1. Using Exemplification in Your Writing: Chapter 8 For example…

2. EXEMPLIFICATION: using examples to explain a point or abstract concept

3. DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXAMPLES Examples to Explain and Clarify  Be specific- if you say “the movie” it is general and needs to tell what movie  Avoid ambiguity Examples to Add Interest  These may also clarify, but also,make the reader want to read more  This works well if you want the reader to think about your writing and react

4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXAMPLES Examples to Persuade  Examples that are clear and exact to your topic may make the reader change his/ her mind about the topic  Being specific is very important here Examples to Test Your Thesis  THEY HAVE TO MATCH- NO MATTER WHAT  Sometimes, you make a point but do not totally agree with it, it will show in your examples and should be avoided!

5. So, how many examples do I need?

6.  The number of examples one needs to prove their point depends on the assignment, the argument, and the resources available.  At tables, read p. 206-207. Discuss and WRITE a summary of what you learned on your note sheet.  The biggest issue when using examples is giving credit to the source. In order to do this properly, one must learn about citations.

7. So, how do I use citations?

8. CITATIONS IN THE PAPER Because examples come from sources, citations will be necessary in exemplification papers! There are three ways to use MLA in-text citation.

9. Paraphrase  Anyone watching the news in recent months knows that the fast food industry has come under attack. There have been several attempts to sue the fast food industry for causing obesity and the health problems associated with it. According to Judge Sweet, who recently ruled in favor of the fast food industry, more than $110 billion is spent on fast food each year (Appleson 2). No wonder, then, that the fast food industry is the next victim of tobacco- type lawsuits. 

10. Indirect Quote  Someone might argue that individuals need to make the choice not to eat fatty fast food. But as Kelly Brownell, director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders said that humans are designed to want food that is full of fat and sugar (Spake and Marcus 1). Our bodies, then, are naturally driven to want the food that fast food restaurants are offering, and it is difficult for many people to go against their nature and avoid eating fast food.

11. Direct Quote  Fast food is causing an epidemic of obesity. And obesity is causing an epidemic of related health problems, such as diabetes, high blood cholesterol levels, and heart problems. According to Amanda Spake and Mary Brophy Marcus’s article, “A Fat Nation,” a “man with 22 extra pounds has a 75 percent greater chance of having a heart attack than one at healthy weight” (1). It is not merely the extra weight, which fast food eaters carry, that is a danger, but as research shows, “eating too many high-fat foods contributes to high blood cholesterol levels. This can cause hardening of the arteries, coronary heart disease and stroke” (“Fast Food Facts” 1). And of course, fast food restaurants have a high fat menu.

12. QUOTATIONS Indirect  This type of quotation is not word for word.  The meaning of the text is not changed, merely put into one’s own words.  Credit must be given to the author! Direct  This type of quotation is word for word.  It MUST be put into quotation marks.  NONE OF THE TEXT CAN BE CHANGED!  Credit must be given to the author!

13. Planning an Exemplification Essay  Provide enough examples  STAY ORGANIZED  Choose effective examples  Use transitions (see list of transitions on page 43)  Good transitions for exemplification include: For example, for instance, in fact, namely, specifically, that is, thus For example, for instance, in fact, namely, specifically, that is, thus

14. Structuring an Exemplification Essay  Your Introduction includes an explicit thesis statement  Each body paragraph may Develop a separate example, OR Develop a separate example, OR Explore one aspect of a single, extended example. Explore one aspect of a single, extended example.  Arrange your examples chronologically, in order of increasing complexity, or in order of importance.  Your conclusion reinforces the main idea and may re-state the thesis.

15. Revising and Editing an Exemplification Essay  See Revising Checklist on page 209  See Editing Checklist on page 210

16. In Class Writing Exercise  Look at the Four Tattoos (Photos) on page 205 of Patterns for College Writing.

17.  How would you describe each of the four tattoos pictured? Brainstorm with the class on the prominent features of each, and then write a sentence or two that describes each of them.

18.  Write a one sentence general statement that sums up your ideas about tattoos.  Why do you think people get tattoos?  Do you see tattoos as a way for people to express themselves?  Do people use tattoos to express individuality?  Are tattoos are a form of rebellion?

19.  Do you have enough examples to support your general statement about tattoos?  Would you ever get a tattoo?  Now write a paragraph in your notes in response to this question. Use your answers to the questions above to support your topic sentence (If you have a tattoo, explain why you decided to get it.)