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
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.
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