General
What is illustration/exemplification?
A rhetorical mode that gives examples that clarify what you are trying to say.
Do writers have to use examples?
Yes! It is not enough to generalize that "such and such" is the case, as you might do in usual chat.
What are the two criteria an illustration must meet?
It must be real, and specific!
My teacher is pretty cool! He wore a yellow shirt.
This is not a good use of exemplification. The reader is confused about why wearing a yellow shirt makes the teacher cool.
Does an illustration consist of one item, a list of items, or an extended example?
An illustration can consist of all 3!
Is an illustration usually paired on its own?
No. Illustration is often used with definition, description, and classification.
How should an illustration be incorporated into a persuasive paper?
It should be clearly introduced, and contextually linked to the point it is intended to support.
Sheila's mom is super strict. She makes her kids be in bed by no later than 9:17 or else they do not get their vegan waffles in the morning.
This is a good example of exemplification. The detail about bedtime supports the fact that Sheila's mom is strict.
Can an illustration be visual? If so, give examples. If not, state why.
Yes! Pictures, charts, maps, graphs are all examples of visual illustrations.
When is illustration especially effective?
In a persuasive argument.
What should you beware of when using illustrations?
"Plunging" too abruptly. Not putting it into context, can leave the reader confused.
Your arteries and veins are like roads.
This is not a good example. Although an illustration is used to simplify the concept of arteries and veins, there needs to be more explanation on why they are like roads.
What are some ways you can identify an illustration/example?
If it comes after an introductory phrase (for example, for instance), or if it comes before or after the main point of an argument.
What rhetorical appeal does illustration/exemplification affect the most?
Logos!
How can exemplification/illustration reflect a writer's style?
How often examples are used, and where they are used, can reveal the author's style and choices.
You can do almost anything for your project: a movie, a skit, a poster, a presentation or even a Tik Tok!
This is a good example. Here there's a list of items that the author used as examples of what the project could be.