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If you are planning to write an exemplification essay as part of your college assignment for the first time, it can be a challenge. From exemplification essay outline to the way you research the topic, every aspect of it needs practice. Here we shall take you through the basics of writing a captivating exemplification essay and also share an essay outline example.
What Is an Exemplification Essay?
Before we get started with discussing the outline and tips for an exemplification essay, it is important to figure out what such essays are. Exemplification essays are analytical or argumentative essays where the author uses stats, images, examples, quotations, etc. to prove their thesis. For example, if you are writing an exemplification essay on climate change, you will need to show the adverse effects of climate change in terms of increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, increased instances of forest fires, etc. to establish your arguments.
Exemplification Essay Topics
When you decided to write an Exemplification Essay it is important to choose the topic first. There is a common notion to choose topics that are popular in the contemporary world and are being debated. Though this would seem to be the right approach given that your target readers may already have a fair idea about the topic, you should choose a topic that meets three important criteria –
- Interest– This is the first and the most important criterion while choosing a topic. As a thumb rule, you should focus on your interest. Picking a topic that doesn’t interest you or you lack knowledge in that subject can be dangerous. Let’s take the example of Artificial Intelligence which is being widely debated. If you don’t have an interest in technology, the lack of knowledge and hollowness of your argument would come out. It is wise to avoid the bait and come up with a substandard essay.
- Research– There should be ample scope of research on the topic, and you must have easy access to information. In an Internet-driven world, this may not seem like an issue, but you must know what to look for and where to look to find out the most authentic facts and figures.
- Arguments– You must choose a topic that offers you ample scope for building your arguments. It is important to shortlist a few topics and do your research before you zero in on one.
There are several topics you can choose from for your exemplification essay, and these can be divided into the following categories –
- Political Topics– These are topics that deal with governments, democracies, laws and their effects on the people. From immigration laws to political violence and policy changes, there is ample scope for you to place your arguments.
- Technology Topics –Technology has always amazed people and changed our lives. And you will never be short of options arguing about technology. Artificial intelligence, the effects of social media on humans, the use of technology to prevent crime, and employing fake news in political campaigns are some of the most popular topics in this domain.
- Educational Topics – This would be close to your heart as a student and you can write essays on subjects such as the importance of value education, advantages of learning foreign languages, whether higher education is exaggerated, etc. as part of your thesis.
- Social Topics – These are widely popular these days all thanks to social media as more people engage in conversations than before. From climate change to the right to abortion and social inequality to racism in the corridors of power, you have enough opportunity to express your thoughts.
- Cultural Topics – These topics focus on the world of art and culture. How promoting art can create jobs to how art can break religious and cultural barriers, these essays let you speak your mind to the reader.
Exemplification Essay Outline
An exemplification paper follows the standard essay structure where you have the introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, you need to have an attention-grabbing hook that can be a question or startling data. This would be followed by your thesis statement where you establish the main claim of your argument.
The body is the most important part of your essay where you unravel your argument one by one. A typical exemplification paragraph is followed by an example where you share stats, data, or quotations from people who have authority on the subject. This is important as without facts and figures it would be difficult to establish your claim in the mind of the reader.
The last part of your essay is the conclusion where you summarize all the arguments that you have made and also write a logical conclusion that firmly establishes the argument you had started with at the beginning of the essay.
Here’s the standard layout for exemplification in writing
Introduction
- Hook
- Thesis
Body
- First Argument and then Examples
- Second Argument and then Examples
- Third Argument and then Examples
Conclusion
- Summarize the Findings
- Final Statement
Exemplification Essay Body
This is the most important part of your essay as you will be establishing the arguments you have made in the introduction. It is important to plan out specific points for the body that support the thesis statement you made. It is important to prioritize the statements you have made in the opening argument. As a pro tip, you should start with the weakest argument first and place the strongest one just above the conclusion. Every argument you make should be backed by examples.
How to Write an Exemplification Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this step-by-step guide, we take you through the very basics of writing an exemplification essay.
- Choose A Topic Wisely– The choice of topic is very important, and you should choose one that is close to your heart, and you have expertise. It should be relevant to your readers and shed new light on the area.
- Research & Organize Material– Research thoroughly and collect information and materials. Make sure the sources you are using for the material are credible. Organize the material to ensure you have easy access while writing.
- Make an Outline–We have already discussed the exemplification essay outline earlier and you should create the outline before authoring the essay as this would save you a lot of effort while drafting the essay.
- Write Your Essay– When you have all the information in place along with facts and figures you should get started with writing the essay. Make sure you are establishing the argument well and grabbing the attention of the reader.
- Proofread Your Essay–This is one of the most important stages of essay writing and is mostly overlooked. Take time to proofread the essay thoroughly to correct your mistake and present the final draft for submission.
Exemplification Essay Writing Tips
- Establish all your arguments with facts and examples. Arguments without examples would be treated as your narrative
- Focus on research and cite every reference used correctly. In case you are using citations give credit or else you may be accused of plagiarism.
- Check all the facts and stats that you use in your essay. Make sure you are using primary sources for all your data and avoid random stuff available on the Internet.
- Ensure that the thesis is proven well in the paper as this is the most important part of your essay. Your references and examples shouldn’t contradict your argument.
- Use examples that grab attention and make your paper an interesting read. You need to offer something new to the audience that they already don’t know.
Final Thoughts
In this detailed guide, we have covered all that you need to know about an exemplification essay. We hope this would help you captivate your readers with the next exemplification essay.
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FAQs
How many paragraphs should there be in an exemplification essay?
There are no standards on the number of paragraphs in such essays and it depends on the topic you choose and the arguments you make. Most students follow a 5-exemplification paragraph structure.
How to start an exemplification essay?
Starting with a question, an anecdote, stat or quotation is the best way to grab the attention of your reader.
Can I seek professional help for exemplification essays?
Yes, you can get your exemplification essay written by experts. If you lack time or confidence to write a thought-provoking essay, it would be wise to seek the help of a professional agency.
Summary: In this write-up, we look at the basics of exemplification essays and discuss the outlines and examples of these essays with the best writing tips.