ASSIGNMENT: Select ONE of the following writing prompts and draft a 3-5 page (approximately 800-1300 words) informative essay. As a part of your completed draft, complete the color coding activity described below. In addition, answer the “Think About Your Writing” questions on a separate sheet of paper and include it with your draft submission.
QUESTION
ASSIGNMENT: Select ONE of the following writing prompts and draft a 3-5 page (approximately 800-1300 words) informative essay. As a part of your completed draft, complete the color coding activity described below. In addition, answer the “Think About Your Writing” questions on a separate sheet of paper and include it with your draft submission.
PROMPT B: EXTENDED DEFINITION: Define or redefine one of the following words:
Family
Success
Courage
Art
Beauty
In your draft, briefly explain how society, or the dictionary, defines the word you’ve selected, and then explain your unique or extended definition of the word. Provide examples and explanations to support your definition. Your thesis must inform your readers of your new definition and, because you are writing in the informative mode, you must use objective language.
Draft an extended definition essay that defines or redefines a word or concept. Read the article by Dan Richards titled “Digital Ethics” for ideas about how to write an extended definition essay.
B. Think About Your Writing
As a part of your completed draft, complete the color coding activity and include answers to all of the questions below your draft.
PART 1: Color Coding Activity:
Using the color codes provided, evaluate your draft as follows:
Use red text to indicate your thesis statement.
Use green text to indicate the topic sentence of each body paragraph.
Part 2: Questions
1. What is the significance of your essay? Why should readers care about what you have written? (2-3 sentences) Sophia says: Think about why you decided to analyze this particular image, or why you picked the word you chose to define. Your interest in in your subject matter should be clear to readers.
2. Which areas of your draft do you think will benefit most from revision? (2-3 sentences) Sophia says: Consider the organization, style, focus, development, and conventions of your draft. Which areas did you struggle to complete?
3. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. How can you capitalize on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses in future essays? (3-4 sentences) Sophia says: Think about what was easy about writing the draft, and what was more difficult. For example, if you write paragraphs with strong topic sentences, but repeatedly use the same type of sentence to provide supporting details, you can improve your paragraphs by varying sentence structure.
C. Informative Draft Guidelines
DIRECTIONS: Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until your draft meets all of the guidelines. Print this checklist!
Essay Prompt: Image Analysis
❒ If you chose the image analysis prompt, have you analyzed and interpreted — and not just described — the ad’s design?
❒ Have you made conclusions about the audience and effectiveness of the ad?
❒ Did you include the image in your draft?
❒ Did you complete the color-coding activity?
❒ Is your draft 800-1300 words long?
Essay Prompt: Extended Definition
❒ If you chose the extended definition prompt, did you indicate how society defines the word you selected, and then explain your definition (or an extended definition) of it?
❒ Have you included examples and explanations to support your definition?
❒ Did you complete the color-coding activity?
❒ Is your draft 800-1300 words long?
Working Thesis
❒ Have you included a clear, focused, and detailed thesis statement?
❒ Does your thesis state the topic and purpose of your essay?
❒ Is your thesis a single sentence, and is it located in the introductory paragraph?
Focus and Organization
❒ Is there an adequate number of body paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence?
❒ Is there a conclusion paragraph that makes a concluding statement?
❒ Are your draft paragraphs sequenced properly?
❒ Have you used transitions to connect ideas between sentences and paragraphs?
❒ Can your draft be described as having a good flow?
❒ Does your draft have a clear focus?
❒ Are all supporting details relevant?
Style and Tone
❒ Is the tone of your draft unbiased and informative?
❒ Is it clear that the purpose of your essay is to inform readers about your topic?
❒ Have you carefully considered your word choices?
Conventions
❒ Have you checked your draft for grammatical errors?
❒ Have you used Spell-Check or another method to check spelling?
❒ Have you punctuated your draft correctly?
Before You Submit
❒ Have you included your name, date, and course at the top left of the page?
❒ Have you completed the “Think About Your Writing” questions and color coding activity?
❒ Is your draft between three and five pages long (approximately 800-1300 words)
ANSWER
Color Coding Activity
Thesis Statement: The extended definition of “Success” should focus on personal fulfillment and happiness rather than external achievements.
Topic Sentences
Body Paragraph 1: The societal definition of success is often based on external markers such as wealth, fame, and power.
Body Paragraph 2: However, true success should be measured by one’s ability to pursue personal passions and maintain a sense of fulfillment.
Body Paragraph 3: Examples of individuals who embody this alternative definition of success can be found in various fields, such as artists, writers, and community leaders.
Part 2: Questions
What is the significance of your essay? Why should readers care about what you have written?
The significance of this essay lies in challenging the conventional definition of success that society often imposes. By redefining success as personal fulfillment and happiness rather than material achievements, readers can gain a new perspective on what truly matters in their own lives. This essay encourages readers to prioritize their own well-being and pursue their passions, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
Which areas of your draft do you think will benefit most from revision?
The organization and development of the body paragraphs can benefit from revision. Ensuring that each paragraph has a clear and focused topic sentence will enhance the overall structure and coherence of the essay. Additionally, providing more detailed examples and explanations to support the extended definition of success will strengthen the argument and engage the readers.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of your writing. How can you capitalize on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses in future essays?
One strength of my writing is the ability to present a clear thesis statement that captures the main argument of the essay. I can capitalize on this strength by continuing to refine and strengthen my thesis statements in future essays. One weakness is the need for more varied sentence structures. To improve on this weakness, I can consciously work on using different sentence types to enhance the overall flow and readability of my writing. Additionally, I can further develop my ability to provide compelling examples and explanations to support my arguments, making my writing more persuasive and impactful.
