AGENDA Read essay prompt and instructions – page 51 Read rubric – page 52 Take notes: write in your notebook Begin brainstorming ideas for your definition essay. Write your introduction and submit it before you leave today. PSAT Examination will be administered Oct. 14. The study guides I will give you are for you to prepare for the exam.

Defining the new Americans from “What is an American” – pg A melting pot of all nations coming together to form a new superior race of men; a new man (de Crèvecoeur) Flourished as an individual and a nation to become one of the greatest nations in the world. Prosperous; amply rewarded for his labors Have influenced and caused great changes in the world (29, de Crèvecoeur) “Western pilgrims carrying great mass of arts, sciences, vigour, and industry”(29, de Crèvecoeur) from Europe or any other nation from whence they came. The “finest system of population”(29, de Crèvecoeur).

Functions of The American Loves his country Loves and supports his family emotionally, financially, spiritually, and socially Fights to defend his nation Exhibits pride by honoring the flag and upholding the ideals upon which the nation is built Supports his religion with a small gift (tithes, offerings) Is principled, industrious, clever and kind

FREEDOMS Granted to all Americans and protected by the Bill of Rights FREEDOMSRIGHTS The first is freedom of speech and expression everywhere in the World. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way—everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want, everywhere in the world. The fourth is freedom from fear, everywhere in the world. Amendment I: make no law... abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; Amendment I: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; Amendments having to do with right to bear arms, not to fear unreasonable search and seizure; right to trial, etc. Many amendments address the freedom from fear.

DEFINING FREEDOM Negation (What is freedom not?) Function (What does freedom do?) Freedom means not being controlled by a tyrant. Freedom means not being afraid of my neighbors. Freedom is not a dictatorship. Freedom is not having someone else choose for you. Freedom is not being born into a caste system. Freedom is not wearing chains. Allows choice Demands decisions Allows the individual to feel a sense of control Example: (What are some examples of freedom?) Freedom of religion Freedom of speech Right to bear arms Classification: (What are types of freedom?) Personal Social Religious Political

TRANSITIONS Transitions are important when writing extended definitions. In the definition of freedom, the authors of the previous text use transitional words and phrases within and between paragraphs. Transitional words that can be used to prove include the following: because, since, for the same reason, obviously, evidently, furthermore, besides, indeed, in fact, in any case. Example: “In fact, America is considered one of the greatest nations in the world, but some citizens of color might disagree with that belief.” Words used to give examples include: for example, for instance, in this case, on this occasion, in this situation, to demonstrate, take the case of, as an illustration, to illustrate this point. Example: To illustrate this point, many minority citizens have been denied equal opportunities to jobs, housing and education.

EMBEDDED ASSESSMENT Your assignment is to write a multi-paragraph essay that defines your interpretation of what it means to be an American. This essay should use the strategies of definition and different perspectives from the unit to help you develop a complex and thoughtful definition. If possible, incorporate an iconic image into your essay. Write two sentences that defines America. Use transitions. Use the sample sentences from the transitions slide as your guide. Then Brainstorm ideas for your essay.

WRITING THE DEFINITION ESSAY: Introduction Create an Introduction for your definition essay: 1.Create a hook: a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. This can be an anecdote, fact, or statistic. 2.Tell readers what term is being defined, and define the term. – Present a clear and concise dictionary or formal definition of the term, but be sure to paraphrase/ put the definition in your own words. There are several ways to define a term. Here are a few options. – Define by function. Explain what something does or how something works. – Define by structure. Tell how something is organized or put together. – Define by analysis 3. Write two or more background statements. 4. Write the thesis statement: EXAMPLE: America is a country known for its hospitality, benevolence and democracy. EXAMPLE: America is known as one of the greatest countries in the world, but not everyone agrees with this statement.

ESSAY Finish the first draft of your definition essay. Use the graphic organizer to write your introduction and first body paragraph. Follow the same format for all body paragraphs.