Provides an introduction for writing a definition essay using the 4-square organizational method. Prompt: What is a hero?

2. What does it mean to be a hero? Paine College, Augusta, GA Mack Gipson, Jr. Tutorial & Enrichment Center rev. 10/2006

3. Dictionary definition: “ a person of distinguished courage or ability…admired for brave deeds and noble qualities…role model, ideal…” (excerpts, Webster, Unabridged, 2nd edition, 2001)

4. Joseph Campbell defines heroes as those who have given their lives to something bigger than themselves.

35. What Makes a Hero? Now, list characteristics they have in common. Finally, circle the three most important traits.

41. To begin… Fold your paper into four squares. Darken in the lines. Write your basic thesis statement above the line in the middle to remind you of what you will be proving.

42. A hero is one who exemplifies the following characteristics:… Now we have to answer the question—Why? Provide reasons , examples , incidents , facts/statistics to support your thesis.

43. Basic Thesis Statement ( because ) + the three reasons, examples, facts, or incidents in Box 1 of each section A hero is one who exemplifies the following characteristics: courage, self-sacrifice, leadership. A hero is one who exemplifies the following characteristics: courage self-sacrifice leadership

44. A hero is one who exemplifies the following characteristics. Now we need to clarify what we mean by each reason. In other words, why/how do the people you chose as heroes exhibit these characteristics? Paint a picture with words. courage self-sacrifice leadership Luke Skywalker Karen Silkwood Martin Luther King