DEFINITION PAPER

One way to begin learning about critical writing is from personal observation and experience, and then defining what it all means, so for this 4+ page paper (and a Works Cited page), you should reflect on those experiences in your life that have aided in your ideas about beauty, body image, and pageants. Think of what some of the essay readings discuss about people’s opinions about beauty, looks, and body image.

You should have read the assigned essays in Chapter 22: How Does Popular Culture Stereotype You in Everything’s an Argument, and are various writers’ reflections, arguments, and perceptions about beauty, looks, body image, and pageants in different cultures and social classes. Along with examples from one or two of the essays, reflect your life experiences and illustrate your definition and ideas (properly citing the authors and essays using MLA format). Write a 4+ page essay integrating quotes and your own thoughts. Overall, you should supply a definition of what you believe makes someone beautiful, as definition is a form of argument, which is part of what this class encompasses. Think about the question posed by the chapter title, too.

As noted in the course technology requirements on the syllabus, you should submit the essay as an attachment, using either Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or saving it in Rich Text Format (.rtf) and attaching it using Browse computer to choose the correct paper. DO NOT type the assignment in the box, since this is still an English course, or that will earn you a grade of 0. All essays should have the formatting of a regular paper, using MLA style.

On the first page in the upper left hand corner, you should have the following information single-spaced: Line 1: Your name; Line 2: Written English II Online; Line 3: Professor Brock; Line 4: Date. Double space down to center your title (always have a catchy title), then double space again and begin your text. In MLA style, all pages are required to have your last name and the page number in the upper right hand corner.

The grading criteria is as follows: a clear and specific thesis statement, well-developed paragraphs with specific examples and supporting details for the information, logical flow within and between paragraphs, proper spelling, punctuation, and grammar along with the correct MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited page if you have quoted, summarized, or paraphrased from any of the three readings. See more detailed rubric on the Syllabus.