ENG-106

1. Example 1.0
 The purpose of a definitional argument
is to explain the standards for a term,
and then examine an example to see if
it fits those standards.
 If we want to define a national
cheerleading event as a sport, for
example, we need to start by
examining what makes something a
sport rather than an activity or
competition. Once we set those
standards, we can then examine
whether the particular cheerleading
event is a match. Let me know if you
have any questions!
 If I wanted to define cheerleading as a
sport, for example, I would need to
explain what a sport is. I might argue
that a sport must:
1) Require physical skills
2) Have standards to determine a
winner or loser and
3) Require strategy.
Once you set up these general
guidelines, you can more clearly use
examples from the contested case to
fit it into a definitional argument.

2. Example 2.0
 For an example of a definitional argument,
think of yourself as a lawyer prosecuting a
person for first-degree murder.
 In this example, the contested case is the
event that led to a person’s death and the
definitional term is “first-degree-murder.” To
be considered first-degree, a murder has to
be both premeditated and willful. These are
the criteria for the definitional term.
 Your job as a prosecutor would be to
present evidence as to why the
defendant’s actions fit into that category.
The defense lawyer, of course, would
argue that the defendant’s actions do not fit
into that category.
For this essay, you can play the prosecutor
or defense lawyer (does or does not fit into
a category). Your argument needs to
focus on a contested case, a category,
and criteria.

3. Example 3.0
 To make your argument clearly
definitional, start with the question
“What criteria does something
generally need to meet to be
considered ‘unethical”?
 This frame will allow you write an
essay that adheres to a definitional
argument, rather than one that feels
more like a general persuasive essay
on why legalizing the sale of organs
would be a good thing.
 Let’s say our definitional term was
“desperation” relating to a person
buying an organ. You could explain, for
example, that an act that is desperate
must:
 go against normal accepted behavior,
 be caused by a lack of other options,
 and come with significant risk.
 My point is that the criteria need to
be set and focused on in this
essay.

4. I. Introductory Paragraph
A. Hook at the beginning to grab the reader’s attention
B. Summary of the contested case that you chose to focus on for your essay. Your introduction be specific to your argument
topic. In the introduction of your essay, introduce the borderline or contested case chosen and give an overview of the term you
will define (based on your category). To support your argument, define the boundaries (criteria) of your term/category by
developing your own extended definition.
C. Includes Thesis Statement
1. The thesis statement should identify the contested case, state that it fits or does not fit a certain definition, and explain the
criteria for the definitional term.
a) Clearly state what you are defining (your category) and the criteria for examining the case in your thesis statement
b) Choose a term and define it.
c) Then explain the select 3 criteria for the definitional term to include in your thesis, and you will elaborate as to how the criteria
meets or does not meet the contested case article in your body paragraphs.
d) Please also remember that your thesis statement must be a single sentence, and it must be the final sentence in your
introduction. Be specific.

5.  Cell phones that are allowed to be retrieved by students whenever they please fits into being a
nuisance because it meets the standards of distracting one student or the whole class, diverting
students’ attention from any lectures, and creates academic problems among students.
 In this article, cell phones fall under the category of a nuisance because they obstruct the
learning environment for both students and teachers, increase the chances of academic
dishonesty and create unreasonable distractions that can harm students’ grades.
 In contrast to his arguments, cell phones are a nuisance in the classroom because they are a
tremendous distraction, annoyance, and they compromise students’ learning.
 Through an involvement of physical activity, competition against others, and large revenue
produced by the sport, eSports and the contested case meet the criteria of what a sport is
defined as.
 The article meets the definition of a nuisance as being a disrespectful act, a distracting motion,
and an unnecessary action
The contested case is the primary source and must be evaluated against your version of the definition. See
actual examples below. Although these students cover different topics and definitions, the same concept still
applies to your contested case and definition term for your topic.