Definitional Argument

 

Write a definitional argument on a controversial issue, using the following formula:

X is (or is not) a Y because it has (or does not have) features A, B, C, and so on.

Here are some examples of definitional claims:

A sick-out is/is not a strike because . . .
Advertisements (music videos, etc.) are/are not works of art because . . .
History is/is not a science because . . .
Single parents (or gay couples, etc.) are/are not families because . . .
Lies include things that you don't say because . . .
Frozen yogurt is/is not ice cream because . . .

In writing a definition argument, ask if X is a Y. Of course, if everyone agrees on a particular definition, there is no reason to write about it. You need to choose an X(s) that is on the border between being Y and Not Y, a case that is problematic or controversial. Then, you extend the normal definition to include (or exclude) X within (from) Y. That is, you need a definition that in some way presents the controversy in a new light. The Toulmin structure of a definition argument is as follows:

Claim: X is a Y
Reason: because it has characteristics A, B, and C (etc.)
Grounds: evidence that X has those characteristics
Warrant: Characteristics A, B, and C are sufficient criteria for saying something is a Y.
Backing: Evidence showing that Y has characteristics A, B, and C
Conditions of rebuttal: You can attack the grounds or the warrant.
Qualifier: Adding levels of (un)certainty to the definition

In determining the criteria, you want to find criteria that are sufficient and necessary. A criterion is necessary if it must be part of the definition. Criteria are sufficient when you have all the necessary criteria together that sets something apart.

Additional Requirements:
You should choose a particular audience and develop your argument for its members. Make sure you use warrants which are appropriate to these readers. Your paper should be three to five pages long, typed, double-spaced, and carefully proofread. You should use MLA guidelines for formatting and include a Works Cited page. You must use three or more secondary sources.

Some Tips to Help You
Your paper should contain all the components of an extended definition, and the core of your argument will involve defining your Y term by establishing criteria through claims, grounds, warrants, and backing.

Also try to anticipate conditions of rebuttal for your argument. Only after arguing the criteria for your Y term will you actually match your X term to these criteria. The case (X term) you choose to illustrate your definition shouldn't be so obvious that a persuasive argument is unnecessary. For example, people would be unlikely to disagree about whether shooting an unarmed man in the back is police brutality, so it's unlikely to provide a useful case for your argument. On the other hand, people would probably disagree about whether a policeman has the right to punch a suspect who yells and struggles during arrest.

Your case (X term) may come from the news or from personal experience, or it may be hypothetical - but be sure your claim is an arguable proposition. Before you begin your definitional argument, explain to your readers why you think it's important to define the term you've chosen: Why, in other words, is it controversial or problematic? What are its implications? Why is your argument important? Make sure your readers care about the topic and give them enough information to understand your position.

Your source material adds authority to your argument, so you must specify reliable sources. Source material should contribute something to your paper that you cannot: specific facts, clarification or emphasis of a point, a voice with authority in a specific area, illustration of the controversy or complexity around your issue. See the Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers for some information on documentation of both in-text citations and the Works Cited page.

Be sure to provide solid introductory and concluding paragraphs, organize the essay coherently, and avoid errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. If you have any questions about these or other aspects of your paper, please come see me during office hours or make an appointment.

Topic Proposal

State your definitional claim or thesis.

Specify a particular audience for your argument and briefly discuss strategies you might use to persuade them.

Explain why you think defining your Y term is important or controversial, and why your audience will be interested in reading your paper.

List the criteria (reasons for your claim) you tentatively plan to use in your argument and discuss any challenges you anticipate encountering from your audience.

List warrants connecting your claim and reasons.

Finally, mention any secondary sources you have already found.

The topic proposal should be about one paragraph long, typed and double-spaced, and carefully proofread.