Illustration/Example Writing Defined

Using illustrations/examples is critical in writing because generalizations must be supported.  Without the use of illustrations/examples, writing can be confusing because of vagueness. Writing that contains abstraction after abstraction will not communicate anything to the reader but a large question mark.

We need illustration/examples in writing because language is circular and ambiguous.  As we learn in Definition Writing, words are often defined by other words.  Synonyms are examples of this.  One of  the biggest errors in student writing is to  generalize without giving examples.  Generalizing involves the stating of opinions as well.  For example, let's say a student begins writing a paper beginning with the thesis, "There are too many violent movies that are popular in our culture now".  What do we readers expect to follow?  Examples!  The student who continues by offering more generalizations about violence by making such statements as, "It's a shame there so few family movies anymore.  The acts of destruction and violence in current movies are escalating" is continuing too generalize while the audience struggles to understand just what the writer means.  Understanding begins to dawn on the reader when examples/illustrations are used for support.  For example, citing Terminator 2 as an illustration and telling the audience that over 200 people were killed in the movie offers strong support for the generalization on movie violence.  The writer should always support opinions/generalizations with examples/illustrations.

Don's and Don'ts of Illustration/Example Writing

1.  Be careful to choose appropriate examples.

Any examples cited must be relevant and appropriate examples.  If you are writing about divorce and child custody laws in the state of Michigan, for example, it is irrelevant and inappropriate to discuss other states' laws. Use a format similar to this:     GENERALIZATION/OPINION  >Example Discussion of example   Example>Discussion of Example

2.  Clarify for the reader that you are using illustrations/examples.

Use an introductory phrase, such as "for example" to introduce your illustrations/examples for the reader and to alert them that they are coming.  Other phrases are found in the text.  Only if it is clear from the context of the writing should these be omitted.

3.  Do not overuse illustrations or examples.

The general rule is to use two or three examples.  One may not prove your point or be questionable while more than three can be interpreted as padding.

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CLUES FOR ILLUSTRATION/EXAMPLE WRITING

• Are all generalizations/opinions supported with 2-3 examples each?
• Are the examples used specifically relevant and appropriate to the term(s) they are supporting?
• Is is clear when examples occur?  Are they prefaced by an introductory phrase?

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          Last updated:  July, 2003
         Patricia A. Hutchins
          http://www.delta.edu/pahutchi/illustration.html