After you have completed the dialogue, you are to write a 600-750 word essay which defines the very topic that you worked with Socrates on. In other words, you take your paper where you were the role of Meno, and you develop this into an original essay of definition. The extent to which you employ Socratic reasoning will be an important measure of your success as a writer.

Effective Writing
One of the chief characteristics of effective writing is more sophisticated syntax, or sentence structure. We endeavor to reach for complexity, in order to match the sophistication of our ideas.

Conversely, when we think of emergent readers, it is easier to think of elementary syntax of Dr. Seuss, for example: “I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them . . .” It is easy for us to remember the rhyme and rhythm, but at the same time, we need to consider that most of our ideas require greater variety. And the key here is that we use variety—not for its own sake—but to allow us the dexterity to interact with our readers in a way that allows for us to interact with our writing successfully.

Rubric

The rubric for this paper is below.

AP Language and Composition Definition Rubric

A Paper

• The topic itself merits a definition.
• Provides a full context in which the word(s) extended meanings can be understood. If defining paired terms, the paper clearly identifies connotative differences between the pair of words described; illustrates those differences with specific and appropriate examples.
• Displays original thinking and avoids clichés. Ideas are developed with clear, precise language. Maintains a tone that supports the content. Demonstrates stylistic maturity through varied and sophisticated use of diction and syntax. Careful editing is evident.