Illustration Essay

4) WRITE AN ILLUSTRATION ESSAY & INTRODUCTION LETTER ~ up to 25 points possible
THE ESSAY: After you have read Chapter 1 in your text and the required essays, write at least
a 500-word essay (Arial font, 12 pt., double-spaced) after you have examined a topic of interest
to you and have formulated an insight about that topic. Make good use of examples.
How is an illustration essay written?
a. Decide on a thesis (your insight or point of view) first, and then look for the examples,
or you can first observe events, people, objects, or ideas, reflect on them, and decide
what true statement they suggest.
b. Prewrite by listing an abundance of examples, and then circle the strongest ones, not
just the first ones that come to mind.
c. Then, check them to be sure they are relevant. Ask, “Do these examples relate directly
to the point I am trying to make?”
d. Next, ask, “Which of these examples is the most representative of my insight or the
point I am trying to make?” Use the strongest ones. If they lead to different or opposite
conclusions, consider modifying the thesis to be consistent with the new evidence.
e. Although illustrations can be organized in either time or space order, most often,
examples are organized in order of importance with the one carrying the most emphasis
placed last. Organize the examples in the way that will most help further the point. Some
possibilities:
4/21/2021 Unit 3 ~ Due: June 4
https://ntcmn.learn.minnstate.edu/d2l/le/content/5228250/viewContent/48286216/View 4/5
o least to most controversial
o simplest to most difficult
o least extreme to most extreme
o least to most supportive of your point of view
f. Sometimes, one example is so perfect that you only need to use that one. It might be
a narrative (story). If so, remember the story could be used in any part of the essay; it
could begin the essay, it could comprise the entire body of the essay or it could end the
essay. It could be extended or brief.
g. Choose your examples wisely; they should not be too trite, apparent, vague or dull.
Remember that an essay is not a report. Instead, an essay expresses a thoughtful point of
view about a topic that you’ve examined; this essay tends to look at a topic in a new way and is
therefore interesting and provokes thought in the reader. The examples you might choose to
include in your essay only support your point of view – they are not the point of view.
THE INTRODUCTION LETTER ~ After you have finished writing your essay, write an
Introductory Letter to accompany it. Although this letter should be written after you have
completed a polished essay, please place it before the essay on your document.
This letter introduces your essay to me and should be a long paragraph or two and include the
first two items (mandatory) and two of the other items (you pick).
1) What was your main point and goal in this essay? What did you hope to accomplish with
it?
2) What specific feedback do you want from the instructor? Ask at least three questions
about your writing. Some example questions are written below:
o Did the title of my essay make you want to read it?
o I’m interested in this topic but I’m not sure anyone else is. Does my first paragraph
draw you in — make you want to read further?
o Did I include enough examples to make my point?
o What was the point of my essay? Is it clear?
o Does my essay “flow” well? Did I use smooth transitions between one paragraph
and another?
o Is any part of my essay unclear to you?
o I had trouble ending my essay; was my ending effective or redundant?
o I’m a horrible speller; would you please help me identify spelling errors?
After discussing 1 & 2 above, choose two of the following to include in your introductory letter:
Why you chose the topic you chose. What was its significance to you?
How easy/hard/exasperating/rewarding writing this essay was to you and why.
Were examples easy/hard to find? Why?
Is this your first, second, third, etc. draft? How do you feel about that?
Are you confident, scared, apprehensive about someone reading this essay? Why or why
not?
4/21/2021 Unit 3 ~ Due: June 4
https://ntcmn.learn.minnstate.edu/d2l/le/content/5228250/viewContent/48286216/View 5/5
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this essay?
What in particular would you like a peer reviewer or instructor to comment on?
How did you go about writing this essay? What did you do first, second, etc?
Upload your letter and essay on ONE document to the Unit 3 assignment folder.