Guide: How to write an illustration essay

Purpose

An illustration essay is the simplest form of an argumentative essay. The primary objective of an illustration essay is to prove that something exists or to demonstrate a particular phenomenon. For example, a topic of an illustration essay might be sexism in the workplace. The main argument would be that sexism exists in the workplace, and illustrative examples are offered as evidence. The goal is to use detailed examples to show, explain, and support your argument, making the abstract more concrete and understandable.

Choosing a Topic

Choosing a topic for an illustration essay can be more difficult than it would seem. The key is to select a topic that one can argue for or against its existence. A good topic should be specific enough to be covered comprehensively within the scope of your essay but broad enough to find plenty of examples.

Institutional racism is a good topic for an illustrative essay because some would argue that it does not exist. However, despite its controversial nature, abortion would not be a good topic because it is plainly clear that abortions exist. Instead, a better topic might be the social and psychological impacts of abortion, as these aspects are more open to discussion and illustration.

Introduction

The introduction of an illustration essay should define the term or concept using research to support the definition. It should also explain the controversy or the reason why this topic needs illustration. For example, if the topic is religious discrimination in politics, the introduction should explain why some think that this discrimination does not exist or no longer exists.

The introduction should capture the reader’s interest and provide enough background information to understand the topic’s context. The thesis statement should clearly state that the essay will provide illustrative examples that will demonstrate that the problem or concept exists. For instance, “Despite claims that religious discrimination in politics no longer exists, numerous examples illustrate that it is still a prevalent issue.”

Supporting Paragraphs

The supporting paragraphs are the heart of the illustration essay. Each paragraph should offer a separate example that demonstrates that the topic of the essay exists. When possible, it is a good idea to offer examples that illustrate different angles on the topic. For example, with the topic of religious discrimination in politics, it would be wise to choose examples of politicians of different religions who were discriminated against.

Structuring the Supporting Paragraphs

1. Example 1: Religious Discrimination Against Muslim Politicians
   • Provide a detailed example of a Muslim politician who faced discrimination. Discuss specific incidents, public reactions, and the impact on their political career. Mention how their policies or public perception was affected by their religious background.
2. Example 2: Discrimination Against Mormon Politicians
   • Use Mitt Romney’s experience as a Mormon running for the presidency. Discuss the challenges he faced, the public’s reaction, and any explicit or implicit bias he encountered.
3. Example 3: Bias Against Jewish Politicians
   • Highlight an example of a Jewish politician who faced prejudice. Discuss how their faith was used against them in campaigns or public debates.

These examples must be researched. It is very important to offer credible examples that are backed by sources. Anyone can make up examples or use examples that they heard about, but these imaginary examples are not seen as credible. Use reliable sources such as academic journals, news articles, and verified reports to support your examples.

Conclusion

The conclusion of an illustration essay should summarize the term or concept and reiterate the facts that support that the problem or concept exists. The conclusion might also offer advice to the audience about what they can do to avoid the problem. For example, the audience might avoid discriminating against a politician’s religion by focusing on their records and stances on important topics instead of their personal religious beliefs.

The conclusion should tie all the examples together, reinforcing the thesis and demonstrating the overall point of the essay. It should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the topic and its implications. For instance, “These examples clearly illustrate that religious discrimination in politics is still a significant issue that affects the careers and lives of politicians from various religious backgrounds. To combat this, voters and political analysts should focus on policies and qualifications rather than personal beliefs.”

Additional Tips for Writing an Illustration Essay

1. Choose Relevant and Recent Examples: Using modern and relevant examples helps to show that the issue is current and ongoing. Historical examples can also be useful if they help to illustrate how the problem has persisted over time.
2. Be Specific: Specific examples are more persuasive than generalizations. Detailed descriptions of incidents, including dates, names, and outcomes, make your argument stronger.
3. Use Multiple Sources: Citing multiple sources for each example adds credibility to your essay. It shows that you have done thorough research and that the examples you provide are well-documented.
4. Maintain Objectivity: While an illustration essay aims to prove that something exists, it should do so in an objective manner. Avoid letting personal bias overshadow the facts.
5. Edit and Revise: Ensure your essay is well-organized and free of grammatical errors. Revising your essay multiple times helps to refine your argument and improve clarity.

Practical Example Outline

Title: The Existence of Institutional Racism in Modern Society

Introduction:

• Define institutional racism.
• Explain why some people believe it does not exist.
• Present thesis statement: “Institutional racism remains a pervasive issue in modern society, as evidenced by numerous examples across different sectors.”

Body Paragraphs:

1. Example 1: Institutional Racism in Education
   • Discuss disparities in school funding and resources.
   • Provide statistics on graduation rates and academic performance among different racial groups.
   • Cite studies showing biased disciplinary actions against minority students.
2. Example 2: Institutional Racism in Employment
   • Provide examples of hiring discrimination based on race.
   • Discuss wage gaps and employment opportunities for minorities.
   • Reference cases and studies showing systemic bias in workplace environments.
3. Example 3: Institutional Racism in Criminal Justice
   • Discuss racial profiling and sentencing disparities.
   • Provide examples of how minority groups are disproportionately affected by certain laws and policies.
   • Cite reports and statistics from credible sources.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the examples provided.
• Reiterate the existence of institutional racism based on the evidence presented.
• Offer suggestions for addressing and mitigating institutional racism, such as policy reforms and community initiatives.

By following these guidelines and dedicating time to thorough research and careful writing, you can craft a compelling illustration essay that effectively demonstrates the existence of the concept or issue you are addressing. This type of essay not only enhances your argumentative skills but also helps to raise awareness about important social issues.