Marco Ponce Version 1 Year ‘06-‘07

Often, people use illustrations (examples) to clarify general statements.

5.1 Selecting Appropriate Examples

Make sure tat your examples stay on target, that is, actually support your statement and do not veer off into an intriguing side issue. Furthermore, see that your examples display all the chief features of whatever you are illustrating.

5.2 Number of examples

How many examples will you need? One long one, several fairly brief ones, or a large number of very short ones> Look to your topic for the answer.

5.3 Organizing the examples

A single extended example often assumes the narrative form, presenting a series of events in time sequence. Most organize them by order of climax (from the least to the greatest extent) or perhaps the reverse order. Sometimes any arrangement will work equally well.

5.4 Ethical issues

In writing an illustration, we try to show readers something truthful about our understanding of the world. Deception may stem from prejudice, which causes people to distort examples. Some distortions can be outright lies.

5.5 Writing an illustration

5.5.1 Planning and Drafting the Illustration

Assertions, unfamiliar topics, abstract principles, natural laws—as we have seen, all of these can form the foundation for your paper. Once you have picked your topic, ask yourself, “what example(s) will work best with my audience?” Then brainstorm each one for supporting details. Review your details carefully and add any new ones you think of arranged in the order you intend to present them.

            􀂾 Your introduction should identify your topic and draw your readers into the paper. If you are trying to scare the reader into or away from something, you might open with an arresting statement.

            􀂾 Present your examples in the body of your paper, keeping your purpose firmly in mind as you plan your organization. For a single extended example, use the entire body of the paper, suitably paragraphed.

            􀂾 Conclude in whatever way seems most appropriate. You might express a hope or recommendation that the reader implement or avoid something or you might issue a personal challenge that grows out of the point you have illustrated.

Now You Can Buy the Book

If you enjoy learning the essentials of writing, you should get the book: Strategies for Successful Writing: A Rhetoric, Research Guide, Reader, and Handbook, Seventh Edition, by Reinking & von der Osten. This book takes you far beyond the material here, with full discussions of how to fully understand and master a wide range of rhetorical devices, and how to use them effectively in modern writing. The book includes many annotated essay samples, as well as practice exercises, review questions, sample applications, and more material that guides you step by step on the proper use of the written medium. You can be proud of not only owning a college-level book but, also, perfectly knowing how to use the written language.

For more information and several ways to order, visit the Companion Website for the book.