Exemplification Defining by example: showing one or more specific, relevant examples that illustrate or explain the author’s point, assertion, or abstract concept. EXEMPLIFICATION is used in EVERY rhetorical mode in order to explain and clarify, to add interest, and to persuade. When you want to understand a general concept or an abstract idea, you probably ask for an example. And when you want to explain an idea, you probably provide examples as a strategy to make your thinking clear. EXEMPLIFICATION is simply a way that writers and speakers use to explain things so that readers and listeners can better understand the topic being discussed.

FOR EXAMPLE: In suggesting to your friend that he leads an unhealthy lifestyle, he might say, “What do you mean? Give me SOME EXAMPLES of what I do that is so bad that you think my lifestyle is unhealthy.” You might say the following exemplification: “You don’t get enough sleep. You sleep only from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. each day. “You don’t exercise enough. You skip P.E. class twice a week as it is.” “Lunch for you is just another excuse to eat a bag of Doritos.” “Fruit and vegetables to you are an endangered species, or deadly poison.” Write your understanding of the term “exemplification.”

Let’s Practice… Answer the following in your journal. Read the quote to the left. What does this mean to you? Provide 3 EXEMPLIFICATIONS (specific examples) What One word comes to mind when you think about this quote. Your ONE word should be an abstract noun (i.e.: an idea – like happiness, sadness, loyalty, perfectionism, etc). Life isn’t about getting and having, it’s about giving and being. –Kevin Kruse

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky Let’s Practice… Answer the following in your journal. Read the quote to the left. What does this mean to you? Provide 3 EXEMPLIFICATIONS (specific examples) What One word comes to mind when you think about this quote. Your ONE word should be an abstract noun (i.e.: an idea – like happiness, sadness, loyalty, perfectionism, etc). You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretzky

Answer the following in your journal. Read the quote to the left. What does this mean to you? Provide 3 EXEMPLIFICATIONS (specific examples) What One word comes to mind when you think about this quote. Your ONE word should be an abstract noun (i.e.: an idea – like happiness, sadness, loyalty, perfectionism, etc).

“Lifelong Dreamer” After we read this together, complete the following with your group: Highlight the quote that best represents the primary message McLaughlin conveys through Nancy Pham’s story. Underline and # each instance McLaughlin uses exemplification to further explain her claim. In your journal, write the following… Explain WHY 3 of those exemplifications help support her claim. If you can’t explain why your choice supports the claim, choose a different one. Write an argumentative thesis statement for this article. According to this essay, how does McLaughlin define the American Dream?

“They Live the Dream” Within your groups read Dan Rather’s essay, They Live the Dream,” then complete the following with your group: Highlight the quote that best represents the primary message Rather conveys through these multiple stories. Underline and # each instance Rather uses exemplification to further explain his claim. In your journal, write the following… Explain WHY 3 of those exemplifications help support his claim. If you can’t explain why your choice supports the claim, choose a different one. Write an argumentative thesis statement for this essay. According to this essay, how does Rather define the American Dream?