WRITING AN EXAMPLE FORMAT ESSAY

1) Want to make this easy? Make sure that your thesis statement contains a plural subject. Then you will
simply give examples of that subject.
Thesis: Loose dogs in my neighborhood have created a situation that is no longer acceptable.
Example #1:
Example #2:
Example #3:

Loose dog(s) #1
Loose dog(s) #2
Loose dog(s) #3

Basic outline finished! That was easy!

2) Use examples that illustrate as well as prove your thesis.
Bad example:
Good example:

some dogs
a pair of red chihuahuas that come around every afternoon around 3:00

3) Save the best example for last.

Example #1:
Example #2:
Example #3:

a pair of red chihuahuas that come around every afternoon around 3:00
an old Australian shepard mix that seems half blind and runs in front of cars
the Jack Russel terrier next door who provoked my dogs into a fight and
caused a $1200 liability!

4) Watch out for a common error in giving examples:

Error:
For example, this old Australian shepard.
Correction:
For example, there is this old Australian shepard.
Alternate correction: For example, this old Australian shepard has been sniffing around lately.
Make sure that your examples are expressed in complete sentences!
5) Do not confuse examples with reasons.
Not an Example:
Good Example:

For example, because they crap in my front yard.

For example, two red chihuahuas come around every afternoon around 3:00
and crap right in my front yard under the eucalyptus tree.

6) Use one-time examples as well as always or sometimes examples.

Always Example:
For example, a pair of red chihuahuas comes around every afternoon around
3:00 and craps right in my front yard under the eucalyptus tree.
One-Time Example:
One day, the Jack Russel terrier next door angered my dogs Devil and Dodi
so much that they broke through the fence and went to battle.
7) Remind the reader of the examples youve given when you get to the concluding paragraph of your
essay.
Whether its a terrier, a pair of chihuahuas, or an elderly Aussie, the street at large is no place for a
dog in El Centro.