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Exemplification Essay

Exemplification Essay: Step-by-Step Guide With Samples

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Published on: Dec 21, 2021

Last updated on: Oct 26, 2024

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Have you ever struggled to make your essays compelling and persuasive? Well, you’re not alone!

Crafting an impactful essay requires more than just words on a page. It demands the ability to bring your ideas to life, to make them tangible and relatable. 

But fear not, for there is a writing technique that can transform your essays into captivating masterpieces: exemplification. 

In this comprehensive guide, we will guide on how to write a compelling exemplification essay. We will also provide the tips which will equip you with the tools and techniques to master the art of exemplification essays

So, let’s get started.

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Exemplification Essay Definition

An exemplification essay is a type of argumentative essay that aims to support a specific thesis statement or claim by providing a series of relevant examples. 

It goes beyond simply stating opinions or making general statements. Instead, it requires the writer to present compelling evidence in the form of concrete examples, facts, statistics, anecdotes, or case studies.

Purpose of Writing an Exemplification Essay

The primary objective of an exemplification essay is to illustrate or exemplify the main idea or argument being made. 

By presenting real-life examples, the writer strengthens their position and provides a clearer understanding for the readers. These examples serve as persuasive tools, helping to convince the audience of the validity and relevance of the thesis statement.

In an exemplification paper, the examples used must be well-chosen, specific, and directly related to the topic at hand. They should effectively support the writer's claims and provide a solid foundation for their argument. 

Additionally, the essay should include clear transitions between examples and a logical organization that enhances the overall coherence and flow of the piece.

How to Start an Exemplification Essay?

An exemplification essay's writing process is built on a few pre-writing steps. By following these writing steps, you may create a great exemplification essay.

1. Choose a Topic

Choosing a suitable subject is critical to the overall effectiveness of the essay. Allow time, and select a topic that is distinct and particular. Your topic should not be too broad or too specific because finding appropriate instances for broad topics is tough.

Here are some thought-provoking and engaging exemplification essay topics to consider:

• The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships
• The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Education
• The Influence of Technology on Daily Life
• The Effects of Climate Change on Global Ecosystems
• The Role of Sports in Promoting Health and Well-being
• The Importance of Financial Literacy in Today's Society
• The Significance of Cultural Diversity in Education
• The Challenges and Solutions of Balancing Work and Family Life
• The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion
• The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior

Remember to choose a topic that interests you and allows for the exploration of relevant examples. Ensure that there is enough available information and examples to support your thesis statement effectively.

Looking for more topics? Check out this extensive list of exemplification essay topics .

2. Brainstorm Ideas

After you've decided on a topic for your exemplification essay, it's time to start brainstorming ideas. Consider the aspects and concepts that will best complement your topic. Consider how you want your topic to be described in the material. Make a list of all your ideas and thoughts. 

You will settle on your principal viewpoint for your essay throughout this brainstorming phase. The principal perspective will serve as the thesis statement for your whole exemplification essay.

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3. Choose Appropriate Examples

Now that you've jotted down some ideas for your essay's topic , perform some research to discover solid supporting evidence. Research the topic thoroughly to locate relevant material to support the essay's primary point.

The more time you devote to study, the more instances you will have to back up your claims. Use information from credible sources such as journals, respected newspapers, novels, and so on.

4. Creating an Exemplification Essay Outline 

It is preferable to begin writing an essay by establishing an exemplification essay outline. Before beginning the actual writing process, it is important to have a clear understanding of what you want to include in your document. Your content gains shape and purpose as a result of the framework. 

It helps in the organization of raw facts into comprehensible language. An outline is created by separating the material into parts.

Given below is a generic outline for an exemplification essay.

Here is another outline template of an exemplification essay to get an idea. 

Exemplification Essay Outline Template

How to Write an Exemplification Essay?

Once you finish making a rough outline, it is time to begin the writing process. Compile all of the material gathered through research under the framework or structure you developed.

Here are some steps that you should follow when you start writing the exemplification essay. 

Introductory Paragraph

The introductory paragraph is the first section of an exemplification essay. In this part, you have to write an introduction to your readers about what they will learn in the whole paper. 

Start with a sentence known as a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. It can take any form, such as a quote, funny statement, or fact. The introduction section sets up your discussion on the topic. Also, show why you chose that particular topic to be discussed in detail later on in the content.

The introductory paragraph comes to an end with a strong and arguable thesis statement. The evidence for this argument is clearly explained in the introductory paragraph, as well as throughout the entire body text.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of an exemplification essay are where you provide evidence and examples to support your main points or arguments. Follow this structure to effectively develop your body paragraphs:

• Topic Sentence: Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point or argument you will be discussing in that paragraph.
• Explanation : Provide a brief explanation or context for the main point introduced in the topic sentence. This helps the reader understand the relevance and significance of the point you are making.
• Examples : Present specific examples that support and illustrate your main point. These examples should be relevant, factual, and directly related to your argument.
• Elaboration : Elaborate on each example by providing relevant details, evidence, or analysis. Explain how each example supports your main point and contributes to your overall argument. This helps the reader understand the connection between the example and the main point being made.
• Counter Arguments (if applicable) : Address any potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints related to the main point you are discussing. Present alternative perspectives and provide evidence to refute them.

Concluding Paragraph

This section provides insight into the overall debate held in the body paragraphs. The writer summarises the discussion in the final paragraphs by summarising the essay's focused themes.

In the conclusion of this essay, it is important to restate the thesis statement and remind readers what the whole discussion has been about. The final paragraph should leave a sense that all points have been covered in some way or another.

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Exemplification Essay Examples

Before beginning the writing process, it is a good idea to go through several examples and get an idea of how to write.  

Take a look at an example of exemplification essay given below:

Still in search of additional examples? Explore some good exemplification essay examples provided below!

Exemplification Essay Sample

Exemplification Essay About Friendship

Exemplification Essay About Technology

Exemplification Essay About Education

Exemplification Essay About How to Cope With Stress

Exemplification Essay About Pandemic

Exemplification Essay About Globalization

Key Grading Considerations for an Exemplification Essay

When it comes to grading an exemplification essay, instructors often evaluate several key factors to assess the quality and effectiveness of the essay. 

Understanding these grading considerations or rubric criteria can help you align your writing with the expectations of your instructor. 

Here are some important aspects that are typically considered:

• Clarity and Organization
• Is the main thesis statement clearly stated and focused?
• Are the main points or arguments logically organized and easy to follow?
• Does the essay have a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion?
• Use of Examples
• Are relevant and specific examples provided to support each main point or argument?
• Do the examples effectively illustrate and strengthen the main ideas?
• Are the examples properly integrated into the essay, showing a clear connection to the thesis statement?
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Does the essay demonstrate a logical progression of ideas?
• Are there smooth transitions between paragraphs and sentences?
• Do the paragraphs flow seamlessly from one to another, creating a cohesive and unified piece of writing?
• Critical Thinking and Analysis
• Does the essay exhibit a deep understanding of the topic?
• Are the arguments supported by sound reasoning and evidence?
• Does the writer critically analyze the examples and their implications?
• Language and Style
• Is the essay written in a clear, concise, and engaging manner?
• Does the writer effectively use appropriate vocabulary and language structures?
• Is the tone and style appropriate for the intended audience and purpose of the essay?
• Grammar and Mechanics
• Are there any grammatical errors or mistakes in punctuation, spelling, or sentence structure?
• Does the essay demonstrate a strong command of grammar and mechanics?
• Are proper citation and referencing used where necessary?

Tips for Writing an Effective Exemplification Essay

Writing an effective exemplification essay involves careful planning and execution. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling and persuasive piece:

• Select Relevant and Compelling Examples

Choose examples that are relevant to your thesis statement and support your main argument. Ensure that your examples are specific, detailed, and varied to provide a comprehensive and convincing illustration of your point.

• Conduct Thorough Research

Gather credible and reliable sources to find examples that strengthen your argument. Utilize books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and other reliable sources to ensure the accuracy and validity of your examples.

• Provide Proper Context

Introduce each example with sufficient background information and context. Explain the relevance of the example to your thesis statement and its significance in supporting your point of view. This helps readers understand the relevance and importance of the examples presented.

• Use A Variety Of Evidence Types

Don't rely solely on one type of evidence. Incorporate a mix of facts, statistics, anecdotes, expert opinions, and case studies to prove your point. This variety adds depth and credibility to your essay.

• Maintain A Clear And Logical Structure

Organize your essay in a coherent and logical manner. Use clear topic sentences to introduce each example and provide smooth transitions between paragraphs. Ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to another, guiding readers through your argument effortlessly.

• Analyze And Interpret Examples

Avoid merely presenting examples; instead, analyze and interpret them. Explain how each example strengthens your argument and supports your thesis statement. Provide insightful commentary and critical analysis to showcase your understanding of the examples.

• Consider Counterarguments

Acknowledge counterarguments and address them within your essay. Anticipate opposing viewpoints and offer rebuttals supported by strong examples. This demonstrates a well-rounded understanding of the topic and strengthens your overall argument.

• Revise And Edit

Take the time to revise and edit your essay. Review for clarity, coherence, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your ideas are effectively communicated and that your examples are presented in the most impactful way possible.

By following these tips, you can write an exemplification essay that effectively conveys your argument with solid reasoning.

Still, struggling to write an exemplification essay? Check out this informative video below.

In conclusion , mastering the art of writing an exemplification essay opens up a world of persuasive storytelling through powerful examples. 

By carefully selecting and analyzing relevant evidence, you can enhance your arguments and captivate your readers. Remember to choose a compelling topic, conduct thorough research, and provide proper context for your examples. Structure your essay logically, analyze and interpret your examples, and consider counterarguments to strengthen your overall argument. 

Lastly, revise and edit your essay to ensure clarity and coherence. Get our essay writer AI to help you come up with ideas and polish your writing!

If you're seeking further guidance and support in your academic writing journey, CollegeEssay.org is here to help. Just say' write my college essay for me ' to get started. 

Our expert writers provide professional assistance to refine your writing skills and excel in your academic pursuits. 

Start crafting impactful exemplification essays with the help of our writing service today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use the first person in an exemplification essay.

Yes, you can use the first person in the following scenarios to make your paper more effective and compelling. 

• Defining your place in respect to others. 
• When including a personal anecdote. 
• To clarify passive structure sentences. 
• To develop your credibility (ethos). 

What are the characteristics of an exemplification essay?

Here are the main characteristics of an exemplification essay: 

• Clear explanation 
• Exemplary ideas 
• Persuasive viewpoints 
• Complex facts to support the thesis statement 
• Relevant examples 

How long is an exemplification essay?

An exemplification essay should be five paragraphs long according to the basic essay format. The first paragraph should be an introduction, three paragraphs for the main body, last paragraph for the conclusion.

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Exemplification Essay

How to Write an Exemplification Essay - A Complete Guide

15 min read

People also read

150+ Interesting and Creative Exemplification Essay Topics For Students

Ever find yourself staring at a blank screen, wondering how to turn a bunch of ideas into a captivating exemplification essay? You're not alone! 

Many students find it difficult to transform their ideas into a persuasive exemplification essay that relies on vivid examples for support.

Relax, we are here to help! 

In this blog, we'll show you how to write an exemplification essay in 8 easy steps. We'll give you an outline, examples, and topics. By the end, you'll know exactly how to create a great essay. 

Ready to get started? Let's do this!

• 1. What is an Exemplification Essay?
• 2. How to Write an Exemplification Essay? 8 Simple Steps!
• 3. Exemplification Essay Examples
• 4. Types of Exemplification Essay Examples 
• 5. Exemplification Essay Topic Ideas
• 6. Exemplification Essay Grading Criteria
• 7. Exemplification Essay Writing Tips

What is an Exemplification Essay?

An exemplification essay is a type of argumentative essay where the writer supports their point with specific examples. Simply describing the topic isn't sufficient; it demands providing concrete examples to strengthen the essay's main argument.

The examples will help you define, elaborate, and prove your point of view. Although it is similar to the argumentative essay, you will have to prove the selected topic by including detailed examples. These include statistics, facts, and other related material from reliable sources.

Understanding the steps to write an exemplification essay is crucial. Continue reading and you will learn about the structuring and writing process in more detail!

How to Write an Exemplification Essay? 8 Simple Steps!

When tackling an exemplification essay, success begins with thoughtful prewriting and continues through careful writing. You can write a winning exemplification essay by following these writing steps.

Step 1: Choosing a Topic

Picking a good theme plays an important role in the overall success of the essay. Give time, and make sure to choose a topic that is unique and specific. 

Your topic should not be too broad or narrow. Broad topics are way too general, and it will be difficult for you to find good examples in narrow topics.

Step 2: Brainstorming Ideas

Once you have chosen a topic for your exemplification essay, it is time to brainstorm ideas. Think of ideas and points that best support your theme. Think of angles in which you want your topic to be described in the content. List down all your thoughts and ideas.

It is in this brainstorming process that you will decide on the main stance for your essay. Your main stance will be the thesis statement on which your entire exemplification essay will be based.

Step 3: Choosing Appropriate Examples

Now that you have written down the ideas to write the content for your essay, conduct research. You need to find strong supporting information. Research the topic well to find out relevant material to back up the main argument of the essay. 

The more time spent on research, the more examples you will have to prove your exemplification essay thesis. 

Make sure to use information from credible sources such as journals, reputable newspapers, books, etc. 

Step 4: Creating an Exemplification Outline

The next step is to start with creating an exemplification essay outline. Before heading towards the actual writing process, it is better to understand what to add to your paper clearly.

The outline imparts shape and coherence to your content, transforming raw data into comprehensible text. It acts as a roadmap, categorizing information into distinct sections.

Following the 5-paragraph structure, your essay should have the following sections:

Exemplification Essay Outline Template

Step 5: Write the Introduction of the Essay

After creating a rough outline, it is time to get started on the writing process. The introduction is the first section of an exemplification essay. In this part, the topic is introduced to the readers to give them an idea about the whole essay.

• Opening with a Hook: Commence the introductory paragraph with a compelling hook . Utilize a quote, funny statement, fact, statistics, or anecdote to captivate the reader's attention.
• Providing Theme Insight: Following the hook, offer brief background information about the essay's theme. Clearly state the reasons behind choosing this specific theme.
• Significance and Target Audience: Emphasize the importance of the topic and elucidate who can benefit from the essay. Consider the diverse types of readers who might find value in the content.
• Craft a Strong Thesis: Conclude the introduction with a powerful thesis statement . Ensure the thesis is clear, arguable, and supported by strong evidence.

Write an introduction that not only intrigues but also sets the stage for the comprehensive exploration of your chosen theme. The thesis statement should be persuasive, laying the foundation for the ensuing discussion.

Step 6: Write the Body Paragraphs 

In this phase, look deeper into the points introduced in the initial paragraph. Adhering to the standard 5-paragraph essay structure, assign three paragraphs to the body section. 

Each paragraph focuses on a specific point or evidence that supports the thesis statement. Here is how to approach your essay body: 

• Structured Content: Initiate each body paragraph with a clear topic sentence , outlining the focal point for that section. The explanation of the point is given after the topic sentence. There should be a good example that supports what was said in the body of the essay. 
• Supporting Examples: Introduce a concrete example that aligns with and strengthens the discussed point. Ensure that the example is relevant and effectively supports the thesis statement.
• Transition for Cohesion: Incorporate exemplification essay transition words to ensure a seamless flow between paragraphs. These transition words contribute to the overall coherence of the essay, maintaining a logical progression.

Here are some most commonly used exemplification essay transition words:

• For example
• For instance
• In particular
• To illustrate
• Specifically
• In other words
• As an illustration
• To demonstrate
• In this case
• As evidence
• To support this point
• Furthermore
• Additionally
• On the other hand

Step 7: Conclude the Essay

The conclusion paragraph is the last chapter of an exemplification essay. This section gives a closer look into the whole discussion held in the body paragraphs. In the concluding paragraphs, the writer sums up the topic by summarizing the essay’s focused points. 

Write a conclusion by restating your thesis statement and reminding the readers what the essay is all about. It is done by briefly referring the audience back to the main argument. Make sure the ending gives a sense of completeness to the readers.

Step 8: Proofread and Edit Your Final Draft 

Once you are done with the writing process, don’t forget to edit and proofread your text. This way you’ll be able to find your exemplification paper’s weak sections. The right approach is to read out the text aloud and find out grammar and spelling mistakes.

Go through your essay several times until it meets the assignment requirements and is free from any kind of language mistakes.

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Exemplification Essay Examples

In this section, we have provided free exemplification essay examples pdf. Take a look at these exemplification essay samples to gain insights into the structure and style of well-crafted essays. 

Exemplification Essay Sample

Exemplification Essay on Obesity

Exemplification Essay Thesis Examples

Exemplification Essay Examples College Level

Let's take a look at the exemplification essay introduction example:

In a nutshell, exemplification essay writing is more about examples to support the main argument. Brief examples are used in this type of essay, but concise details will make the ideas clearer. 

Types of Exemplification Essay Examples 

Let’s take a look at the different types of examples:

Real-world Examples 

• Personal Experience Examples: Narratives from personal life to support the argument.
• Factual Examples: Statistics, data, and well-researched facts that strengthen the thesis.
• Historical Examples: Drawn from historical events or figures to provide context and enhance the argument.
• Case Study Examples: In-depth analysis of specific cases or examples to support the thesis.
• Current Events Examples: Recent news stories or events to make the essay timely and relevant.

Imaginary or Constructed Examples

• Hypothetical Examples: Imaginary scenarios illustrating potential consequences or outcomes.
• Anecdotal Examples: Short, engaging stories that may be fictional but add a personal touch.
• Comparative Examples: Contrasting two or more examples to highlight similarities or differences.
• Cultural or Literary Examples: References to cultural or literary works to illustrate the point.
• Contrary Examples: Presenting examples that go against the common perception to add nuance.

Exemplification Essay Topic Ideas

Choosing the right topic for your essay is the most crucial step. It is the topic that helps get the reader’s attention and lets the writer gather strong content. If your essay topic is not attractive, you will lose your readership for sure.

Here are some good exemplification essay topic examples for you:

Social Exemplification Essay Topics 

• Gun Control: Pros and Cons
• Significance of the Feminist Approach
• Positive Thinking is Psychologically Beneficial
• The Impact of Religion on Modern Culture
• Fast-Food Chains are Increasing the Obesity Rate in the United States. Discuss
• Should Drugs be Decriminalized?
• Should Everyone have Access to Healthcare?
• Roles and responsibilities of corporations towards society.
• Should modern toys be made gender-neutral?
• Are physical punishments harmful to kids?

Educational Exemplification Essay Topics 

• Traditional or Online Schooling
• Significance of pre-school on child development
• Impact of studying foreign languages in school.
• The effect of early education on pupils' intellect. 
• Impact of social media on education. 
• The horrific impact of texting on a layman’s vocabulary. 
• The downfalls of e-learning. 
• Why is higher education becoming extinct?
• Impact of standardized testing. 
• Effect of personalization on students’ performance. 

Cultural Exemplification Essay Topics

• How does art therapy help depressed people?
• How does art promote multiethnic social setups?
• How does art foster cultural diversity among communities?
• Has art created more or fewer job opportunities?
• Is modern pop culture the root cause of gender discrimination?
• Does traveling aid in education and learning?
• How does mass media foster nihilism among teenagers?
• Should art be restricted due to laws?
• Should colleges and schools play a more proactive role in promoting extra-curricular?
• How does painting encourage creativity and innovation?

Political Exemplification Essay Topics 

• Main Reasons for the First World War 
• How and why is political brutality spreading?
• Examples of post-election destruction that lead to social unrest. 
• How does fake news impact society at large?
• How is unethical politics being promoted by weak media laws?
• How is democracy negatively affecting political administration?
• Should minimum sentencing be made mandatory to curb crime?
• How are government policies affecting the poor?
• What is the effect of the participation of the corporations in political campaigns? 
• Impact of decriminalizing drugs. 

Technology Exemplification Essay Topics

• Business Benefits of using Social Media
• Effects of smartphone addiction. 
• Genetic engineering in agriculture: Boosting crop resilience and yield
• Is internet usage the cause of moral decline among the youth?
• How is AI affecting employment opportunities?
• Are online dating sites causing more kidnapping and related crimes?
• Can laws prevent or decrease online victimization?
• Are cameras everywhere violating people’s privacy?
• Is technological spread promoting or fostering immorality?
• Is the workforce at a disadvantage because of automation?

Exemplification Essay Topics High School

• Impact of social media on teenagers: navigating the digital age
• Importance of financial literacy for high school graduates
• Role of extracurricular activities in high school
• Effects of bullying on mental health in high schools
• Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Learning in High Schools
• Teenage stress: coping mechanisms and support systems
• Influence of Popular Culture on High School Fashion Trends
• Role of peer pressure in decision-making among high school students
• Pros and cons of standardized testing in high schools
• Importance of teaching emotional intelligence in high school curriculum

Looking for more inspiring topic ideas for different academic levels? Check out our exemplification essay topics blog!

Exemplification Essay Grading Criteria

To answer the question of how to write an exemplification essay, you need to understand how it is graded. Your essay will be judged on how well you research the topic and give examples. You also need to make sure that everything flows together well.

To get a high grade, students must understand these evaluation criteria. The points below show what is important to keep in mind.

Thesis 

The relevance and clarity of an essay is important. The essay's content must be unified and it should be written within the context of the subject matter. An introductory paragraph is also necessary.

Do the examples used in the paper support the concepts that are being presented? Are the examples effectively used to help explain and clarify the concepts for readers? Do all examples in the context of the claim support it?

Transitions

The transitions between paragraphs should be effective in driving readers between topics, examples, and ideas.

Details 

Are the details in the essay enough? Are the examples sufficient to be useful? Is the writer's argument accurately portraying their side of the discussion?

Keep this grading criterion in mind or treat it as a checklist when writing your exemplification essay. 

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Exemplification Essay Writing Tips

As stated earlier, writing an exemplification essay can be challenging if you are unaware of the basics. To make the process of writing easier, we have gathered some simple tips. 

Follow these tips to make your exemplification essay stand out.

• Choose the topic of your essay, keeping in view the audience’s preferences. Also, identify how your readers feel about the topic. 
• While choosing examples for your essay, make sure they are relevant and support the thesis statement. 
• Note down all the examples that you gathered for your essay. It will let you select the best example while writing the content. 
• Apart from adding facts to support your thesis statement, credible stories and anecdotes can also be added. 
• To prove your point and make the readers understand you better, make sure they are following the chain of your ideas.

In conclusion,

This guide equips you with the tools to master the art of writing exemplification essays. We've covered everything from understanding the basics to crafting compelling introductions and body paragraphs. 

We hope you find this guide helpful in elevating your writing skills. 

If you ever find yourself in need of expert assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals at MyPerfectWords.com . Our essay writing service provides all sorts of assistance to students in their academic assignments. 

Just get in touch now or tell us to do my essays for me, and take your first step toward academic success with us!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good topic for an exemplification essay.

A good topic should be specific, debatable, and allow for the inclusion of diverse examples to support your argument.

How many examples should I include in each paragraph?

While there's no fixed number, aim for at least one strong and relevant example per paragraph to effectively support your thesis.

How long should an exemplification essay be?

The length can vary, but a standard exemplification essay is often around 500 to 800 words. Follow any specific guidelines provided by your instructor.

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How to Write an Exemplification Essay: Definition, Outline & Samples

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An exemplification essay is a type of essay that uses specific examples to support the writer's main ideas. The examples used in an exemplification essay are usually real-life situations or experiences that reinforce a thesis statement.

Exemplification essays can be challenging to write because they require a significant amount of research and critical thinking. You should carefully select relevant anexamples that both support your argument and effectively communicate your message.

Read along and learn how to write an exemplification essay and what examples to use to illustrate your point. We will further provide exemplification essay samples to reinforce your knowledge of this form of writing.

What Is an Exemplification Essay: Definition

An exemplification essay is a mode of analytical or argumentative writing that uses vivid and specific examples as a way of illustrating, defining, persuading, or explaining a topic. Its goal is to show an idea using evidence, as this helps an audience understand the main message or point. Exemplification essays can include diverse examples such as personal anecdotes, current events, historical occurrences, statistics, scientific studies, and analogies. Writing an exemplification essay effectively necessitates being more convincing with the evidence and accompanying details to enhance your credibility. For instance, if your intention is to prove that people must engage in physical exercise to lose weight, stating “ exercising is good for your health ” is not sufficient. Instead, you must elaborate on your statement with facts or clear examples.

Exemplification Examples

The first step towards writing effectively is choosing an idea that will be exemplified. There are many examples of exemplification issues in different subjects that you can select. However, if you still need further clarification regarding potential themes, pick an example of exemplification topic from this list:

• Reasons cars are stolen.
• How missionaries influenced various cultures.
• Why banning cigarettes is right due to the negative effect of tobacco on smokers.
• How extensive conversation, writing, and reading practice help strengthen a grasp of the English language for foreign students.
• Discussing the theme of deceit in a work of literature such as Shakespeare’s plays.
• How to support the mission of an organization financially.

Exemplification Essay Outline

It is essential to compose a rough exemplification essay outline before beginning the writing process. This will not only help a student save time later when writing but also assist in reviewing all examples before using them. You will see which evidence is suitable for your thesis and discard weak evidence. Consider this exemplification essay outline example :

• Topic sentence
• Explanation

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Exemplification Essay Introduction

An introduction to an exemplification essay is the first part of your writing task. This section provides readers with a clear view of what you will cover. Begin the introduction by giving a general or broad overview of the topic before narrowing it to a specific focus. The introduction of an exemplification essay does three crucial things:

• Gets the attention of the audience, as this keeps them interested in reading further. You should be engaging and focus on an original and fresh angle. Use stories, statistics, fascinating quotes, etc.
• Provides relevant background on the aim of your essay, as this helps readers see why you picked that topic and simplifies the transition toward your main point.
• Ends with a clear thesis statement.

Exemplification Essay Thesis Statement

The exemplification essay thesis is where you state the topic and aim of your paper in a sentence. A good thesis statement for exemplification essay will show the structure of your work and help readers understand the points to be discussed throughout the body. While your thesis is usually a single sentence, breaking it into two parts might be essential for complex topics. However, declare your thesis by stating your stand, and why you took that position. Ensure that the statement is specific and answers the question of your paper. A good thesis should make a debatable point, which means a point people might argue against and disagree with. Keep in mind that you cannot write an exemplification essay without a thesis, as the rest of your paper will lack clear structure and focus. If you make any changes in your essay during the writing process, make sure that the thesis is revised to reflect exactly what is discussed.

Exemplification Essay Body

The body of an exemplification essay is where you develop the main ideas fully. Each body paragraph must contain one key claim or idea, which you should support with relevant exemplification essay examples. Use specific evidence to clarify meanings without adding other generalizations. Ensure that all the examples are organized to generate maximum outcome. The information in the body forms the basis of your exemplification paper by helping you prove your thesis. A simple thesis statement requires a short body, while complex or long one requires a longer body. Structure each exemplification paragraph in the body of your paper in a way that establishes a vivid relationship between examples and points. Additionally, use appropriate transitional phrases or words such as “ a case in point ”, “ in addition ”, “ for instance ”, or “ specifically ”. Unimaginative transitions like “ this is my first example ” should be avoided.

Examples of Exemplification in Writing

Your writing will be more appealing and interesting if you provide a specific exemplification essay example. You can use different types of exemplification essay examples based on this list:

• Brief examples Include several examples to support the main claim completely. For instance, if a literature assignment requires you to discuss the theme of love in Shakespeare’s work , you will consider several examples from different plays.
• Extended examples Focus on one main example and discuss all the fine details associated with it. For instance, if your thesis is about how diversity should be practiced in an organization, using an example of a specific organization instead of focusing on several different ones is more useful.
• Personal examples You can recount your past personal experiences and incorporate them to support your ideas or claims.
• Hypothetical examples It is possible to create examples by observing events or looking at different facts. For instance, you can include a hypothetical example of what might happen in 2030 based on your overall argument.

Exemplification Essay Conclusion

Knowing how to write an exemplification essay is insufficient without understanding how the conclusion is written. The conclusion of an exemplification essay summarizes the main claims analyzed in the body of your work. Nevertheless, you should do more than this. You can reflect on the wider importance of your topic, explain why it is challenging to find a decisive stand on the posed question, raise another issue that can be analyzed later, or recommend or predict what will happen to the topic. When writing an exemplification essay concluding paragraph, start with general statements before being more specific towards the end. Initiate your conclusion essay by re-emphasizing your thesis before summarizing your key ideas, and finish off by highlighting the importance of your topic or recommending ideas to address the issue.

How to Write an Exemplification Essay Step-By-Step?

Up to this section, you understand what this type of writing is and have seen examples of topics and ways of structuring your work. Let us focus on the actual process of writing an exemplification essay. As with any task, you cannot just start doing it. Even though some people may try, it is not an effective way of composing a good paper. You need a plan as this makes your writing easier, faster, and with a better flow. Below are the eight steps on how to write a good exemplification essay.

1. Brainstorm Ideas

There is a high chance that you have a lot of ideas, thoughts, issues, and solutions you may want to analyze. Brainstorming helps extract an endless number of concepts for your exemplification essay by writing them down. Start with prompts, sentences, or words related to a specific subject area or focus, such as the environment, drugs, or technology, before jotting all phrases and words popping into your mind. You do not have to adhere to grammar, sentence structure, or spelling rules at this step. Brainstorm for about ten minutes, review your list, consider compelling exemplification essay topics , and select the one to focus on. This will help you write an exemplary essay later.

2. Conduct Research

Now that you have a topic for your exemplification essay, you must still decide on a specific matter that you can support with evidence. Therefore, conducting research is essential as it enables you to identify diverse angles and issues about your topic and determine a clear purpose for your writing task. Then, focus your research on this purpose, which will lead to taking a stand on the subject and choosing examples for your exemplification essay. Remember to use only credible sources during your investigation. Consider evidence such as published books by reliable authors, peer-reviewed journal articles from trustworthy databases such as ERIC or PUBMED, and primary sources such as newspaper articles, original speeches, and pieces of art.

3. Choose Relevant Examples

At this stage, create a list of material evidence related to the purpose of your paper. Begin by listing all examples passing through your mind. You will develop a narrow list later. Be sure to select only relevant pieces of evidence that align with your purpose and support your stand. You cannot select illustrations that contradict your objective. There are no rules to assist you in deciding the type of source that can be used in your work. Nonetheless, it is common for exemplification essays to combine several best sources and link them together fittingly. Consider an example of exemplification essay provided later in this blog for further clarification.

4. Create an Outline for Exemplification Essay

Once you have fully understood all the aspects of your writing task, identified your purpose, and collected enough examples, you can create a skeleton of your work or an outline. This involves organizing the details in a suitable structure, which will be used to write your exemplification essay. It is also the time in the writing process when you consider your position or thesis statement, which enables you to arrange the introduction, body, and conclusion sections for your main claim. Look at the example of an exemplification essay outline offered earlier. Use the provided information and structure to create your essay outline.

5. Come Up With an Exemplification Essay Thesis

Your exemplification writing will be incomplete without a thesis statement. It is what tells readers the theme you are exemplifying. But how do you write a thesis for an exemplification essay? If you have a topic, consider what you would say about it in your paper. Start with a general statement before specifying your main claim. Ensure your thesis is arguable. It should also tell your audience what they can expect in the body of your paper. Moreover, choose your words wisely by avoiding general and boring expressions such as good and cheap. Consider this exemplification essay thesis example:

Diversity within organizations drives innovation because of a variety of opinions, cultural backgrounds, and worldviews.

6. Write Exemplification Essay Body Paragraphs

Now that you have everything you need for the task, understanding how to write an exemplification essay body is essential in support of your main claim. The number of paragraphs in this section depends on the task instructions or points in your thesis. Each paragraph must be related to your main claim directly and contain at least one exemplification example. Arrange your paragraphs logically to avoid any confusion. Also, use transitional phrases and words to direct your readers throughout your exemplification essay. Your outline is useful at this stage as you can just fill in the sections. Consider these exemplification paragraph examples:

Example of the 1st body paragraph

The convenience of technology affects face-to-face communication negatively. Studies have found that participating in interpersonal interactions using the internet, such as through short messages, e-mails, social media, and chats, results in shallow exchanges, challenges establishing social support and impersonality (citation). This is because virtual communication lacks warmth, non-verbal cues, and does not require engagement.

Example of the 2nd body paragraph

One of the reasons cars are stolen is driver forgetfulness. For example, failure to lock car doors or leaving the engine running while the car keys are in the ignition give thieves an opening to steal easily. In turn, this shows that stupid mistakes increase the likelihood of car thefts.

7. Summarize an Exemplification Paper

It is also necessary to write an exemplification conclusion. This section contains a summary of your major ideas. Restating your arguments for the audience is important. Nonetheless, do not forget to use different words than that in the introduction and body. A conclusion should not look like an introduction. Remember to clarify the key takeaway for your audience or the implications of your argument. Look at this example of an exemplification essay conclusion:

The examples in this paper prove that technological advancements affect physical interactions between people adversely. People are increasingly reliant on tablets, phones, PCs, and other devices for communicating with family and friends while neglecting personal engagements. The long-term effect of technology on communication in society is still inconclusive. However, it is clear that the face-to-face interactions between people, as previously understood, have transformed for good.

8. Proofread Your Exemplification Essay

Feeling anxious about submitting your exemplification essay assignment is normal. Maybe you are not sure if you meet the task expectations. Understandably, you intend to deliver a perfect paper and avoid mistakes. Proofreading is an important phase as it helps correct blunders such as writing inconsistencies, vocabulary and sentence errors, the flow of points, and generalized errors. You can have your colleagues or friends do it for you but ensure that they are proficient in exemplification writing. Also, you need to verify your work personally to confirm that it is written clearly.

How to Structure an Exemplification Essay?

A major skill in writing exemplification essays is organization. Reflect on how you present the order of mini-points supporting your thesis statement. This is commonly called the order of importance, and you can organize an exemplification essay using one of the three techniques:

• Chronological Organize your ideas based on a time sequence.
• Ascending Arrange your points from the least important to the most important, as this leaves your audience with your strongest point. The ideas are developed gradually into a powerful message at the end of the paper.
• Descending Using this structure, you begin your main paragraphs in the body with stronger/compelling points and work down to the least important ideas gradually.

Be sure to check samples of exemplification essays and see how these structures are presented.

Exemplification Essay Examples

If you are still unsure of your knowledge of this kind of writing, it is a good practice to examine an exemplification essay sample and consider how perfectly written papers are composed. Nonetheless, ensure that any sample you access is written by a credible author and is approved by your instructor. Reading good examples of exemplification essay makes things easier during the writing process. A list of free exemplification essays examples is provided below.

Exemplification essay example 1

Exemplification essay example 2

Exemplification essay example 3

Exemplification essay example 4

Exemplification Essay Writing Tips

At this point, you should have a good understanding of how to write exemplification essay. Here are additional tips:

• Consider your audience. Think about how they feel about your main argument.
• Avoid vague statements and extensive generalizations in your exemplification essays. Rather, focus on specific details, evidence, or examples.
• Regarding your exemplification essay format, ensure to use only the specified style, e.g. MLA, APA style paper , etc.
• When selecting exemplification writing examples, do not depend too much on personal experiences as they lack enough support from others to be reliable. Use them as an enhancement of other reliable sources. They should not be your first choice of evidence.

Exemplification Essay Checklist

The ideas discussed in this article aim to help you write an exemplification essay correctly. You can also learn more about the conventions and principles of an exemplification essay by looking at a sample of an exemplification essay provided earlier. Here is a checklist of other points to remember:

• checkbox What is your main point?
• checkbox Do you have a thesis statement?
• checkbox Are your topic sentences related to your thesis? Are they to the point?
• checkbox Is the first sentence of your introduction engaging and interesting?
• checkbox Does each body paragraph have at least one clear example, have enough information about it, and contain a transition sentence?
• checkbox Have you summarized key ideas in your conclusion?
• checkbox Have you cited all your sources according to the specified style?

Bottom Line on Writing an Exemplification Essay

Reaching this far means that you know what is exemplification in writing and can comfortably compose a compelling and interesting paper. Other important points include structuring your essay and how to write a good exemplification essay. Grasping these ideas requires that you practice writing regularly and apply them throughout the entire process. But if you still find it challenging to start, you can find free exemplification essay example in pdf and observe how ideas in this article are applied. Be sure to use the information provided here as a reliable reference whenever you face difficulties or are stuck somewhere during the actual writing.

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FAQ About Exemplification Essays

1. what is exemplification.

Exemplification refers to the use of examples or evidence to make abstract concepts more concrete and broad statements more explicit. We do not believe others just because they said something. We want clarification or proof, and exemplification is how you offer the proof.

2. What is the purpose of exemplification writing?

The goal of exemplification writing is to demonstrate something using vivid and specific examples. This adds additional information to describe, define, persuade, or show a general concept. Examples enable audiences to understand the intended meaning clearly. The key is using enough details and relevant examples.

3. What are characteristics of an exemplification essay?

These are the exemplification essay characteristics:

• Generalization of an issue or statement of the controlling idea/thesis.
• Use of applicable and detailed examples to offer more explanation in support of the thesis.
• Examples should be enough and be organized logically.
• The generalization should be well-researched.

4. How to start an exemplification essay?

Start an exemplification essay with an attention grabber or a hook before introducing your topic and giving background information about it. The hook engages your audience and keeps them reading to find out more information. You should then state your generalization or thesis statement.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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