Exemplification
and
Process analysis
What is exemplification
essay?
The essay that clarifies and illustrates a certain point by using
examples
Usually examples clarify by
1- making the general more specific
Or
2- showing that something is true.
Living in a high-tech society has its drawbacks. For example, our
devices have become so complicated that many people can no
longer operate them. I don’t know anyone who can program a
DVD recorder or figure out how to get the message light to stop
blinking on an answering machine after a power outage.
In several cities it is a crime to sleep in public; in some, armrests
have been inserted in the middle of park benches to make it
impossible for homeless people to lie down.
What is the job of specific examples?
1- to clarify a certain point
To add interest
To persuade readers
Writers use examples, even when they use other patterns of
development.
When your essay is primarily using examples, you are using
exemplification.
Purposes of using
exemplification
1- entertain
Ex. (How to lose a friend in ten days)
2- relate experience and express feelings
Ex. (How black children suffer from discrimination at schools)
3- inform
Ex. (How to find a job)
4- persuade
Ex. (How to support taxes)
Supporting details can come from a variety of sources:
Personal experience
Observations
General knowledge
Class lectures
Reading research
Hypothetical examples
An example can take the form of description, narration or
explanation.
Organizing details
1- progressive order (from the least to the most compelling
examples)
Ex. (what I have learned from men)
2- chronological (time) order
Ex. (how a particular politician's record is problematic)
3- spatial order
Ex. (how the college campus is not suitable for the physically
disabled)
Food for thought p.218
Identify the thesis statement. Is the generalisation clearly stated
or is implied?
Determine the purpose.
Do the examples clarify the generalization and/or show that it is
true?
Are the examples enough and are they developed in enough
details?
What do you think of the author’s word choice?
What is the order used in arranging examples?
Process analysis
It explains how something works, how
something is done, or how something is
made.
There are two kinds of process analysis:
1-directional process analysis
2-explanatory process analysis
Directional process analysis gives the step in a procedure the
reader may want to perform.
Ex. (How to write a CV)
Explanatory process analysis gives an explanation of the steps in
a procedure which will not be performed by the reader.
Ex. (How airplanes are made)
Imperative and
declarative sentences
Imperative sentence gives a directive. Its subject is (YOU), which
can be stated or unstated.
Ex. Beat the three eggs and add the sugar.
Declarative sentence makes a statement. Its subject which is
stated, ca be a noun or pronoun.
Ex. The eggs and the sugar are mixed together.
Using process analysis
for a purpose
1- entertain
2-inform ) how to install a computer program)
3- relate experience and convey feelings (How I prepared for my
wedding day)
4- persuade readers (How to to become an animal rescuer)
Supporting details
The primary details are the steps in the process
How the step is performed
Why the step is important
Use of examples
Use of description
Organizing details
Details are arranged in a chronological order
Transitions used:
First, Now,
Next, After that Finally,
A Visit to Candyland
277
Identify the thesis statement (what is the process explained and
its importance)
Determine the purpose
Is it directional and/or explanatory process analysis?
Does the writer explain how steps are performed, why some are
important, what not to do?
Does he provide examples and describe?
What is the order used? Cite some transitions
