Term Paper on "Excessive Force"

Quoted Instructions for "Excessive Force" Assignment:

I need a 3 page extended definition essay, that gives a precise, well-illustrated definition of the abstract term "excessive force" as it relates to Law Enforcement. The thesis statement for the essay (a 15¡V20 word sentence, precisely stating the main idea of your essay. This sentence should appear verbatim in the essay (typically in the introductory paragraph). The definition essay must contain all of the following writing strategies, 1)Narration; 2)Cause and effect 3)Illustration; 4)Classification; 5) Comparison. The essay must answer the following questions:

FOCUS: 1) Is the thesis or term to be defined stated clearly? 2) If appropriate, does the introduction include a formal (dictionary) definition and origin or etymology of the term? ORGANIZATION: 1)Is the method of organization/development appropriate? Does the essay use some or all of the following: narration, cause and effect, illustration, classification, comparison? 2) Is the essay presented in a logical order? Can readers follow the organization? 3)Do transitions help readers move from one major aspect of your definition to another smoothly?

CONTENT: 1)Is the definition essay free of irrelevant, unimportant, or repetitious information? 2) Does the essay contain relevant and detailed illustration of the term?

STYLE: 1) Are sentences clear? 2)Does a clear signal phrase prepare readers for or suggest a transition from one point to another? EDITING: 1) Is the essay as flawless as possible, and free of spelling, punctuation, and other glaring errors?

The definition essay specifies the meaning and characteristics of something, often a new word or an abstract word, phrase, theory, or term in order to establish what it is and what it is not. Abstract terms or concepts are difficult¡Xalmost impossible¡Xto define in a few words. Such terms/words are complex and often require extensive explanations, details, differing opinions, and examples for proper understanding. Examples of such abstract terms would be such words as justice, democracy, freedom, equality, love, bravery, computer virus, and stewardship.

A. Purpose

The major purpose of a definition essay is to clarify the meaning of a new word or abstract term and demonstrate academic knowledge about it. Additionally, students will clarify the dictionary meaning of an abstract term, provide etymological background, as well as their own and other people¡¦s meanings of the term.

B. Extended definitions

This essay uses the extended definition format, which means that it requires a protracted and methodical explanation of a term, showing what it encompasses. The extended definition essay often uses a combination of some or all of the following writing strategies:

1. Narration ¡V State dictionary definition, etymological background, and history or changing meaning of the term.

2. Cause and effect ¡V State the causes and effects of the changing meaning of the term.

3. Illustration ¡V Give examples, add relevant details and identifying characteristics to illustrate the term.

4. Classification ¡V Suggest different categories, elements, or types into which the term might be placed.

5. Comparison ¡V Use analogies and negation to clarify meaning.

II. Planning and writing the extended definition essay

A. Choose a technical, social, economic or important term that requires extended

definition.

EXAMPLES: reasonable force, lifelong friend, effective leader, stress, sudden infant death syndrome, love, political correctness, true patriot, computer virus, excessive force, etc.

B. Write a thesis and outline page that includes the following:

1. Purpose of the definition

2. Dictionary meaning

3. Etymological background

4. Various meanings and/or classifications of the term

5. Your definition

C. Consider your audience and tailor your Definition Essay to the needs of your audience (Successful Writing, pp. 6¡V8). Avoid simply providing obvious defining characteristics or writing a rambling everything-I-can-think-of-to-say-about-this-term essay. Settle on a thoughtful definition that extends the dictionary definition or commonplace understanding of the meaning of your term (your thesis). Then use the body of your essay to support your specific extended definition.

The outline for the essay in correct outline form

Be sure to put your typed last name followed by a space and then the page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page (this works best if you do it as a running head

„X The final version of your essay that you submit for grade is to be typed and double-spaced. Justify margins at the left, but do not justify the right margin. Leave margins of one-inch (1¡¨) on all four sides¡Xthe top and bottom and both sides of the page. Follow the MLA format precisely. NOTE: No use of outside source material is required or expected

The essay must be written using Times Roman 12, double spaced