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Copy of Auburn Junior High School Writing Guide: Definition Essay

Writing

Assignment

Your assignment is to write a multi-paragraph essay that defines your
concept of heroism. You will use various strategies of definition (definition by function, example, and negation) to explain your unique opinion on the
concept.

Essential Question

What defines a hero?

Guiding Questions

~ How is the text read in this unit supporting the definition of a hero?
~What details would you select to support the definition of a hero?
~How can you organize these details into the three strategies? (negation, example, and function).

Tutorials

Common Core Learning Standards

CCLS 8W2:

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, an analysis of relevant content.

8W2a: Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information using strategies such as DEFINITION, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect

8W2b: Develop a topic with relevant facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples; include formatting, graphics, and multimedia when useful to aid comprehension.

8W2c: Use precise language adn domain-specific vocabulary to explain a topic.

8W2d: Use appropriate and varied TRANSITIONS to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.

8W2e: Provide a CONCLUDING statement or section that explains the significance of the information presented.

8W2f: Establish and maintain a style appropriate to the writing task.

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