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8.3: Writing an Exemplification Essay

  • Page ID
    6271
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    First, decide on a topic that you feel interested in writing about. Then create an interesting introduction to engage the reader. The main point, or thesis, should be stated at the end of the introduction.

    Gather evidence that is appropriate to both your subject and your audience. You can order the evidence in terms of importance, either from least important to most important or from most important to least important. Be sure to fully explain all of your examples using strong, clear supporting details.

    key takeaways

    • An exemplification essay clearly explains a main point using evidence.
    • When choosing evidence, always gauge whether the evidence is appropriate for the subject as well as the audience.
    • Organize the evidence in terms of importance, either from least important to most important or from most important to least important.
    • Use time transitions to order evidence.
    • Use phrases of exemplification to call out examples

    Examples of Essays

    • “Homeless,” by Anna Quindlen
    • “Black Men and Public Space,” by Brent Staples
    • “The Dark Side of Web Fame,” by Jessica Bennet
    • “That’s So Mysto: What Makes Slang Stick,” by Juliet Lapidos

    This page titled 8.3: Writing an Exemplification Essay is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Amber Kinonen, Jennifer McCann, Todd McCann, & Erica Mead.

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