English 104

Extended Definition Essay Assignment

There are terms and concepts that change with the passing of time. In many instances certain vernacular today would have been considered crude or vulgar or even censurable forty or fifty years ago. For example in an episode of "Leave it to Beaver" from the early 1960s, the main character Theodore Cleaver blurts out an "inappropriate" word in the presence of his teacher. We are never told the word, but are made quite aware of its absolute censurable nature as Theodore and his older brother Wally scheme to keep the information from their parents, especially their mother. The entire episode is dedicated to the "word", Theodore's guilt at having said it and Wally's attempt at being a responsible big brother and appearing before the school principal in place of their father, who does not know of the situation.

The time when something as simple as the above scenario was considered a major incident is gone. Now, we view television programs that contain "words", most likely far more vulgar, inappropriate and censurable than the unknown one uttered by Theodore Cleaver in the school hallway. Whether or not the times have changed for the better, one can admit, "times have changed".

A word can be interpreted in a variety of ways based upon its context and the understanding of the speaker and receiver. The denotative meaning of a word is its actual dictionary definition. There is no "read between the lines" justification for a word that is defined. However, a word's connotative meaning is open to interpretation. There are many words that have one meaning when looked up on dictionary.com and another when used in slang or everyday conversation.

Consider the denotative meaning of "television" the broadcasting of a still or moving image via radio waves to receivers that project a view of the image on a picture tube . . . a set for receiving television broadcasts (dictionary.com).

Now consider the connotative meaning of "television"-the boob tube, idiot box, propaganda presenter, sloth maker, etc.

One of the above is a clear, concise, realistic definition, while the other is open to interpretation and based upon current cultural/experiential beliefs.

To get a better idea of the definition concept read the article attachment for "I Want a Wife". The essay was written in 1971 by Judy Brady in MS Magazine. Consider what a woman may say today in regards to the same subject, 44 years after MS Magazine's first issue and the height of the women's liberation movement.

The Assignment:

Select a word/term/phrase that has seen a definite change over time, and discuss its meaning both in a different era and today. Include the dictionary definition (Denotative Meaning) of the word/term, if possible what was the actual definition 40-50 years ago in comparison to today. Then have a connotative discussion of the word as it has changed throughout the decades.

You may wish to approach it from a satiric perspective or in a witty manner, however the Don'ts of Writing needs to be followed (especially the part regarding, no use of the word "I" or "you").

Some SUGGESTED words to use for the extended definition essay (each one of the words listed below can be traced from a particular period of modern history until today): You may not choose "gay", "love", or "motherhood"

Technology                Information
Education                  Transportation
Communication          Respect
Family                       Patriotism
Music                        Pop Culture
Politics                      Television
American Dream        News media

The essay should be at least 2 full pages in length, typed, double-spaced and in MLA format. Include a Works Cited page if you cite sources within the paper. Paper should include a strong introduction paragraph with a thesis statement that clearly establishes the type of connotative change the term/phrase has gone through over the course of many years.

Follow the writing rules set forth in The Don'ts of Writing

Do Not Use the words thing and stuff

• Overuse "TO BE"/"Helping" verbs (they are often unnecessary and detract from your point).

• Use personal pronouns relating to the writer or the reader (exception exists only in writing a narrative essay about a personal event) (example: I, me, you, my mine, your, you're, our, us, we) FYI-"you" is always a "no-no"

• Use phrasing such as, "this essay will show", "In the next few paragraphs I will detail. . .", "I intend to prove", or any variation of the like.

• Use the phrasing "I think", "In my opinion", "I feel" or "I believe"

• Begin a sentence with "It" (It is an indefinite article and has no true clear reference.)

• Use words such as this or that unless there is a clear reference

• Use contractions if at all possible

• Use slang phrases, clichés or trite phrases

• Use the phrases could of, should of or would of, as they are contractions for could have, should have and would have, and are properly written, could've, should've, and would've

• Use the terms, Now a days or Back in the day (slang phrases). Instead, use Today, Currently or In 2014 (or appropriate year).

• Use Commercial-speak (phrases used on TV, such as "and much more")

• Assume the reader can "read your mind", be clear.