Purpose of examples
What is one main reason writers use examples in an essay?
What is
To support the main point.
What should every example connect to?
What is
The main point.
What is the second biggest problem in example essays?
What is
Lack of coherence or poor flow
What did some people do when they saw Staples walking at night?
What is
Crossed to the other side of the street.
What does a thesis do?
What is
State the main idea.
How do examples help clarify writing?
What is
They explain abstract or general statements clearly.
What kind of examples should you choose?
What is
Relevant examples.
Why is coherence important?
What is
It helps ideas make sense.
Name one example Staples uses to illustrate people’s fear of him.
What is
People locked their car doors as he walked past.
What do “anecdotes, details, and observations” help create?
What is
Clear and specific examples.
What effect do well-chosen examples have on reader interest?
What is
They add vivid details that hold the reader’s attention.
What types of examples are best for convincing readers?
What is
Strong and clear
What happens when you use vague statements?
What is
Readers get confused.
How much did ESL student numbers grow in Massachusetts?
What Is
Over 20%
What should you avoid when writing an example essay?
What is
Vague statements and poor details.
Why are general statements not enough?
What is
They don’t explain anything.
What does Staples claim he became “thoroughly familiar with”?
What is
The language of fear.
What happens when a writer uses general statements without examples?
What is
The writing becomes unconvincing and unclear.
How many Massachusetts students lacked English proficiency in 2010?
What is
57,000 students.
What does the powerpoint say writers should consider when choosing between a few short examples or one long one?
What is
They should judge which option will better support and explain their major points.
How can examples persuade people?
What is
They prove your point.
What is the biggest problem in example essays?
What is
Not enough specific detail.
Why should examples be precise rather than vague?
What is
Precision shows how and why the general point is true.
What is Staples’ essay mainly showing through his examples?
What is
Racial profiling.
When deciding how many examples to include, what question should writers ask themselves?
What is
“If I were the reader, would I be convinced with these examples?”