Definition Essay Introduction Help
Imagine your introduction resembles the example below. Note where the thesis statement is generally placed:
Introduction: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Last line thesis statement: Bravery is fearlessness, courage to know one’s mind, and, in the face of opposition, holding one’s ground.
SAMPLE FIRST BODY PARAGRAPH:
Fearlessness means calming doubt, digging deep for confidence, and using experiences to overcome current situations. Questions are encouraged. Our teachers told us that there are no dumb questions, but when we question ourselves, it is called doubt.  Doubt erodes bravery and may paralyze and undermine our confidence. Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alvin C York of the 82nd Airborne Division in WWI is a good example of a brave man who overcame his doubt and depended upon his confidence by using his experiences as a soldier.  He stated felt his fearlessness was attributed to “the lessons in clear thinking and self-control he learned from his untutored mother would save his life” (Williams).
Note in the first paragraph that we used the first item in the thesis statement “fearlessness” as the topic statement.  In the second body paragraph, you would address the second item in the sample thesis statement, which we listed as “courage.” The same is true for the third item from the sample thesis statement.
Please also note that we wrote a topic sentence for the sample first body paragraph, like a mini thesis statement, for the term fearlessness to include doubt, confidence, and experience as our subtopic items.  You would also do that for your second and third body paragraphs. If we were outlining this essay, so far we would have (please see the next page):
About Citing Your Sources:
Notice that in the body paragraph, we used an example (the story of Sgt. York) to anchor the definition of what is meant by “fearlessness.” In the case, we used information that was taken directly from an article written by the author Gladys Williams. Thus, we have to use direct quotes around those words she wrote that we are using verbatim.  This tells the reader that, although we agree or disagree with the author, the author is speaking FOR us.  Many times, it is important that the author speak for us because who else would we know with such information?  It is important to use direct quotes because the author becomes a part of our research “team.”

Week 2: Essay 1, Definition

DUE: Sep 18, 2016 11:55 PM
Assignment Details

Open Date
Sep 5, 2016 12:00 AM

Graded?
Yes

Points Possible
100.0

Resubmissions Allowed?
No

Attachments checked for originality?
Yes

Assignment Instructions

Essay 1: Definition

A definition essay asks the writer to concentrate on the clarification of the meaning of the concept or word. This does not mean the writer should provide a dictionary definition. In fact, avoid using any dictionary references or Wikipedia. Essays found to have standard definitions will see a deduction in the research portion of the rubric. The purpose of this essay is to seek the writer’s definition of the term or concept without using first person in the thesis statement or body of the paper. The reader knows the sentiments are coming from you, the writer.

Once again, this paper must be written in third person, which avoids the use of first person pronouns: no I, no me, no my, no we!

The writer must determine which form of the word he or she is going to illustrate. For instance, the word “liberty” to one person may mean freedom or free will, whereas to another, it may mean leave time from sea duty.

Clearly indicate to your audience your chosen word to define. Present a clear and concise definition in your own words what the term means to you. Use two to three strong identifiers. An example of an effective thesis statement could be: Bravery is fearlessness, courage to know one’s mind, and, in the face of opposition, holding one’s ground. Please see the attachment below for a detailed explanation of this sample example using Bravery.

Note: one abstract word collects others that you must define. You will do this by using an example and quotation for each of your two to three terms in your thesis statement. Obviously, when you were thinking of your definition, you thought of a moment in which you related that term you an experience you have seen or heard. Use these examples without inserting yourself into the story.

You must write a descriptive essay in which you define a word of your choice from the list of 22 words below. You need to use at least two resources to prove your claims but no more than four outside sources. This would be a wonderful opportunity to visit or revisit the APUS library. Remember not to use the standard dictionary or Wikipedia as sources. You will write Assignment #1 for a general audience that would include your classmates.

All essays should be in MLA format. Your essay should be between 500-750 words.

Word List for Assignment #1

Ability

Elegance

Imagination

Perseverance

Service

Bravery

Faithfulness

Liberty

Pride

Sorrow

Charity

Generosity

Maturity

Redemption

Tolerance

Dedication

Honor

Opinion

Sacrifice

Warmth

WARNING: You may NOT use this paper for any other class. Using this paper for any other class is a form of academic dishonesty.

Attached are a sample template and the grading rubric for this essay.

DISCLAIMER: Remember, originality of attachments will be verified by Turnitin. Both you and your instructor will receive the results.

The Final Draft