You can open up the MS word document here, or I've also included the Definition Invention Assignment below (to copy and paste)

Definition Invention.doc

What IS IT?

Brainstorming Questions for Definition Essay

WOW chapter 7

In this essay, you are required to develop a definition that is new or controversial to some extent. You don't want to restate what everyone already knows or believes. If you can't think of a counterargument for your claim, then you probably need to rethink it.

Also, remember that you'll want to outline a clear definition with specific criteria, and make sure that the language you use is as specific as possible in order to filter out ambiguity. You'll want to cover all the basics: who, what, where, when, how, etc. Your topic needs to have exigence. Also, you need to identify a specific audience.

1. What will you be defining for your essay (what term, item, idea, or concept)?

2. Why is the definition of this term a "problem" that you will attempt to solve? I.e., what is controversial about this term that makes it worth arguing about? In other words, what is the exigence for this piece? Or, if you are defining a relatively new term/idea/etc., why is it important to offer this definition?

3. What audience will you be directing this essay toward? I.e., who will it be intended for and strategically adapted toward? How much do these readers already know about the topic?  How much do they need to know?  What is their attitude toward this topic?

5. What strategies do you plan to use to write your definition? What are some specific details that you plan to share in your definition? Do you have any personal history, thoughts, or feelings to include in this essay?