Operating Definitions and Guidelines for Writing - Methods of Development
Exemplification (Illustration)

1. What is exemplification?
The method of development in which the writer uses a series of examples to support a point.

It is using a list of

  • Fact
  • Events
  • Statistics
  • People
  • Samples
  • Quotations
  • Anecdotes (brief stories)
  • Other kinds of specific items

to make a general statement more understandable, more clear, and/or more convincing.

2. How long is it? It can be a few sentences, paragraphs, or several pages long.

3. What is required in order for an illustration to be acceptable?
The example must be relevant and representative.

4. Why do writers use exemplification? To

  • Create interest
  • Clarify ideas
  • Convince

5. How can writers and readers tell exemplification from other MODs?

  • Look for a thesis followed by a number of examples that support it in a parallel manner.
  • Identify the types of examples. If there seems to be a story, ask, "Is it one story, or several stories?" Several stories indicate exemplification. If there is only one story, the dominant method of development is narrative, not exemplification.
  • Look for transitional expressions that indicate illustration:
    • For instance
    • Another instance of
    • For example
    • Another example of
    • To illustrate
    • Another illustration of
    • A case in point is
    • Here are a few examples
    • Some instances
    • One such in particular
    • Yet another
    • One illustration of this idea

The more of the above that a paragraph or essay includes, the more likely it is to be illustration.

6. How does one write an illustration essay?

a. Decide on a thesis first, then look for the examples. Or observe events, people, objects, or ideas, reflect on them, and decide what true statement they suggest.
b. List an abundance of examples, then mark the strongest ones, not just the first ones that come to mind.
c. Then, check them to be sure they are relevant. Ask, "Do these examples relate directly to the point?"
d. Next, ask, "Which of these examples is the most representative?" Use the strongest ones. If they lead to different or opposite conclusions, consider modifying the thesis to be consistent with the new evidence. Make every example work in favor of the purpose, not against it.
e. Although illustrations can be organized in either time or space order, most often, examples are organized in order of importance with the one carrying the most emphasis placed last. Organize the examples in the way that will most help further the point. Some possibilities:

    • least to most controversial
    • simplest to most difficult
    • least extreme to most extreme
    • least to most important

7. How does the thesis pattern for an illustration essay go?
A look at A, B, and C shows that _________________ (statement which identifies what inference one can draw from looking at those examples).

8. How can one practice recognizing thinking which uses illustration?
In outside reading (not English or reading textbooks, look for a list of items. Make note of the characteristic elements. Look also for examples in film.

An Example and outline for an Exemplification Essay

If assigned an exemplification essay, ask this question: in what area of your life do you see several examples that lead to an inference that can teach people? To begin organizing ideas for this topic, use the following outline:

I. Introduction that uses a college level strategy, tells how the subject came up, states the thesis in the pattern above, and names the audience who can benefit from knowing the information.

II. Body

A. Example 1
B. Example 2
C. Example 3

III. Conclusion