful that you do not provide too much summary of a source. You will need to summarize your secondary sources, and that is fine, but you do not want too much summary or it takes away from your ideas. Either way, highlighting in blue gives you an easy visual to see if you are offering too much summary.
You must use three to five legitimate secondary sources for your essay.
If you get your sources from the library database, they will be legitimate, but sometimes you will need to look beyond the database. When doing so, be careful that the source is reputable.
You cannot use Wikipedia, or any wiki, as a source. Also, general-subject encyclopedias are not allowed, but single-subject encyclopedias will be a great source for this essay.
Using any kind of essay writing website or Cliffs Notes-type source is not allowed.
Using any kind of AI or essay-generating software is not allowed.
Whether you summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote from a source, you have to cite where you got the information in the essay and provide a full citation of that source on the Works Cited page.
Make sure to properly cite your sources using MLA 9th edition
Actions
(this will open as a PDF) within your essay and include a Works Cited page. The Works Cited page starts on a new page and does not count toward the word count; however, it should be part of the document you create. In other words, if the actual essay ends halfway through page 5, you need to do the Works Cited on page 6.
Special notes:
Direct quotes are fine but should be kept to a minimum. Any essay that relies too heavily on direct quotes will be considered to lack development and will not meet the required word count.
In your essay, you can use 1st person (I, me) or 3rd person POV (he, she, they). However, you don’t want to use 2nd person POV (you, your) unless you are quoting someone who uses it.
Whether you summarize, paraphrase, or directly quote, you have to cite where you got the information in the essay and with a full citation on the Works Cited page. Failure to do this is plagiarism, so it is important that you carefully review your essay before submitting it to make sure you have cited everything that is required.
