Definition+Essay


 * ENGLISH 9: __DEFINITION ESSAY: //Romeo and Juliet//__**


 * Length: 500 words, 12pt (Times or equivalent). Print double-sided. Save trees!**
 * Points: 50**

The play //Romeo and Juliet// involves a number of concepts. Coming of age, friendship, trust, haste, patience, honor, revenge, secrecy, loyalty, destiny, dreams, despair, justice, adversary, and love are some of the ideas Shakespeare presents in his story of two young lovers and their plight.

Write an essay in which you **define** an abstract concept presented by Shakespeare in //Romeo and Juliet//. If you choose something other than a term listed above, please check it with me. You __must__ use at least __four__ of the following techniques in your essay:


 * An event or situation from the play, //Romeo and Juliet (required)//
 * A character’s lines from the play, //Romeo and Juliet (required)//
 * Your own experiences (e.g. an event or situation in your life)
 * Something you have observed, in life or in a movie or on TV
 * Examples of what is NOT _.
 * A quotation you have heard or read
 * A dictionary definition
 * Comparing/contrasting the concept you have chosen with another concept close to it in meaning (e.g. courage vs. bravery)
 * A current or historical event that illustrates your concept

You may use any organization you feel is best for expressing your thoughts clearly and coherently. However, as with all essays, the following requirements remain:

v A captivating opening v A clear thesis statement v Logical paragraphing with clear transitions connecting paragraphs v Use of at least four different modes of development v In-text citations wherever necessary v Careful attention to diction and syntax v Meticulous editing to catch errors in punctuation, mechanics, and grammar v A creative title v Use of concrete detail and show don’t tell techniques v Clear analysis of your supporting ideas v A satisfying ending

Combine your own writing voice and style with a creative yet logical approach to defining the concept you have chosen.

Sample Definition Essay Peer Feedback Form

DEFINITION ESSAY WORKSHEET Name:___Topic:___
 * __A dictionary definition__
 * __An event or situation from the play, //Romeo and Juliet//__
 * __Characters’ thoughts__
 * __Your own experiences (e.g. an event or situation in your life)__
 * __Something you have observed, in life or in a movie or on TV__
 * __Examples of what is NOT [fill in your abstract term here].__
 * __A quotation you have heard or read__
 * __Comparing/contrasting the concept you have chosen with another concept close to it in meaning (e.g. courage vs. bravery)__
 * __A current or historical event that illustrates your concept__
 * __Your Thesis:__
 * __Quotes you will use from the Text__

=__ENGLISH 9: DEFINITION ESSAY GRADING RUBRIC__=

_ __A Character’s thoughts__ _ Your own experiences _ __An Observation__ _ what is NOT _. _ __A quotation__ _ A dictionary def _ __Comparing/contrasting with another concept close in meaning__ _ A current or historical event _ __A hypothetical example__ || _ captivating opening _ __clear thesis statement__ _ Logical paragraphing, transitions connecting paragraphs _ __Use of 4 diff. modes of development__ _ In-text citations _ __attention to diction/ syntax__ _ Carefully edited _ __A creative title__ _ Concrete detail/SDT _ __Analysis of supp. ideas__ _ A satisfying ending || _ __Responding to peer comments, creating an improved revision.__
 * Writer uses **at least four** of the following writing techniques to develop his/her ideas: || Writer satisfies the following critical elements of good writing: || Writer demonstrates a desire to do his/her best work by: ||
 * _ An event/situation from //Romeo and Juliet//

_ Proofreading carefully to avoid careless errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics || ||  ||   || Total:_of 50
 * Comments: