efinitional Argument
Pre-Writing and Drafting the Definitional Argument
CHOOSING A TOPIC AND DRAFTING A THESIS
Choose a topic from list on prompt
Determine the type by using explanation on prompt (informational and persuasive)
Determine the word you are going to define
List of 5-10 characteristics that define your word
Cross out any words you could not write a whole paragraph about.
Star any words you think could make a strong paragraph.
Draft a working thesis statement:
o Topic: one of the statements or questions from the prompt
o Definition: the one or two words from the prompt the paper will define
o 3 characteristics: the three characteristics that will create the definition
Remember that at least one of these characteristics must be specific to CPC (formal dress in the example above).
o Put your three characteristics in rhetorical order:
The so-so characteristic goes 1st
The weakest characteristic goes 2nd
The strongest characteristics goes 3rd
Topic
Definition
3 Characteristics
According to the “Big 8 Philosophies,”
professionalism at Central Penn College can be defined as
appropriate conduct, formal dress, and intellectual curiosity.
USE YOUR WORKING THESIS TO DRAFT YOUR THREE TOPIC SENTENCES
THESIS: According to the “Big 8 Philosophies,” professionalism at Central Penn College can be defined as (1) appropriate conduct, (2) intellectual curiosity, and (3) formal dress.
PARAGRAPH 1: first characteristic
SIMPLE: Being appropriate in the classroom is important.
COMPOUND: Appropriate conduct in the classroom is essential to professionalism because it mirrors the types of behavior students will have in the workforce.
PARAGRAPH 2: second characteristic
SIMPLE: Intellectual curiosity is about being interested in what you study.
COMPLEX: By being intellectually curious, students demonstrate to future employers that they are interested and invested in their field of study.
PARAGRAPH 3: third characteristic
SIMPLE: Professionalism means dressing nice.
COMPOUND: Professionalism at Central Penn College means following the dress code because the policy directly reflects standard business attire.
ADD EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR TOPIC SENTENCES
Use a different type of observational evidence in the paragraphs (anecdote, analogy hypothetical, descriptive examples, list)
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THESIS: According to the “Big 8 Philosophies,” professionalism at Central Penn College can be defined as appropriate conduct, intellectual curiosity, and formal dress.
PARAGRAPH 1
Appropriate conduct in the classroom is essential to professionalism because it mirrors the types of behavior students will have in the workforce.
EVIDENCE (Hypothetical): For instance, if a Central Penn student had a habit of turning assignments in after the deadline, then they might continue to hand in projects late for their employer, putting their professional reputation, employment with company, and the reputation of the college at risk.
PARAGRAPH 2
By being intellectually curious, students demonstrate to future employers that they are interested and invested in their field of study.
EVIDENCE (Anecdote): For example, a student in one of the online courses always posts deep, thoughtful replies to his fellow students on discussion boards, which include links for further readings, descriptions of news stories, or recommendations for reports and documentaries.
PARAGRAPH 3
Professionalism at Central Penn College means following the dress code because the policy directly reflects standard business attire.
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EVIDENCE (Descriptive Example): Accountants working the field are expected to wear the standard business suit, freshly pressed and cleaned, with appropriate accessories including a tie, sensible heels, modest hair, jewelry, and makeup, especially when meeting with clients.
ADD ANALYSIS TO EXPLAIN YOUR EVIDENCE
Use a different type of observational evidence in the paragraphs (anecdote, analogy hypothetical, descriptive examples, list)
THESIS: According to the “Big 8 Philosophies,” professionalism at Central Penn College can be defined as appropriate conduct, intellectual curiosity, and formal dress.
PARAGRAPH 1
Appropriate conduct in the classroom is essential to professionalism because it mirrors the types of behavior students will have in the workforce. For instance, imagine if a Central Penn student had a habit of turning assignments in after the deadline, showing up late for class, and putting off group work until the day before it is due.
ANALYSIS: Having practiced this unprofessional behavior, this student might continue to hand in projects late for their employer, putting their professional reputation, employment with company, and the reputation of the college at risk.
PARAGRAPH 2
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By being intellectually curious, students demonstrate to future employers that they are interested and invested in their field of study. For example, a student in one of the online courses always posts deep, thoughtful replies to his fellow students on discussion boards, which include links for further readings, descriptions of news stories, or recommendations for reports and documentaries.
ANALYSIS: Engaging with the materials, sharing resources with classmates, and offering considerate feedback demonstrates a commitment to learning the student’s field.
PARAGRAPH 3
Professionalism at Central Penn College means following the dress code because the policy directly reflects standard business attire. For instance, accountants working in the field are expected to wear the standard business suit, freshly pressed and cleaned, with appropriate accessories including a tie, sensible heels, modest hair, jewelry, and makeup, especially when meeting with clients.
ANALYSIS: The current dress code policy reinforces the practice of dressing according to this professional code and helps students to code-switch from being a student to being a professional.
RELATE THE INFORMATION FROM THE PARAGRAPH TO THE THESIS
THESIS: According to the “Big 8 Philosophies,” professionalism at Central Penn College can be defined as appropriate conduct, intellectual curiosity, and formal dress.
PARAGRAPH 1
Appropriate conduct in the classroom is essential to professionalism because it mirrors the types of behavior students will have in the workforce. For instance, imagine if a Central Penn student had a habit of turning assignments in after the deadline, showing up late for class, and putting off group work until the day before it is due. Having practiced this unprofessional behavior, this student might continue to hand in projects late for their employer, putting their professional reputation, employment with company, and the reputation of the college at risk.
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RELATE: Thus, by treating class and class work like a full-time career, students can practice professionalism and live up to this branch of the “Big 8 Philosophies”
PARAGRAPH 2
By being intellectually curious, students demonstrate to future employers that they are interested and invested in their field of study. For example, a student in one of the online courses always posts deep, thoughtful replies to his fellow students on discussion boards, which include links for further readings, descriptions of news stories, or recommendations for reports and documentaries. Engaging with the materials, sharing resources with classmates, and offering considerate feedback demonstrates a commitment to learning the student’s field.
RELATE: Ultimately, demonstrating interest, and engaging in debates within major, and assisting others, students can become the professional defined in the “Big 8 Philosophies.”
PARAGRAPH 3
Professionalism at Central Penn College means following the dress code because the policy directly reflects standard business attire. For instance, accountants working in the field are expected to wear the standard business suit, freshly pressed and cleaned, with appropriate accessories including a tie, sensible heels, modest hair, jewelry, and makeup, especially when meeting with clients. The current dress code policy reinforces the practice of dressing according to this professional code and helps students to code-switch from being a student to being a professional.
RELATE: Therefore, by following the dress code, students can mirror the types of wardrobe that will impress their employers and make them a “Big 8” professional.
INTRODUCTION
Concrete Example: An example that demonstrates or speaks to the thematic concern you work with in the paper. Concrete examples help you not use generalizations or assumptions.
Quote: Use a relevant quote that helps you contextualize your argument. The quote should bring additional expertise to the argument about to be presented and should be explained in light of your argument.
Concession: Start with a statement recognizing an opinion or approach different from the one you your own
Background: Background should be presented concisely and should be clearly related to your thesis. A rambling discussion of material only remotely related to your main point will confuse and bore your readers.
Definition: Avoid simple dictionary definitions. Create an expanded definition that explains how the term applies to your topic and essay.
Context: Connect your example with the text and thematic issues you work with in the paper. Give your reader a sense of direction with the paper and outline major points
Thesis Statement: A one to two sentence statement where you explain purpose of the paper. The thesis helps the reader understand the work and themes and the way you intend to handle them in the paper.
CONLCUSIONS
Use your topic sentences to help you summarize your paper and its argument
Remind your reader of the paper’s major points (use your analyses!)
Determine the so what?
Summary: Include a brief summary of the paper’s main points, which should be outlined in the topic sentences. This helps the reader to remember the major “take-aways” from the paper.
Imagery: Use a vivid image to connect your reader to the major issue you are discussing. Describe a scene, a person, or even a possible outcome or resolution. Make it personal to the reader!
Call-to-Action: This is a statement or statements where you persuade the reader to take action on the problem or solution you outlined in the paper.
Big Picture: Connect the specific points that you made throughout the paper to some of the larger debates. Consider the social, historical, or philosophical importance of your argument.
