For this exam, the student will

- Use the writing process to write an essay using classification and division

- Write an effective thesis statement

- Develop paragraphs using topic sentences, adequate detail, supporting evidence, and transitions

- Develop critical reading skills

- Use responsible research methods to locate appropriate secondary sources

- Use Modern Language Association citation and documentation style to reference secondary source material correctly and appropriately

- Quote, paraphrase, and summarize secondary source material correctly and appropriately

- Use the conventions of standard written American English to produce correct, well-written essays

Topic

Our language is constantly changing and adapting to our need to define or redefine terms. Words themselves are changeable, always evolving to meet our need to describe our world and the people who inhabit it. In this essay, you'll define and classify one such word. Choose one of the terms, family or friend, as the topic of your essay.

What is your definition of family? Some people focus on the "nuclear family" concept involving a married man and woman with children. Others may include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in their definition. How do you define the term friend? You may consider only those you know well as friends, while the word itself has evolved to include anyone you may connect with through a social network.

For this essay, you'll need to include both traditional dictionary definitions as well as your own personal definitions of the word you choose in order to explore not only the evolution of the term itself but your own ideas and beliefs about its meaning.

Purpose

To write a 1,500-1,700 word essay connecting the writer's personal definition of the word family or friend with the origin and formal definitions of the word in order to analyze the concept and draw conclusions about its larger meaning in contemporary society.

Audience

Distance-education students enrolled at Penn Foster College

Process

Because this essay requires a combination of patterns of development, be sure to review the chapters on definition and classification in your textbook before you begin.

Planning and Organizing

Choose the word you want to write about. Begin by brainstorming or freewriting your thoughts and ideas about its meaning. Use the "Generating Ideas" exercise. Develop and organize your material with either Method 1 or Method 2.