Page 321 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Example

4 Write effective essays supported by

examples.

Examples give your reader a specific illustration of an idea. A good

example is never a generalization but a crisp and specific picture that

shows exactly what the sentence it illustrates means. An example is a

shortcut, providing a vivid and direct way to get your meaning across

to your reader. Because examples are used to illustrate a point, they

often include narration or description. Therefore, the example essays
that you write will build on the descriptive and narrative techniques

you have practiced earlier in this chapter .

Examples can be used in almost any type of essay. However, essays

supported by examples alone might be used to answer questions such

as the ones that follow.

What would cause you to end a friendship?

Discuss some of the ways that an individual can help the

environment.

How has attending college affected your eating habits?