1. Chapter 5
Illustration

2. To illustrate is to explain a general statement by means of one or more specific examples. Illustration makes what we say more vivid and more exact. The secret of good illustration lies in well-chosen, well-written examples.

3. Illustration Paragraph
Great athletes do not reach the top by talent alone but by pushing themselves to the limit and beyond. For instance, basketball sensation Lebron James keeps striving to improve. Branded the next Michael Jordan in high school and drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, he propelled the Cavaliers to three NBA playoffs, led the 2008 Olympic team to a gold medal, and helped drive the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals. Even off-season, James perfects his agility, strength, and health routines, recently adding squats on a vibrating platform to activate more muscles. Another example is record-breaking swimmer Dara Torres. After winning nine medals at four Olympic Games and becoming a mother at age 39, Torres kept building power and speed with brutal daily workouts: 90 minutes each of swimming and strength training, plus two hours of stretching. At 41, the oldest female swimmer ever to compete in the Olympics, Dara scored three more silver medals and plans to compete in Few players in any sport, however, can match the work ethic of NFL quarterback Drew Brees, who suffered a nearly career-ending shoulder injury. During months of grueling rehabilitation, “Cool Brees” had to re-learn how to throw a football. When the New Orleans Saints took a chance by signing him, Brees trained harder, always the last off the practice field. Between seasons, he built strength, flexibility, and focus with three-hour workouts that ended when the coach threw playing cards in the air one at a time as Brees caught them one-handed. In 2010, four years after surgery, Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory. Like many top athletes, he turned talent into greatness through sheer hard work.

4. AP Images/Mark J. Terrill
41-year-old Dara Torres wins a 50-meter freestyle heat at the Olympic Games.

5. Transitional Expressions for Illustration
Transitional expressions are the simplest way to tell your readers that an example is going to follow.
Transitional Expressions for Illustration
for instance another instance of
for example another example of
an illustration of this another illustration of
a case in point is here are a few examples
to illustrate (illustrations, instances)

6. Suggested Topic Sentences for Illustration Paragraphs
Even the busiest people can incorporate more exercise into their daily routines.
Most people have special places where they go to relax or find inspiration.
In my family, certain traditions (beliefs or activities) are very important.
In my chosen profession, I will have to write several kinds of different documents.
Misfortunes can sometimes teach valuable lessons.
College students face a number of pressures.
Unfortunately, cheating at college (or stealing at work) is more common than most people realize.
A true friend is someone who sees and encourages the best in us.
Sexual harassment is a fact of life for some employees.
Some lucky people love their jobs.
Certain fellow students (or co-workers) inspire me to do my best.
Eating disorders harm people in many ways.
A sense of humor can make difficult times easier to bear.
Choose a quotation from the Quotation Bank at the end of this book. First, state whether you think this saying is true; then use an example of your own or others’ experience to support your view.

7. EXPLORING ONLINE http://www.google.com
Search the words “une.edu, paragraph types illustration” for a visual review of illustration writing and sample illustration paragraphs from the University of New England.
To brainstorm examples for your paragraph, go to