Definitional Argument: “X is/is not Y.”
Definitions within the context of arguments are made in order to offer a consensus over some term or idea. Remember long ago when Bill Clinton said in his testimony over the Monica controversy, “Well, it depends upon what you mean by ‘is’” or did he say, “It matters what ‘is’ ‘is’?” No matter. What he argued had something to do with how one defines a sexual act. This seems funny to us now, but Bill understood perhaps all to well that definitions are important, and that his understanding of terms, and his ability to communicate this understanding, could lose him the presidency.
Or consider the definition of human life. “Pro-Choice” people argue that life, an infant to be precise, doesn’t exist inside the mother until around five or six months, or whenever that infant is able to live outside the womb. Until then the infant is merely part of the woman’s body and she should be free to do with her body as she chooses. “Pro-Lifers”, on the other hand, argue that life begins at conception, and that aborting the fetus is murder. Definitions are matters of life and death for many people.
In this paper you will argue the claim, “X is/is not Y.” First, you will introduce the argument by citing its importance to a community, and its validity as an argument. Then you will show briefly how it is argued. Next, you will define “Y” by offering several criteria. For example, in the claim, “Political correctness in art is a form of censorship,” you would have to define what the “Y” is first–censorship in art–by establishing at least three criteria for it. Next you will match political correctness, the “X”, to the criteria for “Y”, claiming that “X” fits these criteria. This is your match argument.
The paper will be 1000-1500 words in length, in MLA style, and involve at least three to four sources. Make sure that any long quotes that you use flow within the context of your argument and merely don’t fill in space. The paper could follow this outline:
I. Introduction: Introduce the importance of the claim, and its community. State the claim and stated reasons: “X is/is not Y” because (three stated reasons).
II. Define “Y” in two to three paragraphs in depth.
III. Match “X” to the criteria established for “Y” in three or more paragraphs.(These are your stated reasons.) Make sure you utilize proper evidence here: experts, facts, examples, testimonials.
IV. Summarize opposing arguments to your stated reasons and then refute them as needed, making sure to qualify your argument as necessary.
V. Conclusion: Summarize your claim and restate the importance of your argument for the community involved.
Definitional Argument Visual Outline:
(1-2 paragraphs) Introduction: Establish what is at stake. Provide any background information/evidence to support your eventual claim. Give your claim towards the end of the paragraph (X is/is not Y).
(2 to three paragraphs) Establish Criteria for “Y”: Establish three criteria for “Y” one at a time while providing examples for each that are not your “X”.
(at least 3 paragraphs) Match Argument: Match your criteria for “Y” to “X” one at a time as topic sentences and then provide evidence through research/examples for each of these topic sentences.
(at least one paragraph) Summarize at least one Opposition Argument:With research summarize someone who disagrees with you. Give them credit. Use attributive tags.
(at least one paragraph) Rebuttal: Refute this opposing argument while qualifying your own argument if necessary.
(at least one paragraph) Conclusion: Restate your claim and remind us what is at stake here.
Make sure you include a Work Cited page on a separate page of its own.