Case 1: Illustration/Example EssayLength: no less than 700 words, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font sizeFor this assignment, you will work through the prewriting and drafting stages of the wr

Case 1: Illustration/Example Essay

Length: no less than 700 words, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font size

For this assignment, you will work through the prewriting and drafting stages of the writing process in an illustration/example essay. You will choose one term from the list below and define the term using illustration and example—whatever evidence you determine to be the most compelling and uniquely describe the term you are defining. Make sure that the definition is your own and that it is not simply a paraphrasing of a definition shared elsewhere.

beautymotherfatherfriendpovertyhungerhatewealthpain

Your goal in this paper is to reflect on and articulate the meaning of a word or term that has some resonance for you. For your reader, the paper should offer a clear sense of what you think the term means, how your thoughts connect to what others think of the term, why and in what context the definition matters.

After selecting your term and the support for defining that term, consider how to best arrange your thoughts, but you will want to be sure that it is supportive and well organized. How will you weave together a definition of an abstract term with an attention-grabbing narrative and examples that best explain the concept?

What you should not do in this essay is define a term in the way we already know it; in other words, try not to tell us that pain is physical suffering or discomfort caused by illness or injury. We don’t need to read that poverty is the state of being extremely poor. We know that. For example, what does pain mean to you? And where have you seen it … lived it?

Assignment Expectations

Be sure to:

·        Develop your essay by illustration and example using the three-points-of-analysis scheme.

·        Decide on something you care about so that the narration is a means of communicating an idea.

·        Include characters, conflict, and sensory details as appropriate to help your essay come alive.

·        Create a logical sequence for your points of comparison.

·        Develop an enticing title.

·        Use the introduction to establish the situation the essay will address.

·        Avoid addressing the assignment directly. (Don’t write “I am going to write about…”—this takes the fun out of reading the work!)

·        Let the essay reflect your own voice (Is your voice serious? Humorous? Matter-of-fact?)

·        Avoid “telling” your reader about what happened. Instead, “show” what happens using active verbs and/or concrete and descriptive nouns and details.

·        Take time to reflect on why your points are significant.

·        Use transitions to guide your reader through the essay—from start to finish.

·        Include a concluding paragraph in which you “close” the essay and leave your reader with a lasting impression.

·        Always check for typos or errors in grammar, punctuation, diction, and/or spelling.