Illustration

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Examples are specific instances that explain the meaning of a general idea. The use of examples appears frequently in our everyday oral communication. At times, this method is used spontaneously to help others fully understand ideas. In writing, examples can be used quite often as a valuable means of developing main ideas placed in topic sentences. Notice the following paragraph developed through the use of examples – the topic sentence is italicized.

Many professional athletes contribute time and energy to support various humanitarian programs. First, Arnold Palmer, a legend in the golfing world, has been chairperson for the "March of Dimes" on many occasions. Ted Williams of baseball fame has been instrumental over the years in supporting "Jimmy Fund" activities in the Boston, Mass. area to raise money for children afflicted with cancer . Likewise, Chris Everet, champion tennis player, has demonstrated tremendous energy in her battle against drug and alcohol abuse. Finally, professional football players such as John Elway of the Denver Broncos have been active in "United Fund" activities throughout the United States.

You will notice that FOUR examples of professional athletes are used to develop the topic sentence. The reader concludes with a definite understanding of the main idea in the topic sentence.

Closely related to the use of examples is illustration. Where examples are particular instances that explain a general idea, illustration is the method of extending one example throughout the body of a paragraph to support a thesis.

Notice the use of illustration in the following paragraph:

Great moments in sports are truly memorable. For instance, I can recall the last time that Ted Williams played for the Boston Red Sox. My Dad and I were sitting among ten thousand fans on a damp day in Fenway Park. Having just missed a home run his last time up, Ted came to bat in the eighth inning. I was pleased that Ted was at the plate so late it the game. The count was 1-1 when Baltimore Orioles' pitcher, Jack Fisher, fired a fast ball to Ted. With a flick of the wrists, Ted Williams launched the ball through the gray sky and into the Red Sox bullpen for a home run. In his usual manner, Ted ran the bases with he head down as my Dad and I, along with thousands of Red Sox loyalists, cheered loudly. This brilliant performance was the last magnificent event of Ted Williams' career. After this game on September 28, 1960, Ted Williams retired from baseball.

You will notice that one illustration of a memorable sporting event has been used to support the main idea in the topic sentence. Other paragraphs in the paper would use similar illustrations to support the thesis "Great moments in sports are truly memorable."

Your paper needs a thesis statement. This statement should contain a point or idea you want to illustrate, explain, argue or prove. It should also provide a general outline of how you will support this point . All of the examples you use in the body of your paper should somehow relate to this statement. For example, perhaps you want to write a paper about characteristics of good writers. You decide that good writers should possess an eye for detail, a facility with language, an understanding of human nature, and a willingness to revise and edit their work. In other words, you will explain your idea of a good writer by using these characteristics. For your thesis, you could say, “Good writers possess an eye for detail, a facility with language, an understanding of human nature and a willingness to revise and edit their work.” In the body of your paper, you should explain what you mean by these characteristics and provide specific examples of writers who have these traits. You could also include quotes from their work to support your point of view.

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