Is rap poetry? Explain

Words used in the public realm often have slippery definitions that change with time. For example, terms like “feminist” and “elite” are used proudly by some but insultingly by others. Definitional arguments are particularly powerful in that they help us to recognize that classifications change over time and are the result of cultural, social, and political forces that may come and go. Definitions are not “natural”—societies and individuals create them.

Choosing a topic:

Choose one of the five arguments from your inventory as a starting point for your research. So that you’re not simply restating what someone else has said, it must meet one of these two conditions:

The original argument is not primarily definitional; it is one of the other four types. Your job, then, is to find an angle to the argument (or a closely related argument) which would work as an argument of definition.
– OR –

The original argument is primarily one of definition, but you disagree with the author’s definition and want to offer a different one. In this case, although you could use some content from the original argument for your naysayer, you will need to research and find support for your opposing claim.
Directions:

Pick a word/term/symbol to define. (See below for examples.) Note: The term must be arguable. This means that you will be able to find credible sources that disagree with your definition. For example, arguing that “racism” should include racist comments directed toward Mexican-Americans does not meet the requirements for this assignment, because that is already the legal, commonly-held definition and there isn’t a rational counter argument.
Research your term. Start with the dictionary (the OED is a great source). Then look at op-eds and reliable blogs. Use the Valley Library. Remember to look for sources that agree and disagree with you.
Make an argument that rests on the definition of your term. There are two big moves in this paper: you need to both define a key term and build an argument around that term. For example, “Abortion should/should not be illegal” is not a good thesis for this essay, because although abortion is a controversial topic, none of those words are controversial (we all agree on what “abortion” and “illegal” mean). However, “Abortion does/does not end a human life” could work well; you would then need to define “human life” and when it begins. Similarly, “A sport is….” is not an argument in and of itself. Instead, you could argue that NASCAR is/is not a sport; you would then need to define “sport” and show how NASCAR meets that definition.
Create your definition, an argument that rests on that definition, and start writing.
Your paper should include the following elements:

Awareness of a specific audience and publication for which you will be writing and consideration of how your identification of that audience informs your definitional argument
A strong and engaging introduction that grabs the reader’s interest
Clear thesis (claim and reason) involving a matter of definition
General definition of key term that is acceptable to readers – do more than quote the dictionary
Support/explanation/defense of the terms of the definition – why is this a good definition?
Support of claim in terms of the definition (does the claim meet the criteria set out in the definition? compare/contrast claim and definition)
Consideration of alternative views and counterarguments, such as any objections that a reader might have to claim, criteria, or evidence, or the way the definition is formulated (rebuttals)
A conclusion of your argument that explains the implications of your definitional argument (so what? who cares? what would happen if your definition were adopted?)
Credible sources
Ideas from at least 3-4 credible sources (no Wikipedia) must be incorporated into your essay
In addition to your 3-4 sources, you may use 1 dictionary source (which is also cited!)
Make sure to introduce the author/site and state why he/she/it is relevant to your argument
In-text citations for every quote, fact, and reference
Correct page length: 3-4 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font

Examples of the different types of definitional arguments

These are questions that could lead to definitional claims. For example, “Is rap poetry?” is not a thesis, but your answer to that question could become a thesis with a claim and a reason.

Questions related to genus:

Is rap poetry?
Does X fit into the genus Y? (Insert your own choice of topic here)
Questions related to species (a more specific category):

Is TV’s “Survivor” a reality show or a game show?
Is X a Y or a Z? (Again, insert your own choices here)
Questions related to conditions:

Is flirtation in the workplace sexual harassment only if it’s unwanted?
Must X occur in order for Y?
Questions related to the fulfillment of conditions:

Can semesters abroad and internships be considered educational experiences for the purposes of earning college credit?
Should X be counted as Y for the purposes of Z?
Questions related to the membership in a named class:

Is any musician today a rock and roll icon like Elvis, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, and/or Fleetwood Mac?
Does X deserve the status of Y? (Insert your own choices here)
Adapted from N. Kerns, Purdue University (2008)