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Use Examples Effectively

An example shows your point in real life, so the reader can see it and believe it. Place it right after the point, or open with it to catch attention. A strong example is exact: a name, a number, a time or a place. Build a clear block of point, example and link, and use one good example for each point instead of a pile.

🎬 Step-by-step story

  1. This is a point. It tells the reader what you think. The reader asks, "How do you know?"
  2. Put one example right after the point. A real case makes the point easy to believe.
  3. A strong example is exact: a name, a number, a time. A vague one, like "people do this", does not help.
  4. Build a small block: point, example, link. The link says "this shows that..." and ties them together.
  5. You can also open with the example, then say the point. This catches the reader at the start.
  6. Your turn. Add or remove examples, swap the order, drop the link. Which structure is clearest?

Tip: drag the 3D scene to turn it. Use two fingers to zoom.

🤔 Common doubts, cleared

If my point is true, why do I still need an example?

The reader cannot see inside your head. An example lets them see why it is true, instead of just trusting you.

Where exactly does the example go?

The safest place is right after the point. You may open with it too, but keep it close to the point.

What makes an example strong and not weak?

Exact details: a name, a number, a time, a place. Compare the green and grey blocks.

Why do I need a link sentence?

Without it, the reader must guess how the example fits. The link says "this shows that..." and does the thinking for them.

Can I begin with the example?

Yes. A short story first catches attention. Then say the point and add the link.

How many examples are enough?

Usually one good example per point. Try the slider: three examples already make the reader tired.

What an example is for

A point is your main idea in one sentence. An example is a real case that shows the point. It answers the reader's question, "How do you know?"

Without an example, a point floats in the air. With one, the reader can picture it.

Where to place the example

Do not hide an example far from its point. The reader will forget what it was for.

What makes an example strong

A strong example is exact. It has a name, a number, a time or a place. It is short: one to three sentences. It is on topic: it really shows your point.

Weak: "Many people read daily." Strong: "Mina read 10 minutes a day for 4 weeks, and her marks went up by 12."

If you make up an example, say so: "Imagine a student who..." Never pretend an invented case is real.

A clear structure: point, example, link

  1. Point: one sentence with the idea.
  2. Example: a short real case.
  3. Link: one sentence that says "this shows that..." or "so...".

Use one block for each point. Two examples can work if each adds something new. Five in a row only tire the reader. When you start a new point, start a new block.

Try it

Pick any opinion, like "Sleep matters". Write one sentence for the point. Then write three examples: one vague, one exact, and one exact but far from the point. Ask a friend which one they believe most. Then move the best example before the point and read both versions aloud. In the 3D, drag the slider to change the number of examples and tap the buttons to swap the order or remove the link.

Key formulas and definitions

Worked examples

1. Point: "Recycling helps our town." Choose the better example: (a) "Many towns recycle." (b) "Since our ward began recycling in 2022, the town sent 30% less rubbish to the dump."

Choose (b). It has a place, a year and a number. Option (a) is vague and does not say what happened.

2. Build a block for the point "Cycling is cheap".

Point: Cycling is cheap. Example: Ravi spends Rs 0 a day on his 3 km ride, but the bus used to cost him Rs 20. Link: So over a month he saves about Rs 500.

3. A paragraph has the point, then four examples, and no link. How would you improve it?

Keep the two best examples. Remove the rest or move them to another paragraph. Add a link sentence at the end: "These two cases show that..." Now the paragraph is short and clear.

Common mistakes

Practice quiz

1. What is an example for?
2. Which is the strongest example?
3. What is the usual order in a clear block?
4. What does the link do?
5. When can you open with an example?

Practice: answer these yourself

Type or choose your answer, then press Check. Use a hint if you are stuck; the full solution appears after you answer.

Frequently asked questions

How many examples should one point have?

Usually one good example. Add a second only if it shows something new. Too many examples tire the reader.

Can I use a made-up example?

Yes, if you say it is imagined, for example "Imagine a student who...". Do not present an invented case as true.

Where should the example go in a paragraph?

Right after the point is the safest place. You can open with the example if you want to catch attention, but keep it near the point.

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