using and citing illustrations in essays

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10.2 Illustration

Learning objectives.

Determine the purpose and structure of the illustration essay.
Understand how to write an illustration essay.

The Purpose of Illustration in Writing

To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effective illustration essay clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence.

As you learned in Chapter 9 “Writing Essays: From Start to Finish” , the controlling idea of an essay is called a thesis . A writer can use different types of evidence to support his or her thesis. Using scientific studies, experts in a particular field, statistics, historical events, current events, analogies, and personal anecdotes are all ways in which a writer can illustrate a thesis. Ultimately, you want the evidence to help the reader “see” your point, as one would see a good illustration in a magazine or on a website. The stronger your evidence is, the more clearly the reader will consider your point.

Using evidence effectively can be challenging, though. The evidence you choose will usually depend on your subject and who your reader is (your audience). When writing an illustration essay, keep in mind the following:

Use evidence that is appropriate to your topic as well as appropriate for your audience.
Assess how much evidence you need to adequately explain your point depending on the complexity of the subject and the knowledge of your audience regarding that subject.

For example, if you were writing about a new communication software and your audience was a group of English-major undergrads, you might want to use an analogy or a personal story to illustrate how the software worked. You might also choose to add a few more pieces of evidence to make sure the audience understands your point. However, if you were writing about the same subject and you audience members were information technology (IT) specialists, you would likely use more technical evidence because they would be familiar with the subject.

Keeping in mind your subject in relation to your audience will increase your chances of effectively illustrating your point.

You never want to insult your readers’ intelligence by overexplaining concepts the audience members may already be familiar with, but it may be necessary to clearly articulate your point. When in doubt, add an extra example to illustrate your idea.

On a separate piece of paper, form a thesis based on each of the following three topics. Then list the types of evidence that would best explain your point for each of the two audiences.

Topic: Combat and mental health

Audience: family members of veterans, doctors

Topic: Video games and teen violence

Audience: parents, children

Topic: Architecture and earthquakes

Audience: engineers, local townspeople

The Structure of an Illustration Essay

The controlling idea, or thesis, belongs at the beginning of the essay. Evidence is then presented in the essay’s body paragraphs to support the thesis. You can start supporting your main point with your strongest evidence first, or you can start with evidence of lesser importance and have the essay build to increasingly stronger evidence. This type of organization— order of importance —you learned about in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” and Chapter 9 “Writing Essays: From Start to Finish” .

The time transition words listed in Table 10.1 “Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time” are also helpful in ordering the presentation of evidence. Words like first , second , third , currently , next , and finally all help orient the reader and sequence evidence clearly. Because an illustration essay uses so many examples, it is also helpful to have a list of words and phrases to present each piece of evidence. Table 10.2 “Phrases of Illustration” provides a list of phrases for illustration.

Table 10.2 Phrases of Illustration

Vary the phrases of illustration you use. Do not rely on just one. Variety in choice of words and phrasing is critical when trying to keep readers engaged in your writing and your ideas.

Writing at Work

In the workplace, it is often helpful to keep the phrases of illustration in mind as a way to incorporate them whenever you can. Whether you are writing out directives that colleagues will have to follow or requesting a new product or service from another company, making a conscious effort to incorporate a phrase of illustration will force you to provide examples of what you mean.

On a separate sheet of paper, form a thesis based on one of the following topics. Then support that thesis with three pieces of evidence. Make sure to use a different phrase of illustration to introduce each piece of evidence you choose.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Discuss which topic you like the best or would like to learn more about. Indicate which thesis statement you perceive as the most effective.

Writing an Illustration Essay

First, decide on a topic that you feel interested in writing about. Then create an interesting introduction to engage the reader. The main point, or thesis, should be stated at the end of the introduction.

Gather evidence that is appropriate to both your subject and your audience. You can order the evidence in terms of importance, either from least important to most important or from most important to least important. Be sure to fully explain all of your examples using strong, clear supporting details. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample illustration essay.

On a separate sheet of paper, write a five-paragraph illustration essay. You can choose one of the topics from Note 10.23 “Exercise 1” or Note 10.27 “Exercise 2” , or you can choose your own.

Key Takeaways

An illustration essay clearly explains a main point using evidence.
When choosing evidence, always gauge whether the evidence is appropriate for the subject as well as the audience.
Organize the evidence in terms of importance, either from least important to most important or from most important to least important.
Use time transitions to order evidence.
Use phrases of illustration to call out examples.

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Writing Tips

How and When to Use Images in an Essay

3-minute read

15th December 2018

Pages of text alone can look quite boring. And while you might think that ‘boring’ is normal for an essay, it doesn’t have to be. Using images and charts in an essay can make your document more visually interesting. It can even help you earn better grades if done right!

Here, then, is our guide on how to use images in an academic essay .

How to Use Images in an Essay

Usually, you will only need to add an image in academic writing if it serves a specific purpose (e.g. illustrating your argument). Even then, you need to make sure images are presently correctly. As such, try asking yourself the following questions whenever you add an image in an essay:

Does it add anything useful? Any image or chart you include in your work should help you make your argument or explain a point more clearly. For instance, if you are analysing a film, you may need to include a still from a scene to illustrate a point you are making.
Is the image clearly labelled? All images in your essay should come with clear captions (e.g. ‘Figure 1’ plus a title or description). Without these, your reader may not know how images relate to the surrounding text.
Have you mentioned the image in the text? Make sure to directly reference the image in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of ‘An example of this can be seen in Figure 1’.

The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the arguments you make in the text.

Citing Images and Illustrations

If you have created all the images and charts you want to use in your essay, then all you need to do is label them clearly (as described above). But if you want to use an image found somewhere else in your work, you will need to cite your source as well, just as you would when quoting someone.

The exact format for this will depend on the referencing system you’re using. However, with author–date referencing, it usually involves giving the source author’s name and a year of publication:

In the caption above, for example, we have cited the paper containing the image and the page it is on. We would then need to add the paper to the reference list at the end of the document:

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Gramblička, S., Kohar, R., & Stopka, M. (2017). Dynamic analysis of mechanical conveyor drive system. Procedia Engineering , 192, 259–264. DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.06.045

You can also cite an image directly if it not part of a larger publication or document. If we wanted to cite an image found online in APA referencing , for example, we would use the following format:

Surname, Initial(s). (Role). (Year). Title or description of image [Image format]. Retrieved from URL.

In practice, then, we could cite a photograph as follows:

Booth, S. (Photographer). (2014). Passengers [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebooth/35470947736/in/pool-best100only/

Make sure to check your style guide for which referencing system to use.

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Illustration/Example

Kirk Fontenot

Student Learning Outcomes

Characterize the purpose of the illustration/example essay
Determine the best structure for the illustration/example essay
Compose an illustration/example essay

Introduction to Illustration/Example

To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effective illustration essay clearly demonstrates and supports a point using examples and evidence . Ultimately, you want the evidence to help the reader “see” your point, as one would see a good illustration in a magazine or on a website. The stronger your evidence is, the more clearly the reader will consider your point.

Illustration/example writing simply means using specific examples to illustrate your point. Every essay has a point called the thesis statement . The thesis statement is the point you’re trying to make, stated clearly in one sentence. The rest of the essay is all about proving that point using different types of evidence.

The key to illustration/example is to use specific examples. General statements don’t make much of an impact on our reader; in other words, they’re boring. No one wants to read a boring essay, so why would you want to write one?

When thinking of examples, don’t try to come up with examples that can apply to everyone and every situation; these are general (i.e., boring) examples. Instead, think of specific, personal, interesting, unique examples.

Here’s an example of general writing that we should avoid:

There’s nothing wrong with this writing grammatically, but it’s boring .

Compare this to more specific writing:

The second example is specific, personal, and more interesting. The writer names specific restaurants and specific foods.

Illustration/example is an important rhetorical mode because specific examples are always a great way to make an essay more interesting, no matter what the writing prompt. In fact, if a rough draft of an essay is ever too short, don’t ever add filler; instead, add specific examples to get to the right length.

To make an essay more interesting, we can add:

Hypothetical examples that we make up
Real-life specific examples from personal experience (when appropriate)
Interesting examples that we read about

In this module, you will develop your skills in illustration/example writing.

The Purpose of Illustration in Writing

To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effective illustration essay, also known as an example essay, clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence.

The controlling idea of an essay is called a thesis. A writer can use different types of evidence to support their thesis. Using scientific studies, experts in a particular field, statistics, historical events, current events, analogies, and personal anecdotes are all ways in which a writer can illustrate a thesis. Ultimately, you want the evidence to help the reader “see” your point, as one would see a good illustration in a magazine or on a website. The stronger your evidence is, the more clearly the reader will consider your point.

Use evidence that is appropriate to your topic as well as appropriate for your audience.
Ask yourself: How much evidence do you need to adequately explain your point? Consider how complex your subject is and how much background your audience may already have.

For example, if you were writing about a new communication software and your audience was a group of English major undergrads, you might want to use an analogy or a personal story to illustrate how the software worked. You might also choose to add a few more pieces of evidence to make sure the audience understands your point.

However, if you were writing about the same subject and your audience members were information technology (IT) specialists, you would likely use more technical evidence because they would be familiar with the subject.

Keeping your audience in mind will increase your chances of effectively illustrating your point.

The Structure of an Illustration Essay

Transition words are also helpful in ordering the presentation of evidence. Words like first , second , third , currently , next , and finally all help orient the reader and sequence evidence clearly. Because an illustration essay uses so many examples, it is also helpful to have a list of words and phrases to present each piece of evidence. Certain transitional words and phrases aid in keeping the reader oriented in the sequencing of a story. Some of these phrases are listed here:

Phrases of Illustration

case in point for example

for instance in particular

in this case one example/another example

specifically to illustrate

Vary the phrases of illustration you use. Do not rely on just one. Variety in choice of words and phrasing is critical when trying to keep readers engaged in your writing and your ideas.

Writing an Illustration Essay

Professional Illustration/Example Writing

In “April & Paris,” writer David Sedaris explores the unique impact of animals on the human psyche. Click on the link to view the essay “April & Paris” by David Sedaris or read it below.

April & Paris by David Sedaris

While watching TV one recent evening, I stumbled upon a nature program devoted to the subject of making nature programs. The cameraman’s job was to catch a bird of paradise in full display, so he dug himself a hole, covered it with branches, and sat inside it for three weeks. This was in New Guinea, where the people used to wear sexy loincloths but now stand around in T-shirts reading “I survived the 2002 IPC Corporate Challenge Weekend.” A villager might wear a pair of gym shorts and then add a fanny pack or a sun visor with the name of a riverboat casino stitched onto the brim. I suppose that these things came from a relief organization. Either that or a cruise ship went down and this was what had washed up onshore.

I’ll wager that quite a few sun visors found their way to Southeast Asia after the tsunami. One brutal news story after another, and it went on for weeks. The phone numbers of aid organizations would skitter across the bottom of the TV screen, and I recall thinking that if they wanted serious donations they ought to show a puppy. People I know, people who had never before contributed to charity, emptied their pockets when a cocker spaniel was shown standing on a rooftop after Hurricane Katrina hit, eight months later. “What choice did I have?” they asked. “That poor little thing looked into the camera and penetrated my very soul.”

The eyes of the stranded grandmother, I noted, were not half as piercing. There she was, clinging to a chimney with her bra strap showing, and all anyone did was wonder if she had a dog. “I’d hate to think there’s a Scotty in her house, maybe trapped on the first floor. What’s the number of that canine-rescue agency?”

Saying that this was everyone’s reaction is, of course, an exaggeration. There were cat people, too, and those whose hearts went out to the abandoned reptiles. The sight of an iguana sailing down the street on top of a refrigerator sent a herpetologist friend over the edge. “She seems to be saying, ‘Where’s my master?'” he speculated. “‘Here it is, time for our daily cuddle and I’m stuck on the S.S. Whirlpool!!'”

I’ve often heard that anthropomorphizing an animal is the worst injustice you can do to it. That said, I’m as guilty of it as anyone. In childhood stories, the snail might grab her purse and dash out the door to put money in the meter. The rabbit cries when the blue jay makes fun of her buckteeth. The mouse loves his sister but not that way. They’re just like us! we think.

Certain nature shows only add to this misconception, but that, to me, is why they’re so addictive. Take “Growing Up Camel,” a program my friend Ronnie and I watched one evening. It was set in a small, privately owned zoo somewhere in Massachusetts. The camel in question was named Patsy, and the narrator reminded us several times that she had been born on Super Bowl Sunday. While still an infant (the football stadium probably not even cleared yet), she was taken from her mother. Now she was practically grown, and the narrator announced a reunion: “Today Patsy has reached what may be the biggest milestone in her life—moving back in with her mom.”

In the next segment, the two were reintroduced, and the grumpy old mother chased her daughter around the pen. When the opportunity arose, she bit Patsy on the backside, and pretty hard, it seemed to me. This was the camels not getting along and it wasn’t too terribly different from the way they acted when they did get along.

When the next break approached, the narrator hooked us with “When we continue, a heartbreaking event that will change Patsy’s life forever.”

I’d have put my money on an amputated leg, but it turned out to be nothing that dramatic. What happened was that the mother got bone cancer and died. The veterinarian took it hard, but Patsy didn’t seem to care one way or another, and why would she, really? All her mom ever did was browbeat her and steal her food, so wasn’t she better off on her own?

The zookeepers worried that if Patsy were left alone she would forget how to be a camel, and so they imported some company, a male named Josh and his girlfriend, Josie, who were shipped in from Texas. The final shot was of the three of them, standing in the sunshine and serenely ignoring one another. Ronnie cleared her throat and said, “So that’s what became of the little camel who was born on Super Bowl Sunday.” She turned on the light and looked me in the face. “Are you crying?”

I told her I had an ash in my eye.

“Growing Up Camel” had its merits, but I think I prefer the more serious kind of nature show, the kind that follows its subject through the wild. This could be a forest, a puddle, or a human intestinal tract, it makes no difference. Show me a tiger or show me a tapeworm, and I’ll watch with equal intensity. In this sort of program we see the creature’s world reduced to its basic components: food, safety, and reproduction. It’s a constant chain of desperation and heartache, the gist being that life is hard, and then it ends violently. I know I should watch these things with an air of detachment, but time and again I forget myself. The show will run its course, and afterward I’ll lie on the sofa, shattered by the death of a doda or a guib, one of those four-letter antelope-type things which are forever turning up in my crossword puzzles.

Apart from leaving me spent and depressed, such programs remind me that I am rarely, if ever, alone. If there’s not an insect killing time on the ceiling, there’s surely a mite staring out from the bath towel, or a parasite resting on the banks of my bloodstream. I’m reminded, too, that, however repellent, each of these creatures is fascinating, and worthy of a miniseries.

This was a lesson I learned a few summers back, in Normandy. I was at my desk one afternoon writing a letter when I heard a faint buzzing sound, like a tiny car switching into a higher gear. Curious, I went to the window, and there, in a web, I saw what looked like an angry raisin. It was a trapped fly, and as I bent forward to get a closer look a spider rushed forth, and carried it screaming to a little woven encampment situated between the wall and the window casing. It was like watching someone you hate getting mugged: three seconds of hardcore violence, and when it was over you just wanted it to happen again.

It’s hard to recall having no working knowledge of the Tegenaria duellica, but that’s what I was back then—a greenhorn with a third-rate field guide. All I knew was that this was a spider, a big one, the shape of an unshelled peanut. In color it ranged from russet to dark brown, the shades alternating to form a mottled pattern on the abdomen. I later learned that the Tegenaria can live for up to two years, and that this was an adult female. At that moment, though, as I stood at the window with my mouth hanging open, all I recognized was a profound sense of wonder.

How had I spent so much time in that house and never realized what was going on around me? If the Tegenaria barked or went after my food, I might have picked up on them earlier, but, as it was, they were as quiet and unobtrusive as Amish farmers. Outside mating season, they pretty much stayed put, a far cry from the Carolina wolf spiders I grew up with. Those had been hunters rather than trappers. Big shaggy things the size of a baby’s hand, they roamed the basement of my parents’ house, and evoked from my sisters the prolonged, spine-tingling screams called for in movies when the mummy invades the delicate lady’s dressing room. “Kill it!” they’d yell, and then I’d hear a half-dozen shoes hitting the linoleum, followed by a world atlas or maybe a piano stool—whatever was heavy and close at hand.

I was put off by the wolf spiders as well, but never thought that they were out to get me. For starters, they didn’t seem that organized. Then, too, I figured they had their own lives to lead. This was an attitude I picked up from my father, who squashed nothing that was not directly related to him. “You girls,” he’d say, and no matter how big the thing was he’d scoot it onto a newspaper and release it outside. Come bedtime, I’d knock on my sisters’ door and predict that the spider was now crawling to the top of the house, where he’d take a short breather before heading down the chimney. “I read in the encyclopedia that this particular breed is known for its tracking ability, and that once they’ve pegged their victims almost nothing will stop them. Anyway, good night.”

My sisters would have been horrified by the house in Normandy, as would most people, probably. Even before I joined the American Arachnological Society, the place looked haunted, cobwebs sagging like campaign bunting from the rafters and curtain rods. If one was in my way, I’d knock it down. But that all changed when I discovered that first Tegenaria—April, I called her. After writing her name on an index card and taping it to the wall, I found my interest spreading to her neighbors. The window they lived in was like a tenement building, one household atop another, on either side of the frame. Above April was Marty, and then Curtis and Paula. Across the way were Linda, Russell, Big Chief Tommy, and a sexless little speck of a thing I decided to call Leslie. And this was just one window.

Seeing as I’d already broken the No. 1 rule of a good nature documentary —not to give names to your subjects—I went ahead and broke the next one, which was not to get involved in their lives. “Manipulating,” my boyfriend, Hugh, would call it, but, to my mind, that was a bit too mad scientist. Manipulating is cross-breeding, or setting up death matches with centipedes. What I was doing was simply called feeding.

No Tegenaria, or at least none that I’ve observed, wants anything to do with a dead insect, even a freshly dead one. A spider’s food needs to be alive and struggling, and because our house was overrun, and I had some time on my hands, I decided to help out. In my opinion, the best place to catch flies is against a windowpane. Something about the glass seems to confuse them, and they get even dopier when you come at them with an open jar. Once one was in, I’d screw on the lid and act like I was shaking a cocktail. The little body would slam against the sides, and, as Hugh went progressively Gandhi on me, I’d remind him that these were pests, disease carriers who feasted upon the dead, and then came indoors to dance on our silverware. “I mean, come on,” I said. “You can’t feel sorry for everything.”

The Tegenaria build what I soon learned to call “horizontal sheet webs”—dense trampoline-like structures that are most often triangular, and range in size from that of a folded handkerchief to that of a placemat. Once my prey was good and woozy, I’d unscrew the lid, and tip the jar toward the waiting spider. The fly would drop, and, after lying still for a moment or two, it would begin to twitch and rouse itself, a cartoon drunk coming to after a long night. “What the fuck…?” I imagined it saying. Then it would notice the wings and foreheads of earlier victims. “I’ve got to get out of here.” A whisper of footsteps off in the distance, and just as the fly tasted futility, the monster was upon it.

“And cut!” I would yell.

Watching this spectacle became addictive, and so, in turn, did catching flies. There were days when I’d throw a good three dozen of them to their deaths—this at the expense of everything else I was supposed to be doing. As the spiders moved from healthy to obese, their feet tore holes in their webs. Running became a chore, and I think their legs started chafing. By this point, there was no denying my emotional attachment. There were nights that first summer when I’d get out of bed at 3 A.M. and wander into my office with a flashlight. Everyone would be wide-awake, but it was always April that I singled out. If I thought about her a hundred times a day, it seemed only fair that she thought about me as well. My name, my face: I didn’t expect these things to register, but, in the way that a body feels the warmth of the sun, I fully imagined that she sensed my presence, and missed it when I was away.

“That’s all right,” I’d tell her. “It’s only me.” Often, I’d take out my magnifying glass and stare into the chaos that was her face.

Most people would have found it grotesque, but when you’re in love nothing is so abstract or horrible that it can’t be thought of as cute. It slayed me that she had eight eyes, and that none of them seemed to do her any good. They were more like decoration, really, a splay of beads crowded above her chelicerae. These were what she used to grip her prey, and if you looked at her the right way you could see them as a pair of enormous buckteeth. This made her appear goofy rather than scary, though I’d never have said so in her presence. For a Tegenaria, she was quite attractive, and I was glad to see that Principal Hodges shared my view. He was a freshly molted adult male who travelled from the other side of the room and spent six days inside her inner sanctum. Why Marty or Curtis or Big Chief Tommy didn’t mate with April is a mystery, and I put it on a list beside other nagging questions, such as “What was Jesus like as a teen-ager?” and “Why is it you never see a baby squirrel?”

As the summer progressed, so did the mysteries. Spiders relocated, both male and female, and I started noticing a lot of spare parts—a forsaken leg or palp lying in a web that used to belong to Paula or Philip or the Right Reverend Karen. Someone new would move in, and, as soon as I tacked up a fresh name card, he or she would vacate without notice. What had once seemed like a fine neighborhood quickly became a dangerous one, the tenants all thuggish and transitory. Maybe April was more respected than anyone else in her window unit. Maybe her enemies knew that she was being watched, but, for whatever reason, she was one of the few Tegenaria that managed to stay put and survive. In mid-September, Hugh and I returned to the city and, at the last minute, I decided to buy a plastic terrarium and to take her with me. The “April in Paris” business didn’t occur to me until we were on the train, and I held her container against the window, saying, “Look, the Eiffel Tower!”

Funny the details that slip your notice until it’s too late. The fact, for instance, that we don’t really have flies in Paris, at least not in our apartment. Back in Normandy, catching prey had been a breeze. I could do it barefoot and in my pajamas, but now I was forced to go outside and lurk around the trash cans in the Luxembourg Gardens. Someone would toss in a disposable diaper and I’d stand a few feet from the bin, and wait for the scent to be picked up. Then there’d be the sneak attack, the clattering jar, the little spell of cursing and foot stomping. Had the flies been gathered on a windowpane, I would have enjoyed the last laugh, but out in the open, and with an audience of French people noting my every failure, my beautiful hobby became a chore.

I’d been telling myself for months that April needed me, though of course she didn’t. An adequate amount of prey stumbled into her web and she caught it quite capably on her own—in Normandy, anyway. Now, though, trapped inside a terrarium in a fourth-floor apartment, she honestly did need me, and the responsibility weighed a ton. Tegenaria can go without eating for three months, but whenever I returned home empty-handed I could feel her little spider judgement seeping from the plastic box. The face that had once seemed goofy was now haughty and expectant. “Hmm,” I imagined her saying. “I guess I had you figured all wrong.”

In early October, the weather turned cool. Then the rains came and, overnight, every fly in Paris packed up and left town. April hadn’t eaten in more than a week when, just by chance, I happened upon a pet store and learned that it sold live crickets, blunt little black ones that looked like bolts with legs. I bought a chirping boxful and felt very proud of myself until the next morning, when I learned something that no nature show ever told me: crickets stink. They reek. Rather than dirty diapers or spoiled meat—something definite you can put your finger on—they smell like an inclination: cruelty, maybe, or hatred.

No amount of incense or air freshener could diminish the stench. Any attempt only made it worse, and it was this more than anything that led me back to Normandy. April and I took the train in late October, and I released her into her old home. I guess I thought that she would move back in, but in our absence her web had fallen to ruin. One corner had come unmoored and its ragged, fly-speckled edge drooped like a filthy petticoat onto the window ledge. “I’m pretty sure it can be fixed,” I told her, but before I could elaborate, or even say goodbye, she took off running. And I never saw her again.

There have been other Tegenaria since then, a new population every summer, and though I still feed them and monitor their comings and goings, it’s with a growing but not unpleasant distance, an understanding that spiders, unlike mammals, do only what they’re supposed to do. Whatever drives the likes of April is private and severe, and my attempts to humanize it only moved me further from its majesty. I still can’t resist the fly catching, but in terms of naming and relocating I’ve backed off considerably, though Hugh would say not enough.

I suppose there’s a place in everyone’s heart that’s reserved for another species. My own is covered in cobwebs rather than dog or cat hair, and, because of this, people assume it doesn’t exist. It does, though, and I felt it ache when Katrina hit. The TV was on, the grandmother signalled from her rooftop, and I found myself wondering, with something akin to panic, if there were any spiders in her house.

Discussion Questions (Part I & Part II)

What is the author’s primary thesis or theme? In other words, what is the point Sedaris is making?
List some specific examples provided by the author to illustrate the point.
Does the essay use “multiple” examples (a series of brief examples to illustrate or assert the thesis) or “extended” examples (longer examples explained through multiple sentences or paragraphs)?

This essay also connects back to the previous chapter on d efinition . Remember, definition is a rhetorical mode that explains or defines an unfamiliar term in such a way that your audience can gain a clearer understanding.

Go back to the essay and look for the term “anthropomorphizing.”

Based on context clues, what does the term mean?
How does the writer’s use of specific examples contribute to the definition?
List examples of denotation (the literal meaning) and connotation (the feeling or attitude) of the term.

Student Illustration/Example Writing

Letter to the city.

To: Lakeview Department of Transportation

From: A Concerned Citizen

The intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Street is dangerous and demands immediate consideration for the installation of a controlling mechanism. I have lived in Lakeview my entire life, and during that time I have witnessed too many accidents and close calls at that intersection. I would like the Department of Transportation to answer this question: how many lives have to be lost on the corner of Central Avenue and Lake Street before a street light or stop sign is placed there?

Over the past twenty years, the population of Lakeview has increased dramatically. This population growth has put tremendous pressure on the city’s roadways, especially Central Avenue and its intersecting streets. At the intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Street it is easy to see how serious this problem is. For example, when I try to cross Central Avenue as a pedestrian, I frequently wait over ten minutes for the cars to clear, and even then I must rush to the median. I will then have to continue to wait until I can finally run to the other side of the street. On one hand, even as a physically fit adult, I can run only with significant effort and care. Expecting a senior citizen or a child to cross this street, on the other hand, is extremely dangerous and irresponsible. Does the city have any plans to do anything about this?

Recent data show that the intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Street has been especially dangerous. According to the city’s own statistics, three fatalities occurred at that intersection in the past year alone. Over the past five years, the intersection witnessed fourteen car accidents, five of which were fatal. These numbers officially qualify the intersection as the most fatal and dangerous in the entire state. It should go without saying that fatalities and accidents are not the clearest way of measuring the severity of this situation because for each accident that happens, countless other close calls never contribute to city data. I hope you will agree that these numbers alone are sufficient evidence that the intersection at Central Avenue and Lake Street is hazardous and demands immediate attention.

Nearly all accidents mentioned are caused by vehicles trying to cross Central Avenue while driving on Lake Street. I think the City of Lakeview should consider placing a traffic light there to control the traffic going both ways. While I do not have access to any resources or data that can show precisely how much a traffic light can improve the intersection, I think you will agree that a controlled busy intersection is much safer than an uncontrolled one. Therefore, at a minimum, the city must consider making the intersection a four-way stop.

Each day that goes by without attention to this issue is a lost opportunity to save lives and make the community a safer, more enjoyable place to live. Because the safety of citizens is the priority of every government, I can only expect that the Department of Transportation and the City of Lakeview will act on this matter immediately. For the safety and well-being of Lakeview citizens, please do not let bureaucracy or money impede this urgent project.

A Concerned Citizen

Discussion Questions

What is the thesis of the essay? Where is it found?
List one specific example that the writer cites to illustrate their point.
Do the examples used in the essay successfully illustrate the point the writer is making?
Point out (a) a personal example and (b) an example found through research in this essay.
Describe a hypothetical example that you could add to the writer’s letter that would further illustrate the point.

Think back to a time when you won an argument by providing a specific example to prove your point. Use freewriting to describe that argument and the example you cited, then write a brief outline of an illustration/example essay.

Illustration
Thesis statement
Transition words
An illustration essay clearly explains a main point using evidence.
When choosing evidence, always gauge whether the evidence is appropriate for the subject as well as the audience.
Organize the evidence in terms of importance, either from least important to most important or from most important to least important.
Use time transitions to order evidence.
Use phrases of illustration to call out examples.

Reflective Response

Now that you have read the chapter and written an illustration/example essay, describe ways in which using specific examples can be valuable in personal, academic, and professional writing.

Additional Chapter Sources

To show or demonstrate something clearly

An essay which clearly demonstrates and supports a point using examples and evidence

Available facts or information

The Thesis Statement expresses the overall point and main ideas that will be discussed in the body. It usually appears as the last sentence of the introduction and is usually one sentence.

Transition words and phrases are used to link together different ideas in your text.

The literal and explicit definition of a word

The feelings or attitudes that make up the extended definition of a word

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Designing Documents: Using Illustrations

Updated Jun 2022

Whether writing for a scientific, technical, or business journal, plan your illustrations before you begin writing: it will reduce your narrative. Then write around your illustrations, or better yet, let the illustrations carry the message. Consider the following when preparing illustrations:

Communication Approach

Intended Message

Once you have considered the above factors, then you can think about:

Preparing Illustrations Yourself

Borrowing illustrations, hiring an illustrator.

Different professionals and illustrators use different approaches for planning Illustrations . When planning your Illustrations , consider the kind of communication product you're producing--technical report, journal article, magazine article, presentation, website, book, or poster session. Keep in mind that your Illustration needs to fit the respective format.

Design the Illustration to fit the communication. Don't copy a table from a journal article and used it in a poster session. Seldom will the text be larger enough for the audience to see. You'll need to redesign, and perhaps simply the table when presenting the information as a poster session.

While color photographs can be converted to black and white photographs for printing, they often lose quality and produce inferior black and white photographs. If the final Illustrations is a black and white photography, shoot black and white negative, have black and white prints made and submit them with your report or article.

You can also produce inferior photographs and images when trying to resize Illustrations for different presentations. While the Illustrations of a certain size may work for a magazine article or journal article, using the same image may not work when resizing it for a poster as it may lose quality and look pixelated. You may want to consider using a different image or keeping this in mind when planning for the Illustrations.

Simply, the best Illustrations are designed for the publication, targeted to the intended audience, and follow the publication's style.

Plan for Your Audience

When planning your Illustrations , keep your audience in mind. Consider:

What they know about your topic
Their familiarity with reading tables or figures
Their ability to interpret data and information

If your audience members know little about the topic, use simple Illustrations to introduce the basic concepts. If your audience has little experience with reading tables, provide simple figures, such as bar graphs to illustrate key ideas. If your audience has little experience interpreting data, then develop Illustrations that show your interpretation of the data.

Planning Your Message

When you think about your Illustrations , ask:

What is the primary message that my illustration should convey?
What are the secondary messages that my illustration should convey?

Keep in mind that your readers may not interpret your Illustration the same way that you do. It is much like the cliché, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Make sure your viewers understand your illustration.

Ask some of your intended readers what they see or interpret from the visual . If they don't have the same interpretation as your intended message, redesign the illustration.

Functions of Illustrations

Depending on your purpose, the publication, and audience, illustrations can serve different purposes. To learn more, explore each item below:

Support Narrative

Reduce narrative, emphasize key points, visualize information, summarize data, simplify data.

Break-Up Text

Enhance Understanding

Add visual appeal.

Illustrations can help support the narrative. They can help you make your points clearly by visualizing the information and showing information in different forms. Illustrations can support your narrative by succinctly presenting ideas that may have required hundreds of words.

Depending on the project you're writing about, Illustrations can reduce your narrative length. Illustrations --drawings, photographs, tables, line graphs, and other visuals can replace dozens, if not hundreds of words in your narrative.

As you plan a document, develop your Illustrations after you've organized and outlined your document. Consider where you could replace the narrative with Illustrations .

When you're reporting on a lengthy topic, you'll often need to stress key points. By selecting the key points to illustrate and then placing them in a visual, you highlight only your most important points.

At times providing Illustrations helps readers see points they would have otherwise missed. Different types of Illustrations can help readers see key points.

For example, a study exploring the impact of fencing to reduce grazing by livestock could present the information in both a table and photograph. The photography could help readers see what the data means.

If you're writing a research report based on large amounts of data, do not put raw data in your report. Instead, summarize the data in summary tables, line graphs or bar charts. Which you select depends on your intended readers and their ability to understand your data and read the respective kind of Illustration .

For example, if you are doing a study of radon levels in homes, you need not report the radon level from each home. Instead, you could report the mean, median, or mode from different homes in the different parts of your community.

Different readers--i.e., audiences--have different abilities to read and interpret tables, data, and numerical information. You can often simplify data by converting numerical data to line graphs, bar graphs, and pie charts.

Break Up Text

Review many newspapers, magazines, and newsletters, and you'll find that the graphic designers use Illustrations to break up text and add visual appeal. Lengthy passages of text create an overall gray impression. By adding photographs, line art, and typographical elements, graphic designers enhance the documents' overall visual.

Readers and users think in different modes. Some people think in visuals, others think in words, still others think in combinations of text and Illustrations . Adding Illustrations helps some readers understand information easier than reading text. And in some cases, you need only provide Illustrations --no text.

For example, some computer manufacturers provide only visual instruction sheets for cabling computers, keyboards, and monitors.

Illustrations often interest readers and viewers in a publication, article, Web site, or other communication product. In more general circulation publications, such as magazines, newsletters, annual reports, flyers, brochures, designers add Illustrations to enhance the visual attractiveness of a publication. A variety of techniques emerge--placement, size, color, and typographical features.

Like any writing, you'll need to follow an accepted style when preparing your Illustrations . Check the publication or the organization's style manual for guidance on preparing the Illustrations .

Many publications follow a standard style manual like The Chicago Manual of Style , CBE Style Manual , or the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association . Each one specifies details for illustrations, both tables and figures.

Check carefully the Illustrations in any journal, magazine, Web site, or organization for specific style issues. For example, many styles call for the titles to go above tables and below figures, but some organizations place all titles above both tables and figures. Look carefully at extended discussions of tables and figures in this module on Illustrations .

For class assignments, ask your instructors what publication style they would like you to follow.

With today's computer and digital technology, you can develop high-quality tables using standard word processing programs, or figures using drawing software. By obtaining the appropriate software and learning how to use it, you can prepare different kinds of figures, such as line graphs, bar graphs, circle or pie charts or line art.

Alternatively, you can prepare illustrations using standard drawing, illustration, and art techniques and then scan them into a computer for importing into a report, article or other communication. A discussion of these techniques is beyond the scope of this website module, so check your local library , Books in Print , or a local bookstore for books on illustration techniques.

If you find an Illustration in an existing publication or on the internet, and you'd like to use it in a published report, journal article, magazine article, newspaper, presentation, other communication, or post it on a website, obtain permission from the copyright holder.

In a few cases, Illustrations may be in the public domain--i.e., produced by a government agency. You can usually use them without permission but be careful. Some government publications may be copyrighted, so do seek permission before you use any Illustrations from them.

If you need Illustrations , you can hire a professional artist who can prepare the Illustrations you need but be prepared to pay for their services. A simple illustration may cost $25, $50, $100 or more depending on the complexity of the Illustrations and the artist's skills, and the timetable for preparing the Illustrations .

If your school has an art department, you may be able to find an art major who can prepare the Illustrations for you. If you are preparing Illustrations for a university or college publication, you may be able to turn to your school's staff artists and illustrators. Keep in mind too that they charge for their services.

In many organizations, the staff illustrators may be book ahead days, weeks, or even months because of a backlog of work. When you anticipate the need for a commercial illustrator, check with them well in advance of when you'll need the finals of your Illustrations .

Zimmerman, Don, & Gregory Thayer. (1997). Designing Documents: Using Illustrations. Writing@CSU . Colorado State University. https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/guide.cfm?guideid=39

Illustration/Example Essay

Introduction to illustration/example essay, illustration/example.

To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effecti ve illustration essay clearl y demonstrates and supports a point through the use of examples and/or evidence. Ultimately, you want the evidence to help the reader “see” your point, as one would see a good illustration in a magazine or on a website. The stronger your evidence is, the more clearly the reader will consider your point.

In this module, you will develop your skills in illustration/example writing.

Module Outcomes

After successfully completing this module, you should be able to:

Determine the purpose and structure of the illustration essay.
Understand how to write an illustration essay.
Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : http://lumenlearning.com/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
Successful Writing. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/s14-02-illustration.html . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

Illustration Essays Unveiled: A Step-by-Step Guide and Real-Life Examples

Embarking on an illustration essay is akin to taking a practical stride before delving into the complexities of thesis writing. Often hailed as a student's inaugural journey into the joy of discovery, this essay type serves as a foundational task encountered by college students. In this discussion, we will unravel the intricacies of illustration essays, providing a step-by-step guide and illuminating examples to enhance your comprehension.

Illustration Essay: A Roadmap for Success

An illustration essay is a testament to the existence of a particular phenomenon. Unlike other essay types, it leans heavily on research, employing detailed descriptions and vocal examples to support its points. The essay's thesis takes root in the introduction, flourishing with illustrative examples in the body paragraphs, only to culminate in a conclusive summary in the essay's closure.

Step-by-Step Guide for Crafting Your Illustration Essay

Step 1: Choose a Compelling Topic Select a subject that resonates with you, identifying a central theme to expound upon. Below is a list of illustration essay topics to inspire your creativity.

Step 2: Research Your Chosen Topic Even if you possess an in-depth understanding of your chosen topic, exploring recent news can uncover valuable insights or reshape your perspective.

Step 3: Outline Your Essay Jot down key points and ideas, accumulating a plethora of examples. From this pool, cherry-pick the most potent ones to illuminate your essay. Craft a well-structured essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a robust conclusion.

Step 4: Develop Your Content Transform your outline into a polished essay. Construct a robust thesis statement, echo the same idea in your conclusion, and elucidate each chosen example in dedicated paragraphs.

Step 5: Proofread for Perfection Ensure the excellence of your essay by conducting a thorough proofreading. Leverage plagiarism and grammar checks, guaranteeing your essay is well-edited and cohesive.

Step 6: Final Check Give your final draft a comprehensive review before submission. Assure its readability and responsiveness to the questions posed throughout your essay.

Safety Matters: A Citizen's Plea to the Department of Transportation

Addressing the Lakeview Department of Transportation, a concerned citizen highlights the perilous intersection of Central Avenue and Lake Street. This citizen emphasizes the urgency of installing safety measures, such as street lights or stop signs, to avert further accidents and loss of lives. Backed by alarming statistics and personal experiences, this plea advocates for swift action to enhance the safety and well-being of Lakeview citizens.

Conclusion: Mastering the Craft of Illustration Essays

In conclusion, navigating the realm of illustration essays demands a systematic approach. By following a step-by-step guide and drawing inspiration from real-life examples, you can elevate your understanding of this essay genre. Just as a concerned citizen passionately advocates for safety in Lakeview, mastering the art of illustration essays empowers you to effectively convey your ideas and garner academic success.

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How to Write an Illustration Essay: Quick and Easy Guide

How to Write an Illustration Essay: All You Need to Know

Creating an illustrative essay entails more than simply sketching a few beautiful images, even though some might believe that they are easy because they can incorporate drawings into the writing. To excel in this type of work and enhance the visual appeal of your piece, it demands both time and a solid comprehension of the subject matter.

Students can master this academic writing style by consulting guides and examples. So, to acquire comprehensive guidance on crafting an exceptional illustration essay from beginning to end, check out our article to discover the definition, suggested themes, and guidelines for creating an uncontested paper from beginning to end.

Illustration Essay Definition

To give you a clear idea of your first potential question on the concept of - what is an illustration essay - here is a simple definition from our essay writing service : Illustration papers serve as a form of written composition employed to present instances or examples of a particular concept or idea. These essays commonly incorporate visuals and other illustrations to aid in explaining the discussed concept.

Similar to other essay types, this paper typically commences with a thesis statement that establishes the main overarching theme of the work and provides a preview of what readers can expect. Subsequently, a series of examples are presented throughout the essay to support the thesis statement. While illustrative elements can be found in other types of essays, such as argumentative essays, this type of work must avoid presenting claims or personal opinions.

How to Write an Illustration Essay: Steps To Begin

Let's take a journey together with our essay writer to learn how to start writing your paper. By following these steps, you'll be able to bring your illustration essay ideas to life and make a strong impact on your readers.

Step 1: Select a Topic

If you are given the freedom to choose your illustration essay topics, take full advantage of it. Consider selecting a subject you are passionate about, so you will be motivated to explore it further, and the writing process will not feel burdensome.

Step 2. Research

Embrace research as your closest companion. When embarking on your work, refrain from diving into writing before gathering ample material. It is crucial to locate credible sources from which you can extract relevant information. Platforms such as Oxford Academic and Google Scholar prove excellent for conducting your research.

Step 3. Write an Outline

While some students argue that creating an outline is a futile task, it actually serves as a valuable step. When constructing your outline, be sure to incorporate the following components:

Introductory paragraph: Introduce the topic, provide background information, clarify the significance and relevance of the topic, and present a strong thesis statement.
Body paragraphs: Present your ideas in a logical and organized manner. Dedicate each paragraph with a topic sentence to discuss a single idea, utilize transitional devices to enhance the flow between paragraphs, and strive for paragraph coherence.
Conclusion: Restate the thesis statement, summarize the main ideas discussed in the body paragraphs, and provide a concluding statement that wraps up the entire paper.

Step 4. Write Your Ideas

Having completed the necessary steps thus far, crafting an outstanding essay should pose no difficulty. Simply transform your main ideas into concise paragraphs and bolster each one with the appropriate supporting evidence.

Step 5. Review

After completing your essay, it is essential to give it a thorough editing. Take the time to read through it once or twice to identify any grammatical, structural, or contextual errors. Additionally, ensure that your essay is free from any instances of plagiarism.

Step 6. Enjoy Your Perfect Essay

By considering the aforementioned steps, you should now be able to appreciate your perfectly completed essay. Keep in mind that the writing process can be painless when you follow our expert tips (more to come below!), leading to a flawless outcome.

Why Write Illustration Essay: Purpose and Importance

The primary objective of illustration essays is to facilitate readers in comprehending a concept or argument with clarity by presenting tangible and illustrative examples and evidence. The examples utilized in this type of paper should be pertinent, vibrant, and precise, enabling readers to understand and visualize the topic being discussed.

Illustrative writing can prove advantageous for both the writer and the readers. On the one hand, this type of assignment enhances a student's creativity and comprehensive abilities. On the other hand, it stimulates the reader's imagination as they are required to mentally construct a visual representation.

If you find yourself uncertain about how to start an illustration essay, one approach is to delve into your personal experiences that are relevant to the topic or subject matter. Reflect on real-life examples or incidents that can effectively illustrate the concept you intend to discuss. By drawing from your own experiences, you can provide authentic and relatable illustrations for your essay.

Main Tips For Writing

If you are still unsure about how to write an illustration essay and need additional tips, you've come to the right place! Make the most of the advice provided below.

Collect Evidence - When embarking on your academic essay , refrain from diving into writing before gathering ample material. This type of writing necessitates the inclusion of numerous examples, so acquire a multitude of firsthand examples from professional writers.

Be Concise - Aim for precise and focused illustrations, steering clear of unnecessary elaboration or lengthy descriptions. Keep your examples concise while ensuring they retain clarity and effectiveness.

Provide Concrete Instances - Opt for specific illustration essay examples that vividly depict your points. The inclusion of specific details enhances the clarity and impact of your illustrations, making them more relatable and captivating to readers.

Rely on Reliable Sources - Make use of trustworthy and credible sources when gathering examples and evidence. This approach bolsters the credibility and reliability of your essay. Consider referencing scholarly articles, academic books, reliable websites, or expert opinions to reinforce your arguments.

Ensure Clear Expression - Ensure the clarity and comprehensibility of your illustrations. Avoid ambiguity or confusion by offering ample context and explanation. Take the time to review your essay, ensuring that your examples effectively convey the intended message and provide support for your thesis statement.

Topics for Illustration Essay: Choose The Best One

Presented below are a collection of ideas to ignite your creativity when writing an illustration essay. Feel free to explore and adapt them according to your personal interests and the specific guidelines of your assignment.

Student Life:

a. The Challenges and Benefits of Balancing Academics and Extracurricular Activities

b. The Impact of Peer Pressure on College Students' Decision-Making

Personal Development:

a. The Role of Traveling in Broadening a College Student's Perspective

b. The Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation for Stress Reduction in College Life

Social Relationships:

a. The Influence of Social Media on Interpersonal Communication Skills

b. The Importance of Developing Healthy Boundaries in Friendships and Relationships

Career and Future Planning:

a. Exploring Alternative Career Paths: Non-Traditional Options for College Graduates

b. The Significance of Internships in Gaining Practical Experience and Building Professional Networks

Feeling Overwhelmed with Writing AN ILLUSTRATION ESSAY on Your Own?

Simply send us your paper requirements, choose a writer and we’ll get it done fast.

Illustration Essay Examples

Exploring our collection of expertly crafted illustration paper examples offers a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of this writing style. Utilize the vivid examples below as a point of reference as you refine your own writing skills.

We also recommend taking a look at our comprehensive guide on a narrative essay , complete with examples.

To wrap up, by thoughtfully selecting enthralling examples, conducting meticulous research, and skillfully presenting them with clarity, your illustration essay has the potential to transform into a captivating masterpiece. Allow your imagination to roam free, infuse your prose with the enchantment of visual storytelling, and embark on an extraordinary odyssey where ideas flourish, and comprehension deepens.

And if you still find it challenging, buy essay from our creative writers who will infuse vitality into your essay through illustrations that invigorate, leaving readers uplifted, enlightened, and yearning for more!

Do You Need an Extra Help With Your ILLUSTRATION ESSAY?

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How to Write a Summary of a Book with an Example

7 Illustration and Exemplification

To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly through the use of evidence. To exemplify means to demonstrate through the use of examples. This is a technique that can stand alone but is most often used within an essay to demonstrate the various points that an essay is offering as it supports it thesis. Effective illustration clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence.

A writer can use different types of evidence to support his or her thesis. Using scientific studies, experts in a particular field, statistics, historical events, current events, analogies, and personal anecdotes are all ways in which a writer can illustrate a thesis. A variety of evidence is needed to demonstrate the validity of any thesis. Ultimately, you want the evidence to help the reader “see” your point, as one would see a good illustration in a magazine or on a website. This I Believe (https://thisibelieve.org/) is a website that collects essays that illustrate core values and beliefs. Visit the program’s website for some examples.

The stronger your evidence is, the more clearly the reader will consider your point. Using evidence effectively can be challenging, though. The evidence you choose will usually depend on your subject, your essay’s purpose, and your audience. When writing an illustration essay, keep in mind the following:

Use evidence that is appropriate for your topic as well as appropriate for your audience.
Assess how much evidence you need to adequately explain your point , which depends on the complexity of the subject and the knowledge of your audience regarding that subject.

For example, if you were writing about a new communication software and your audience was a group of English-major undergrads, you might want to use an analogy or a personal story to illustrate how the software worked. You might also choose to add a few more pieces of evidence to make sure the audience understands your point. However, if you were writing about the same subject and your audience members were information technology (IT) specialists, you would likely use more technical evidence because they would be familiar with the subject.

Keeping in mind your subject in relation to your audience will increase your chances of effectively illustrating your point.

You never want to insult your readers’ intelligence by over-explaining concepts the audience members may already be familiar with, but it may be necessary to clearly articulate your point. When in doubt, add an extra example to illustrate your idea.

On a separate piece of paper, form a thesis based on each of the following three topics. Then list the types of evidence that would best explain your point for each audience.

Topic: Combat and mental health
Audience: family members of veterans, doctors
Topic: Video games and teen violence
Audience: parents, children
Topic: Architecture and earthquakes
Audience: engineers, local townspeople

The Structure of an Illustration Essay

The controlling idea, or thesis, often belongs at the beginning of the essay. Evidence is then presented in the essay’s body paragraphs, to support the thesis. As you decide how to present your evidence, consider order of importance, then decide whether you want to with your strongest evidence first, or start with evidence of lesser importance and have the essay build to increasingly stronger evidence. The table below shows the connection between order and purpose.

Figure 5.4 Order Versus Purpose

The time transition words listed in the table above are also helpful in ordering the presentation of evidence. Words like first , second , third , currently , next , and finally all help orient the reader and sequence evidence clearly. Because an illustration essay uses so many examples, it is also helpful to have a list of words and phrases to present each piece of evidence. The table below provides a list of phrases for illustration.

Figure 5.5 Phrases of Illustration

Vary the phrases of illustration you use. Do not rely on just one. Variety in choice of words and phrasing is critical when trying to keep readers engaged in your writing and your ideas.

Writing at Work

Collaboration: Please share with a classmate and compare your answers. Discuss which topic you like the best or would like to learn more about. Indicate which thesis statement you perceive as the most effective.

Writing an Illustration Essay

Choose a motto or other inspirational statement that appeals to you. Using the aspects outlined above, write a paragraph that illustrates this statement. Remember to include specific examples and description to illustrate your interpretation of this statement.

Assignment 4

Choosing either a topic from Exercise 7 or Exercise 8 write a minimum five paragraph illustration essay.

Key Takeaways

An illustration essay clearly explains a main point using evidence.
When choosing evidence, always gauge whether the evidence is appropriate for the subject as well as the audience.
Organize the evidence in terms of importance, either from least important to most important or from most important to least important.
Use time transitions to order evidence.
Use phrases of illustration to highlight examples.

Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Letter to the City

To: Lakeview Department of Transportation

From: A Concerned Citizen

A Concerned Citizen

External Links

“ April & Paris ” (https://tinyurl.com/y9rgud9b) by David Sedaris: In “April & Paris,” writer David Sedaris explores the unique impact of animals on the human psyche.

“ She’s Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D ” (https://tinyurl.com/y7ocnnl5) by Perri Klass: In “She’s Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D,” pediatrician and writer Perri Klass discusses the medical-speak she encountered in her training as a doctor and its underlying meaning.

Jessica Bennett, a senior writer for Newsweek , offers an example of an illustration essay when she presents The Flip Side of Internet Fame (https://tinyurl.com/y9yjmqt9). You can also see the essay here (https://tinyurl.com/y7vd53db) .

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USC Libraries
Research Guides

Using Images and Non-Textual Materials in Presentations, Papers, Theses, and Dissertations

Documenting and Citing Images
Finding Images - Select Sources

Documenting and Citing Images/Photographs and Their Sources

Please note that this is advice on best practices and considerations in documenting and citing images and non-print materials. It does not represent legal advice on obtaining permissions.

Generally, images copied from other sources should not be used without permissions in publications or for commercial purposes. Many American academic institutions require graduate students to archive their finished and approved theses/dissertations in institutional electronic repositories and/or institutional libraries and repositories, and/or to post them on Proquest's theses database. Unpublished theses and dissertations are a form of scholarly dissemination. Someone else's images, like someone else's ideas, words or music, should be used with critical commentary, and need to be identified and cited. If a thesis/dissertation is revised for publication, waivers or permissions from the copyright holder(s) of the images and non-textual materials must be obtained. Best practices also apply to materials found on the internet and on social media, and, properly speaking, require identification, citation, and clearance of permissions, as relevant.

Use the following elements when identifying and citing an image, depending on the information you have available . It is your responsibility to do due diligence and document as much as possible about the image you are using:

Artist's/creator's name, if relevant;
Title of the work/image, if known, or description;
Ownership information (such as a person, estate, museum, library collection) and source of image;
Material, if known, particularly for art works;
Dimensions of the work, if known.

The Chicago Manual of Style online can be searched for norms on appropriate ways to caption illustrations, capitalize titles of visual works, or cite print materials that contain images.

Including images/photographs in a bibliography:

Best practice is to not include images within a bibliography of works cited. It is common, instead, to create a separate list of images (or figures) and their source, such as photographer (even if it's you) or collection. It may be useful to also include location, e.g., museum, geographic reference, address, etc.

Examples of Documenting Images

The image below is scanned from a published book. It can be used in a critical context within a presentation, classroom session, or paper/thesis, as follows:

[ Figure 1. This photograph from 1990 shows the Monument against Fascism designed by Jochen Gerz and Esther Shalev-Gerz, Hamburg, 1986-1993. Image from James Young, ed., Art of Memory: Holocaust Memorials in History (New York: Prestel, 1994), 70]

If you need to use this image in a published work, you will have to seek permission. For example, the book from which this image was scanned should have a section on photo credits which would help you identify the person/archive holding this image.

The image below was found through Google Images and downloaded from the internet. It can be used in a critical context within a presentation, classroom session, or paper/thesis, as follows:

[Figure 2. This image shows the interior of Bibliotheca Alexandrina designed by the Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta in 2001. Image downloaded from https://mgkhs.com/gallery/alexandria in March 2016.]

If you want to use this image in a published work, you will have to do your best to track down its source to request permission to use. The web site or social media site where you found the image may not be an appropriate source, since it is common for people to repost images without attribution. Just because "everyone does it" does not mean that you should be using such materials without attribution or documentation. In this specific example, you may need to write to the photographer or to the architecture firm. If you have done due diligence and were unable to find the source, or have not received a response, you may be able to use an image found on the internet with appropriate documentation in a publication.

The image below was downloaded from a digitized historic collection of photographs held by an institutional archive. It can be used in a critical context within a presentation, classroom session, or paper/thesis, as follows:

[Figure 3. In the 1920s the urban landscape of Los Angeles started to change, as various developers began building multi-family apartment houses in sections previously zoned for single family dwellings. Seen in this photograph by Dick Whittington is the Warrington apartment building, which was completed in 1928, surrounded by older single family structures. Downloaded from the USC Digital Library in February 2016]

I f you plan to use this photograph in a publication, seek permission from the library/institution from whose digital archive you downloaded the image. Contact information is usually found in the record for the image.

The image below was taken by the author. It can be used in a critical context within a presentation, classroom session , paper/thesis, or a publication* as follows:

[Figure 4. Genex Tower, also known as West City Gate, is a residential tower located in New Belgrade. This example of late 20th century brutalist-style architecture was designed in 1977 by Mihajlo Mitrović. Photographed by the author in 2013.]

*Please note, if you re-photographed someone else's photograph or a work of art, or if you re-photographed a published image, you may not be able to publish your photograph without first seeking permission or credit for its content. If you have done due diligence and were unable to find the source or have not received a response, you may be able to use your image with appropriate documentation.

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Last Updated: Jan 19, 2023 3:12 PM
URL: https://libguides.usc.edu/fair_use

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Writing Tips

When to Use an Image in an Essay

3-minute read

30th June 2019

Pages of text alone can look quite dull. And while “dull” may seem normal enough for an essay , using images and charts can make a document more visually interesting. It can even help you boost your grades if done right! Here, then, is our guide on how to use an image in academic writing .

Usually, you will only need to add an image in academic writing if it serves a specific purpose (e.g., illustrating your argument). Even then, you need to make sure images are presently correctly. As such, try asking yourself the following questions whenever you add picture or chart in an essay:

Does it add anything useful? Any image or chart you include in your work should help you make your argument or explain a point more clearly. For instance, if you are analyzing a movie, you may need to include a still from a scene to illustrate your point.
Is the image clearly labelled? All images in your essay should come with clear captions (e.g., “Figure 1” plus a title or description). Without these, your reader may not know how images relate to the surrounding text.
Have you mentioned the image in the text? Make sure to reference any images you use in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of “An example of this can be seen in Figure 1.”

The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the arguments you make in the text.

Citing Images and Illustrations

If you have created all the images you are using in your essay yourself, then all you need to do is label them clearly (as described above). But if you want to use an existing image you found somewhere else, you will need to cite your source as well, just as you would when quoting someone.

The format for this will depend on the referencing system you’re using. However, with author–date referencing, it usually involves giving the source author’s name and a year of publication. For example:

In the caption above, we have cited the page of the paper the image comes from using an APA-style citation. We would then need to add the full paper to the reference list at the end of the document:

Gramblička, S., Kohar, R., & Stopka, M. (2017). Dynamic analysis of mechanical conveyor drive system. Procedia Engineering , 192, 259–264. DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.06.045

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You can also cite an image directly if it not part of a larger publication or document. If we wanted to cite an image found online in APA referencing , for example, we would use the following format:

Surname, Initial(s). (Role). (Year). Title or description of image [Image format]. Retrieved from URL.

In practice, then, we could cite a photograph as follows:

Booth, S. (Photographer). (2014). Passengers [Digital image]. Retrieved from https://www.flickr.com/photos/stevebooth/35470947736/in/pool-best100only/

Make sure to check your style guide if you are not sure which referencing system to use when citing images in your work. And don’t forget to have your finished document proofread before you submit it for marking.

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How To Write an Illustration Essay?

12 May, 2020

8 minutes read

Author: Tomas White

Not all of us are "right-brained" enough to have a powerful visual imagination. So, when the tutor handles the illustration essay task, hands could get a little shaky. But, no worries! This type of essay is not about artistic visualization nor it requires any kind of drawing experience. It is much more about the "big picture" vision and the ability to formulate examples supporting your claims/arguments. So..

<h2 “alignnone” title=”Illustration Essay Writing Guide”>What is an Illustration Essay?

Illustration essay is here to prove a particular thing exists. This particular essay type relies much more on research than analysis in order to prove a particular point. It contains a great deal of description and provides the reader with vocal examples. The thesis is formulated in the introduction; then it is developed with the help of illustrative examples within the body paragraphs – just to be perpetuated in the conclusion by the end of the essay.

How to write an Illustration Essay?

An illustration essay is also commonly referred to as an Example essay. Of all the different kinds of essays students write, this exists as the most straightforward, easiest essay to write.

While other essays require very specific aspects, such as the Cause and Effect essay , an illustration essay is exactly what it sounds like: an illustration of a particular subject. If you’re wondering if it requires drawing, have no fear! In an illustration essay, the writer illustrates his or her points with clear, authentic examples—not pictures. The body paragraphs should contain research illustrating the thesis, and likely the Works Cited and/or Bibliography pages.

Introduction

This paragraph opens the illustration essay. It typically contains anywhere from 5 to 15 sentences; a number of sentences depend upon the density of the topic being explained in the essay. It should begin with a hook – a sentence to gain and keep the reader’s attention. Hooks may also be referred to as “attention getters”. Examples of hooks include:

Interesting facts
Relevant statistics
Rhetorical question
Personal anecdote

Related post: How to write an Essay Introduction

Following the hook should be several background sentences . These sentences provide key information the audience may need to fully understand the concept being illustrated in the essay. Such information could include defining important vocabulary, providing historic or social context, or relevant personal background for individuals discussed in the paper. Information plays a fundamental role when it comes to putting up a piece of content, whether it’s an informative essay or not.

Finally, the last sentence of the introduction paragraph should be the thesis statement . It’s a good idea to craft your thesis statement before you begin any research; a well-written thesis should be able to guide your research and make it more effective. What makes a good thesis? So glad you asked!

A thesis statement should be both clear and argumentative. For an illustrative essay, a thesis statement should focus on identifying the subject to be illustrated and the way the writer plans to support the illustration.

Body Paragraphs

A body paragraph’s purpose is to support the thesis. Each paragraph should contain a different piece of evidence that proves the writer’s thesis has merit. All body paragraphs follow a universal format involving five basic sentence types:

Topic Sentence. This sentence identifies the topic of the paragraph and how it relates to the thesis statement.
Background sentence(s). Depending on the complexity of the subject identified in the topic sentence, the essay writer may need one to three or more background sentences.
Research sentences. These sentences can be direct quotations or paraphrases of important ideas found during the research process. Any research sentences supporting the topic should be cited according to your teacher’s preference.
Analysis. Analysis sentences explain how the research sentences are relevant to the topic sentence and thesis sentence. These sentences often use analysis words such as shows, portrays, illustrates, proves, and communicates.
Conclusion/Transition. This sentence wraps up the paragraph and transitions the reader to the next idea in the following paragraph.

Now, here is where the “illustration” part comes in. You need to support each body paragraph statement with examples, proving or supporting your claim. Two examples covering each statement works the best. There is no need to dive too deep into examples – just lay them out as you outline your body paragraphs.

Stuck with your essay task? No more struggle! HandMade Writing is the best essay writing service available on the market. Try it out.

Beginning the conclusion paragraph means that you’re almost done! Conclusion paragraphs are typically the shortest paragraphs in an illustration essay. Its purpose is to reiterate the main points within each body paragraph and prove to the reader that the writer proved his or her point within the essay. While these paragraphs are short, they are important; it is the last impression the reader has – so make it a good one!

Conclusion paragraphs should be strongly worded and confident. However, they should not introduce any new information; focus only one what’s already been presented as evidence in the essay.

Tips from our writers – free takeaways!

Transition words.

Transitions can really help move an argument along in an illustration essay. Transitions are words that act as connectors in a sentence; they connect one idea to another. They can show similarity, contrast, or illustration among other connections. Want your illustration essay to shine? Consider incorporating the following transitions to improve the flow of the essay:

Transitions can link similar ideas in the same body paragraph or link different examples of body paragraphs.

Outline Example

As with all essay writing assignments, it’s important to begin early and stay on-task. Keep to a writing schedule, beginning with an idea outline to organize your thoughts and help guide your research.

Check out this no-frills outline:

Illustration Essay Sample

Be sure to check the sample essay, completed by our writers. Use it as an example to write your own essay. Link: Illustration Essay on Social Statuses

Drawing the line (figuratively)

Taking the time to outline and narrow your research focus makes finding information much, much easier! But it is not always necessary to verse an outstanding illustrative essay. The best way to prove your point is to show a real-life example.

Nothing really works better than cases and situations taken straight from your life experience (almost like the narrative essay , right?) People with colorful life experience tend to be the best in the illustrative essay “business”.

Remember: you have many resources available to you to help you earn the grade you want. Stick to a good writing schedule and take a rough draft to your professor for constructive criticism. Visit the campus writing center if you have one, or send your essay to our professional editing service. Revisit and revise your draft at least once – perfection is a process!

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Citing Images - Examples

Image downloaded from museum website:.

Fig. 2. Kerry James Marshall, Many Mansions. 1994. Acrylic on paper mounted on canvas, 289.6 x 342.9 cm. The Art Institiute of Chicago, Chicago, IL. From: The Art Institute of Chicago, https://www.artic.edu (accessed January 23, 2019).

Image downloaded from Flickr Commons:

Fig. 3. P. Lecher, Women's Art Class at State School of the Deaf, Delavan, Wisconsin. c. 1880, Black and white photographic print, 19 x 24 cm. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC. From: Flickr Commons, https://www.flickr.com/photos/smithsonian/2921660418/in/album-72157605409711458/ (accessed January 23, 2019).

Image downloaded from Flickr (personal images):

Fig. 4. Senor Codo, One Last Time . 2007. From: Flickr, https://www.flickr.com/photos/senor_codo/1610457679. Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike 2.0 Generic License (accessed January 23, 2019).

Image scanned from a book:

Fig. 5. Tarsila do Amaral, Shantytown Hill . 1924, Oil on canvas, 64.5 x 76 cm. Hecilda and Sergio Fadel Collection, Rio de Janeiro. From: Greet, Michele. Transatlantic Encounters: Latin American Artists in Paris Between the Wars . New Haven: Yale University Press, 2018. Figure 112.

Citing images from Artstor

A full image citation should include the following information, as available:

Artist's Name (First and Last) Title and Date of the Work Materials and Dimensions of the Work Museum Name and Location Image Source and ID Number

EXAMPLE (Public Domain image):

Fig. 1. Dagobert Peche, Brooch , c.1922, Gold and mother-of-pearl, 4.1 x 4.1 x 0.3 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. In Artstor public collections [online database] http://library.artstor.org (accessed July 8, 2020).

MLA Image Citation Style

When citing an image, the caption/citation should be labeled as Figure (usually abbreviated Fig.), assigned an Arabic numeral, and given a title or caption. Include information about the source of your image, for example the book in which the image you are using appears. The caption/citation ordinarily appears directly below the image. Use the same one-inch margins as the text of the paper. Captions/citations should be numbered consecutively.

Licensing, Copyright, and Fair Use for Visual Arts

Fair Use for the Visual Arts - Best Practices Guidebook from the College Art Association
Artists Rights Society (ARS) Copyright, licensing, and monitoring organization for artists in the United States. Represents the intellectual property rights of over 80,000 artists.
Lawyers for the Creative Arts Site provides links to organizations providing pro bono legal services that may assist with copyright concerns in a variety of visual and performing arts areas.
Rights and Reproductions (e-book) A handbook for cultural institutions. Second edition, 2019.

Reverse Image Search - Where did that image come from?

Use Reverse Image Search to see where your own images have been reused, to find larger versions of images, and more.

Google Reverse Image Search Click on the "Search by Image" icon (camera) and upload the image so that Google can identify the source.
Tin Eye Reverse Image Search
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Last Updated: Jan 21, 2024 9:18 PM
URL: https://researchguides.uic.edu/arthistory

Using and Citing Illustrations in Essays

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Times Insider

Putting the Spotlight on Spot Illustrations

Small sketches that appear on the top of Page A3 of the newspaper provide a daily dose of delight.

By Vinnie Neuberg

Vinnie Neuberg, the art director for Inside The Times, oversees the art, layout and photo selection for Pages A2 and A3 of the newspaper. He’s also an illustrator and musician.

Times Insider explains who we are and what we do and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together.

As the art director of the Inside the Times section, one of my duties every month is hiring an artist to draw a series of small illustrations that appear daily on the top of Page A3.

The illustrations don’t pair with articles, so aside from fixed size limitations, the only stipulation is that each “spot,” or small, free-floating illustration, features a newspaper in some way. Sometimes wholesome, often witty and whimsical and occasionally wacky (in the best kind of way), the spots inject personality into the page. Usually, the artist brings in a theme — vegetables reading the paper, characters made of thumbprints — that ties the monthlong series together. No matter the concept, the spots offer special moments of surprise and delight for our readers.

We introduced the spot illustration in early 2017, when Pages A2 and A3, which previously acted as a table of contents, became a destination for readers to learn about our journalism. (We refreshed the spread again in 2022.) The first illustration, by Leon Edler, showed a person walking into a gust of wind, his hat flying off, his umbrella turning inside out and a newspaper blowing over his face.

For much of the first year of the new pages, the artist Jason Polan provided the illustrations. His distinctive, intuitive line drawings included slice-of-life scenes and more silly spots, like a newspaper obscured by a quadruple-decker hamburger. Mr. Polan, who died at 37 in 2020, set the tone for what was possible with the space.

Since 2018, we’ve hired a new illustrator every month, and each brings a distinct style. For example: In March 2023, John Broadley depicted moments from history; that June, during Gizem Vural’s tenure, expressionistic cats played at the top of the page; and last August, Jonathan Djob Nkondo ushered in an abstract, geometric style.

When considering illustrators for the job, I look for someone whose style can provide contrast from that of the previous month’s artist. I typically reach out to an artist two to four weeks in advance. I’ll ask that the artist pitch a theme and hope that it’s robust enough to be extended over a series of 30 or so drawings.

Bahij Jaroudi, who did last month’s spot illustrations, used fine and frantic line work to create a series of humorous characters. So this month, I wanted to feature an artist whose style was darker and bolder.

Since the spots do not respond to any text and don’t need to solve any conceptual problem, the editing process tends to be lighter than that of the larger illustrations that appear on our pages. The artist submits rough sketches, and unless the content is inappropriate, I generally keep my notes to a minimum. The spot illustrations are small, so one area I’m particularly concerned with is legibility.

I like to think of the spot series as a showcase of the artists themselves, and everyone interprets the assignment in their own way. There have been more than 2,500 spots, and yet each one has managed to bring something new.

It’s a rare opportunity for an artist to have so much creative freedom. In June 2021, I got the chance to do a series myself, and learned firsthand how challenging, yet creatively fulfilling, drawing 30 little illustrations could be.

Now as the art director of Inside the Times, one of my favorite parts of the job is sharing that experience with other illustrators.

This Month’s Illustrator Explains Her Process

This month's A3 spot illustrator is Sophy Hollington. Sophy Hollington
Sophy Hollington carved her spot illustrations into linoleum. Sophy Hollington
Each illustration in her monthlong series took about 20 minutes to carve. Sophy Hollington
After carving illustrations into a block of linoleum, she rolled ink onto the block. Sophy Hollington
Then she pressed paper onto the ink-covered block, transferring the spots onto the page. Sophy Hollington

This month’s spot illustrator is Sophy Hollington, an artist from Brighton, England. After sketching her ideas on an iPad, Sophy creates her illustrations through a relief printmaking process called linocut. She carves her scenes in linoleum blocks, then applies a coat of ink to the block. Next, she presses a sheet of paper on the block, transferring the image to the page. I asked Sophy to shed light on her process. Our edited email exchange follows.

How long does it take you to complete a single spot illustration?

To carve one spot illustration in this series took about 20 minutes. Printing and scanning takes about 30 minutes, including getting out and putting away all the required gear. Editing takes about 5 minutes.

Why is it important to you to work this way, as opposed to achieving something similar digitally?

It’s something I’m always reckoning with to be honest … as it is a limiting and time-consuming process that feels more so as digital technology progresses. However, whenever I’ve tried other media, I find I’m not able to recreate the beautiful irregularity that this kind of printmaking creates. I think the limitations of using a medium like this also force my brain to work that much harder to figure out how to represent certain objects and portray scenes or narratives in a way that feel clear and concise. Put simply, it has completely shaped the visual language I use, and I get a huge sense of satisfaction from using an analog medium. I love that all of my work exists in the real world as both a carved object and a print.

What was the inspiration for your series?

I wanted to take the paper out of the domestic, everyday setting and in to another, slightly spooky and archaic world that also felt familiar and humorous.

You already impose several limitations on your work. Was incorporating the newspaper a welcome addition? Was there anything you found challenging about it?

I felt quite intimidated at the prospect of carving so many newspapers, which are honestly one of my least favorite things to represent in lino (fiddly, foldy, small lines etc.). Saying that, it got a lot easier as I progressed, and I really enjoyed the challenge of trying to find more unusual ways for the paper to be interacting with the illustration. Given that the rest of the spot could be about anything at all, it actually felt like one of the more liberating commissions I’ve ever worked on.

IMAGES

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PDF Using and Citing Illustrations in Essays
1. Select the image. 2. On the Insert menu, go to Reference, then click Caption. 3. Select any other options you want, and then click OK. Citation. Images that you use in your essay have to be cited; make sure the source, if it isn't already, is listed in your Bibliography.
10.2 Illustration
The Purpose of Illustration in Writing. To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effective illustration essay clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence.. As you learned in Chapter 9 "Writing Essays: From Start to Finish", the controlling idea of an essay is called a thesis.A writer can use different types of evidence to support his or her ...
Illustration
An effective illustration essay clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence. The controlling idea of an essay is called a thesis. A writer can use different types of evidence to support his or her thesis. Using scientific studies, experts in a particular field, statistics, historical events, current events, analogies ...
How and When to Use Images in an Essay
Make sure to directly reference the image in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of 'An example of this can be seen in Figure 1'. The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the ...
4.10: Illustration
Illustration is most often used at the paragraph level to help illustrate or support a point, but you may also encounter illustration essays of various types in your college courses. Figure 1. More often than not, the style of illustration is used at the paragraph level of essay writing. In an illustration essay or a paragraph that employs ...
Illustration Essay
Illustration Essay. Illustration is a rhetorical style that uses examples to support the thesis or main idea of a paragraph or essay. Illustration is most often used at the paragraph level to help illustrate or support a point, but you may also encounter illustration essays of various types in your college courses.
PDF A short guide to visuals in your writing for
to use visual material in your essays. As a generalisation, you will be encouraged to use visual material in the social sciences, sciences and technologies, but may not always be encouraged to use such materials in arts and humanities. It depends on your subject discipline and the practices in your Department or School.
Illustration/Example
The Purpose of Illustration in Writing. To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effective illustration essay, also known as an example essay, clearly demonstrates and supports a point through the use of evidence. The controlling idea of an essay is called a thesis. A writer can use different types of evidence to support ...
Guide: Designing Documents: Using Illustrations
Designing Documents: Using Illustrations. Updated Jun 2022. Whether writing for a scientific, technical, or business journal, plan your illustrations before you begin writing: it will reduce your narrative. Then write around your illustrations, or better yet, let the illustrations carry the message. Consider the following when preparing ...
Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
Illustration/Example. To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly. An effecti ve illustration essay clearl y demonstrates and supports a point through the use of examples and/or evidence. Ultimately, you want the evidence to help the reader "see" your point, as one would see a good illustration in a magazine or on a website ...
8.4: Illustration and Exemplification
8.4: Illustration and Exemplification is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly through the use of evidence. To exemplify means to demonstrate through the use of examples. This is a technique that can stand alone but ….
Illustration Essays Unveiled: A Step-by-Step Guide and Real-Life Examples
Illustration Essay: A Roadmap for Success. An illustration essay is a testament to the existence of a particular phenomenon. Unlike other essay types, it leans heavily on research, employing detailed descriptions and vocal examples to support its points. The essay's thesis takes root in the introduction, flourishing with illustrative examples ...
Definition, Tips & Examples for Illustration Essay
Step 5. Review. After completing your essay, it is essential to give it a thorough editing. Take the time to read through it once or twice to identify any grammatical, structural, or contextual errors. Additionally, ensure that your essay is free from any instances of plagiarism. Step 6. Enjoy Your Perfect Essay.
Illustration
Illustration in writing is the use of words to show, represent, or demonstrate an idea, point, or concept by using examples, images, or vivid clarifying information. In other words, illustration means to shed light on something, which is what the word's etymology indicates: illustration is from the Latin lustrare, "to shine light on.".
Illustration and Exemplification
7. Illustration and Exemplification. To illustrate means to show or demonstrate something clearly through the use of evidence. To exemplify means to demonstrate through the use of examples. This is a technique that can stand alone but is most often used within an essay to demonstrate the various points that an essay is offering as it supports ...
Documenting and Citing Images
Use the following elements when identifying and citing an image, depending on the information you have available. It is your responsibility to do due diligence and document as much as possible about the image you are using: Artist's/creator's name, if relevant; Title of the work/image, if known, or description;
When to Use an Image in an Essay
Make sure to reference any images you use in the text of your essay. If you have included an image to illustrate a point, for instance, you would include something along the lines of "An example of this can be seen in Figure 1.". The key, then, is that images in an essay are not just decoration. Rather, they should fit with and add to the ...
Illustration Essay: Topics, Tips and the Outline
This paragraph opens the illustration essay. It typically contains anywhere from 5 to 15 sentences; a number of sentences depend upon the density of the topic being explained in the essay. It should begin with a hook - a sentence to gain and keep the reader's attention. Hooks may also be referred to as "attention getters".
How to Cite an Image in APA Style
An APA image citation includes the creator's name, the year, the image title and format (e.g. painting, photograph, map), and the location where you accessed or viewed the image. Last name, Initials. ( Year ). Image title [ Format ]. Site Name. or Museum, Location. URL.
Using and Citing Images
When citing an image, the caption/citation should be labeled as Figure (usually abbreviated Fig.), assigned an Arabic numeral, and given a title or caption. Include information about the source of your image, for example the book in which the image you are using appears. The caption/citation ordinarily appears directly below the image.
Using and Citing Illustrations in Essays
To add a caption using Word, first insert an image into your Word document. Then: 1. Select the image. 2. On the Insert menu, go to Reference, then click Caption. 3. Select any other options you want, and then click OK. Citation Images that you use in your essay have to be cited; make sure the source, if it isn't already, is listed in your ...
Using and Citing Illustrations in Essays
To add a caption using Word, first insert an image into your Word document. Then: Select the image. On the Insert menu, go to Reference, then click Caption. Select any other options you want, and then click OK. Citation. Images that you use in your essay have to be cited; make sure the source, if it isn't already, is listed in your Bibliography.
Putting the Spotlight on Spot Illustrations
The illustrations don't pair with articles, so aside from fixed size limitations, the only stipulation is that each "spot," or small, free-floating illustration, features a newspaper in some ...

10.2 Illustration

The Purpose of Illustration in Writing

The Structure of an Illustration Essay

Writing at Work

Writing an Illustration Essay

Key Takeaways

How and When to Use Images in an Essay

How to Use Images in an Essay

Citing Images and Illustrations

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How to Cite the CDC in APA

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Illustration/Example

Student Learning Outcomes

Introduction to Illustration/Example

The Purpose of Illustration in Writing

The Structure of an Illustration Essay

Writing an Illustration Essay

Professional Illustration/Example Writing

April & Paris by David Sedaris

Discussion Questions (Part I & Part II)

Student Illustration/Example Writing

Discussion Questions

Reflective Response

Additional Chapter Sources

Share This Book

Designing Documents: Using Illustrations

Communication Approach

Preparing Illustrations Yourself

Plan for Your Audience

Planning Your Message

Functions of Illustrations

Support Narrative

Enhance Understanding

Break Up Text

Illustration/Example Essay

Module Outcomes

Illustration Essays Unveiled: A Step-by-Step Guide and Real-Life Examples

Illustration Essay: A Roadmap for Success

Step-by-Step Guide for Crafting Your Illustration Essay

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