chapter 8 - exemplification

Peer editing worksheet

1. What strategy does the writer use in the essay's introduction? 2. What is the essay's thesis? 3. What specific points do the body paragraphs make?

In order of increasing complexity

Beginning with the simplest and moving to the most difficult or complex

In order of importance

Beginning with those that are less significant and moving to those that are most significant or persuasive

Chronologically

Beginning with those that occurred first and moving to those that occurred later

Statistical study

Collecting and interpreting numerical data representing a great many examples.

Revision checklist

Does your assignment call for exemplification? Have you provided enough examples? Are your examples persuasive?

Editing checklist

Have you used commas to separate three or more items in a sequence? Have you made sure not to use a comma after the last element in a series? Are all elements in a series stated in parallel terms?

Thesis statement

Makes a point that the rest of the essay will support with examples

Body paragraph

May develop a separate example each, present a point illustrated by several brief examples, or explore one aspect of a single extended example that is developed throughout the essay

Points for special attention

Organization, enough examples, range of examples, and effective examples

Conclusion

Reinforces the essay's main idea, perhaps restating the thesis

Persuasive examples

To support a thesis convincingly, examples should convey specific information, not generalizations

Exemplification

Uses one or more particular cases, or examples, to illustrate or explain a general point or an abstract concept