the example essay lecture

The Example Essay

(Also known as an illustration essay)

Use multiple examples to provide sufficient

evidence to persuade the reader Use straight-forward examples for an audience

unfamiliar with the topic Use complex examples for an audience

familiar with the topic

Considering Audience and Purpose

The thesis in an example essay is the

generalization that you will support with examples.

Let’s say you are writing a paper on racial stereotyping on television. The thesis in the example essay simply states

that racial stereotyping on television exists.

Developing Your Thesis

Our familial roots help to determine the individual routes we take.

Jot down all of the instances or situations you

can think of that show the thesis. Close your eyes and visualize situations that

relate to the thesis. Discuss the thesis with a classmate. Try to

match or better each other’s examples.

Brainstorming for The Thesis

Choose relevant examples Choose a variety of useful examples Choose representative examples Choose accurate and specific examples Choose striking examples

Choosing Examples

It is a paradox that each person must attend to his/her individual needs in order to become a member

of his/her family.

Use each paragraph to express one key idea;

the example or examples in that paragraph should illustrate that key idea.

Use the topic sentence in each paragraph to make a point that each example illustrates.

Drafting the Example Essay

Provide sufficient detail about each example. Use transitions to move your readers from one

example to another. Begin with an effective introduction – spark

readers’ interest and include background information.

End with an effective conclusion – review the thesis and main points and pull all of your ideas together in a final statement.

Drafting the Example Essay

Tension can arise between belonging to the familial group and needing to express ourselves differently

than our parents.

Examples without a point do not help your

essay. Beware of piling on too many examples. Lacking an initial thesis statement doesn’t

give the examples a sense of purpose. Remember, your thesis statement is arguing that a certain condition or phenomenon exits.

Beware of a lack of transitions between examples.

Mistakes to Watch Out For

I. Introduction

· States general idea to be proved (thesis statement)II. Body

· Provides example(s) or illustration(s) which support(s) the thesis

III. Conclusion· Restates the thesis and draws some conclusion from the paper; in the case of our example of racial stereotypes on television, the conclusion might suggest that television also offers many positive racial models, and that viewers must simply use discretion in absorbing what they see and hear on television.

Example Essay Structure