Understand What Illustration Is

Illustration

Writing That Shows Examples

Understand What Illustration Is

Illustration is writing that uses examples to show, explain, or prove a point.

Four Basics of Good Illustration

  1. It has a point.
  2. It gives specific examples to show, explain, or prove the point.
  3. It gives details to support the examples.
  4. It uses enough examples to get the point across to the reader.

In the following paragraph, each number corresponds to one of the Four Basics of Good Illustration.

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Whenever we explain something, we use examples to show what we mean. Here are some ways you might use illustration.

COLLEGE In a criminal justice course, you discuss and give examples of the most common criminal violations.
WORK Your written self-evaluation for work includes specific and measurable examples of how well (or poorly) you performed.
EVERYDAY LIFE You take your car to a mechanic and give him or her examples that show how the car is not running properly.