Ch 4 Exemplification
specific facts, stories, statistics, ideas, that are concrete that we use to support generalizations.
Specific examples make writing come alive and RING TRUE
Exemplification achieves 4 purposes:
1. to explain and clarify
2. to analyze
3. to argue
4. to add interest
p 209 Try Your Hand: length: ½ to 1 page single spaced: Start with a description or narrative and then explain with
examples. THIS LITTLE PAPER WILL BE DUE THE NEXT DAY.
How to read exemplification:
 establish what generalization is being made: esp note why and to whom (purpose and audience)
 determine what belief or feeling author wants you to take from it
 assess generalization for plausibility and clarity OR perhaps it is too broad, confusing, or biased
 when there is a bias (an argument being made) judge how effectively it achieves the purpose
 consider the order of examples. Case of O’Brian who moves from true necessities to ones with more and more
emotional impact
How to write Exemplification:
 Considering subject: whether assigned or personally chosen, narrow sufficiently for an effective generalization
to start
 Purpose must govern the choice of examples
 Consider audience and their probable reaction to each example
 Types of examples after generalization is determined
 anecdotes: brief stories
 facts
 statistics
 ideas
 hypothetical scenarios p 216 has an example
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Consider relevance of the examples after listing all possible
Examples must be representative of the whole group covered by the generalization
Examples must be sufficient in number - no clear guideline
Arrangement:
 chronological
 emphatically - least to most important or effective
 according to categories: anecdotes, facts, stats . . .
 Must use transitional expressions to move smoothly from one to the other (for instance, likewise . . .)
 Value of visuals for exemplification
Readings:
p. 223, 229, 234, 242, 254
Where the generalization appears may vary. It is usually first but it may be placed after a series of examples. See p
220
Written exercises after the readings:
P 227
Reading Closely: 3 and 4
Considering Larger Issues: 3 working alone as homework in the book.
p 232
Reading closely 2
Considering Larger Issues: 1in outline form on paper, 2 in the book. You may use paragraph numbers and
abbreviated versions
p 236
Top: 4. Write your answer in a detailed paragraph using exemplification – analyze the picture.
p 252
Reading closely: 2
Considering: #4 Do this in your book and we’ll compare answers in class.
p 261
Reading Closerly : 3
Considering Larger Issues: 1, 2 can mark these in your book.