Best Athlete of All Time

Paper 3: Definitional Argument

Write a 2-3 page definitional argument on a term of your choice. Use MLA-style for headings, spacing, font and pagination. Sources are not required, but use MLA-style if you do cite borrowed information. Provide a works cited page accordingly.

Steps:

1. Find a topic.

1. Formulate a controversial or provocative definition.
2. Challenge a definition.
3. Try to determine whether something fits an existing definition.
4. Seek to broaden an existing definition or create a new definition to accommodate a wider or differing perspective.

2. Research your topic.

a. college dictionaries or encyclopedias

            b. unabridged dictionaries

            c. specialized reference works/handbooks

            d. textbooks

            e. newsgroups and blogs

            f. community or advocacy groups

            g. or any other quirky, non-conventional source, like online quizzes, films,

                        music lyrics, etc.

3. Formulate a claim. Your claim should reflect the type of definition: formal, operational, example.

4. Think about your organization.

Your argument of definition is likely to include some of the following parts:

• A claim involving a question of definition
• A general definition of some key concept
• A careful look at your subject in terms of that general definition
• Evidence for every part of the argument including visual evidence if appropriate
• A careful consideration of alternative views and counterarguments
• A conclusion drawing out the implications of the argument

Due Date: March 12, 2015 by 5 PM via email (March 20 by 5 PM for self-paced students).