Grace Mayo

Definition Essay

October 1, 2020

“Sic Semper Tyrannis”

Many residents of the state of Virginia would define the state to be full of lovers,

after all, that is the state motto. However, citizens of Virginia seem to forget another

adjective to describe their home state, strong. When one thinks about the word strong,

they associate it with arms or muscles, but when I say strong I mean the ability to

overcome obstacles or tragedies and come out united and together as one. Virginia has

seen many major events since it was established as a state back in 1776, from

tragedies to nation altering decisions. Virginia comes out more united and stronger than

ever which makes it the best state.

Virginia earns the right to be classified as a strong state due to the history

associated with the state. Virginia was the first landing spot for European travelers in

their search for a new world. The newly displaced settlers made their new homes in

Jamestown, Virginia. In Jamestown, the settlers faced diseases, harsh winters, and

starvation. Hundreds died in this period and instead of giving up the colonists kept

fighting on to forge for a new and better future. In later years, Virginia would be the

battleground for many wars including the Revolutionary and Civil wars. According to

Legends of America, “Over 2,000 military events took place in the state of Virginia
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during that time frame, more than any other state.” Even with thousands of Virginia

citizens dead and the landscape burned or ruined by the bloodied war scenes, the

people of Virginia never gave up or were deterred, they were strong-willed and ready for

anything.

Virginia has faced tragedy numerous times in the past twenty years. These

tragedies, however, are different than the ones faced in Jamestown. These tragedies

have not only united the state of Virginia but also the entire nation felt the impacts of

these events. One of these tragedies happened on the day that changed the nation,

September 11, 2001. The Pentagon is located in Arlington, Virginia, and is the

headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, which provides a strong

military for our nation. On that September day, a hijacked plane crashed into the

Pentagon as well the Twin Towers and a field in Pennsylvania. Thousands of people

lost their lives that day and led to a unified nation working together to fight evil. Another

tragic event took place on April 16, 2007, when a young man began open fire at Virginia

Tech. Around 30 students and teachers lost their lives that day. Due to this shooting,

many colleges showed support for Virginia Tech and the Virginia community by making

signs, releasing balloons, and having candlelit services. Pennsylvania State, President

George Bush, and even Virginia Tech’s rival the University of Virginia paid their respect

to the fallen victims and their loved ones. This shows the strength and resilience of

Virginians and their ability to persevere through heartbreak.

Virginians have faced many challenges throughout their history and have proved

themselves to be able to bounce back even stronger and united. It is in the blood of

Virginians to be strong-willed and optimistic. Some may define these events as weak or
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not important, but it is our history. Other states have faced tragedies in their life too, but

through all types of horrific events, Virginians have shown their strength and have

earned the right to be labeled as strong. It is truly an honor to be a Virginian born and

raised.

Peer Edit for Definition Essay

To the Editor(s): Please write your name in the table. Please consider what kind of feedback you would like to receive and try to offer the same
quality of feedback to your classmates. Read the work slowly, putting checks by the more effective parts of it and putting question marks by the
parts that are unclear to you. Highlight or circle any spelling, capitalization, or other mechanical problems.

Writer’s name: Grace Mayo Editor’s Name: Avery

General Reaction -- Read your classmate's piece quickly to
understand its ideas. Write a few sentences addressing your
first impressions about it. Is it well organized?
Has it fulfilled the assignment of defining a word or term?
Was the essay entertaining? If not, what needs to be done to
it?
What is the main point? In other words: how is the
word/term being defined through the author’s perspective?
What is the dominant impression? What stands out the most
about this word/concept?
Grace has a good example of why Virginia is strong. She
also used great examples of parasitism and how Virginia’s
citizens became strong through hardship. This essay was
very factual.
The word strong is being defined as persevering through an
event, but could have different reasoning through each
essay.

Check that the sentences in each paragraph stick to a main

idea, that they aren’t scattered all over. Each piece of
evidence should support the thesis. Please indicate if there
is any fluff.
Has what the audience already knows, or thinks they know, Yes, I saw stronger in a new light because I would have
about the word/term been considered and addressed? Have never thought about the strength of Virginia.
popular misconceptions been done away with? Did you see
the word/phrase in a new light?
She used examples about Virginia and why it has become
Has the author included particular experiences/examples
stronger over the years.
that helped you understand the topic?
How could they be stronger? Clearer?
More reasoning on why it is strong
Are there aspects of the topic that are seldom considered?
What are they?
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Has the history or background of the word been included? She used a lot of the history about Virginia

Which parts of the paper detract from the purpose? A lot of facts are good, but make sure you have separate
What is unnecessary? Make sure the writing is concise and reasoning for each.
to the point. Take out any words, phrase, or ideas that are
repeated unnecessarily, which sound flowery, or which
“pad” rather than add to the definition.
Has the writer composed a strong intro. with a creative She has a good intro, but should add more to the thesis. She
attention grabber that makes the reader want to read more? has a strong conclusion.
Is the conclusion strong? Does it restate the thesis?
Has the author used appropriate elements to expand the She uses lots of facts and facts.
definition? For instance: personification, analogies, word
pictures, connotations, quotations, media use, etc.
Suggestions: Offer the writer at least two specific 1. Add more details to the meaning of your thesis
suggestions that might help him improve the essay. Think
of questions you had while reading: did it make sense?
Were you able to follow along? These may be questions 2. More transitions
that your classmate will want to answer in the next draft.
Please do not write, “It was good,” or something like that.
Please offer suggestions for improvement. Compliment: Well written facts, good hook, and has lot of
What compliment can you give this writer? potentional

Works cited below

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Works Cited

Weiser, Kathy. "Civil War Battles of Virginia." Legendsofamerica.com, Aug. 2020,

www.legendsofamerica.com/va-civilwarbattles/.