Module 1 - Case

THE DEFINITION ESSAY

Case Assignment

Note: The Module 1 SLP should be completed before you begin this Module 1 Case.

After reading/viewing all background materials for Module 1, write a well-organized and well-supported essay, in which you define one of the following: happiness, family, or freedom. Your essay must include no less than three points to support your definition.

A well-organized essay has a beginning, middle, and an end. The beginning, or introduction, should include an opening sentence to grab your reader’s attention. Follow the opening sentence with a brief background on the word you have selected to provide a foundation for a definition essay. The last sentence of the introduction is the thesis statement. The thesis states the main point of the essay, which in this case, would be a statement that clearly states the word and supporting points. For example,

Success is working toward a goal, the powerful feeling of achievement, and the personal happiness and contentment in everyday life.

A well-supported essay includes supporting points, details, and examples. For this essay, you must decide the best way to organize the body of the paper. Will you divide the body of your paper into three parts, one for each point? Will you have one or two paragraphs for each supporting reason? In any case, each body paragraph must support (explain) your reasoning (rationale) using specific details. Each body paragraph must have a topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph. For example, the first body paragraph for an essay with the thesis above might be,

Success is working toward a goal, whether big or small.

The conclusion typically summarizes the main points of the essay closes with a lasting impression that connects the reader to their world. In this case, the conclusion might be a place to connect your reader to your definition of success and encourage him or her to consider the way(s) in which success exists in their everyday life.

Always be sure to proofread your essay and edit for proper grammar, punctuation, diction (word choice), and spelling, as errors in sentence skills will lower a final grade. A grade will be determined based on the Module 1 Case expectations and the Trident University General Education rubric for English.

Papers must be double-spaced in Times or Times New Roman font (12 cpi) with standard one-inch margins.

The first person "I" is not used in a formal essay, nor is the passive "you." In place of "you," "one" may be used.

No secondary sources are to be used in the process of writing this first paper; it is to be entirely written based on one's point of view and supported with body points and details.

Assignment Expectations

• Write an essay (no less than three pages in length) that states an original thesis statement on the definition of happiness, family, or freedom.
• Include an introductory paragraph with thesis statement.
• Include body paragraphs (each with a topic sentence that states the point of the paragraph) that support the thesis through examples and details.
• Include a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and/or leaves the reader with a lasting impression on the issue.
• Proofread your essay for errors in grammar, diction (word choice), punctuation, and spelling.