CRITERIA FOR CONCEPT ESSAY

1. It is understood that your paper should be set up in MLA format, like the sample MLA paper illustrated in either your handbook or textbook that we’ve referred to many times. You should write a minimum of 1000 words, use at least three scholarly sources, as previously discussed and posted, and document your use of those sources with both in-text citations and corresponding entries on a Works Cited page. It is further understood that you will refer to an MLA guide throughout the documentation process in order to properly present the citations of your various sources. Here is the URL for a very good online MLA guide: HYPERLINK https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. (You’ll have to cut and paste it into your browser window if you’re not able to click on it.)

2. Your paper should contain the following parts:

(1-2) An introduction that sets the stage for your discussion and at the end of which appears your thesis statement. (If you provide a narration to set the stage, you still need a separate introductory paragraph with your thesis statement either at the beginning or the end of it—you decide.)

(3-4) An analysis in which you explain your topic, using the writing strategies of definition (denotative, connotative, historical definition and/or possibly etymology (the study of the origins of a word or term) (Remember: you need to present sentence definitions of key terms, as necessary, throughout your paper.); and example. Give examples of the things you define and describe them using sensory description.

(5) A resolution in which you address public resonance as it relates to your concept, in which you connect to some sort of big picture issue, perhaps a relevant current development or a related controversy. If you describe a controversy, just be sure NOT to take a side; simply explain the different viewpoints.

(6) And lastly, you must craft a conclusion using the strategies we’ve previously explored, i.e. perhaps a framing device, perhaps a look to the future of your topic, perhaps through integration of a moving quotation to set your discussion, perhaps through a provocative rhetorical question. Be creative!

ABOUT QUOTATIONS:

Refer to the guidelines established in your Handbooks with respect to using signal phrases and quoting effectively. You may have only one block quotation (more than 4 lines; less than 10) and it must be set up as illustrated in your Handbook. Altogether, you should plan to have no more than 15 lines of direct quotation. For the most part, you will be paraphrasing your source material. Paraphrasing is also discussed in your Handbooks. One important thing you want to remember about paraphrasing is that even though the source material may be in your own words, you still have to cite it, with both an in-text citation and a Works Cited page entry.