Illustrative Essays
What is Illustration?
The example/illustration essay is the most simple, straightforward essay form you will encounter.
It is also the one you will always continue to use in writing your future essays, because all essays, whether argumentative or informational, need the support that good illustrations provide.
Illustration uses Exemplification
Exemplification = Providing Examples
Exemplification is writing using specific examples and anecdotes to provide a clear analysis of your topic.
You can use narratives, anecdotes, and/or facts.
Essay Arrangement Title
Explains the essence or the core of the essay in a few words or phrases
Introductory Paragraph Sparks interest in readers so they
will want to continue reading Leads into the Thesis and
explains why the exemplification is important and merits discussion (without saying “I think”)
Thesis Indicates the topic you will
exemplify, the controlling idea, purpose, and writing pattern
Example 1, Example 2, Example 3 in Thesis Statement fall in the same order in the body of the essay
Body Paragraphs Consider the audience and
purpose Contain examples that clearly
explain the topic Contain one controlling idea or
example per paragraph Contain supporting details for
each example
Transitions Provide transitional words and
sentences to guide your reader through the text
Concluding Paragraph Provides an effective ending to
the story
Providing Examples
Example #1• 1st
Supporting Detail
• 2nd Supporting Detail
Example #2• 1st
Supporting Detail
• 2nd Supporting Detail
Example #3• 1st
Supporting Detail
• 2nd Supporting Detail
For example…
Some people treat animals like humans
Give pets human names
Dress pets in human-like
clothes
Call themselves Mommy and
Daddy