Requirements: Three pages in standard mla format

Write an extended definition of a term or concept that interests you, and which you want to study further. When you have a good understanding of the concept, explain it to your readers, considering carefully what they already know about it and what your essay might add to their understanding.

• 
  Discovery
  

• 
  Determining Rhetorical Stance
  

-Determine what they need to know and how best to present the material.

-What is your goal in relationship to your readers?

• 
  I
  Basics—Writing a Concept Paper:
   Name, introduce, and define your

  concept.
  

  
   Break the concept down into parts.

   Explain each part.

   Illustrate the parts with examples,

  anecdotes, comparisons, etc.

   Briefly review or sum up what

  you have said.

  
  nvention and Pre-Writing
  

• 
  Gathering Data
  

-Become an expert on your topic.

• 
  Planning and Organizing
  

• 
  Outlining
  

• 
  Composing/Drafting
  

• 
  Reviewing
  

-Reconceive the essay.

• 
  Revising and Rewriting
  

• 
  Editing
  

-Make improvements where necessary, so that every sentence is readily understood.

• 
  Proofreading
  

-Make any necessary adjustments.

• 
  Publishing
  

For a list of possible essay topics, consult Reading Critically, Writing Well, p. 284.

Possible Concept/Definition Topics