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3. The Illustration Essay An illustration essay , like all…
3. The Illustration Essay
An illustration essay, like all essays, must have a beginning (the introductory paragraph), a middle (the body paragraphs), and an end (the concluding paragraph). The illustration essay, in particular, provides a general statement as the thesis and then develops it with examples in the body paragraphs.
Directions: Read each part of the illustration essay. Then, answer the corresponding questions below.
Title
1- Does Dyslexia Stop Success?
This title
a- asks a rhetorical question
b- has 2 parts divided by a colon
c- contains a quote
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
(1) When I was five years old, I made a birthday card for my father with “I love you, bab” written across the front. (2) Despite my mother’s best efforts to show me the difference between “b” and “d,” these letters looked identical to me. (3) Although I eventually figured out a learning strategy that helped me overcome my learning disorder, dyslexia, it took years of independent study and intense focus. (4) Now, I hold my head a little higher knowing how much harder I had to work to become a college graduate. (5) I am not alone in this constant struggle to write, spell, and pronounce words correctly in order to achieve an education and a career. (6) Despite these learning challenges, many dyslexic people have had successful careers.
2- The opening sentence grabs the reader’s attention by means of:
a- A surprising fact or idea about the essay topic
b- A brief narrative that makes the thesis more vivid
c- A direct quotation about the essay topic
3- The thesis statement of an illustration essay makes a general statement that the rest of the essay will develop with examples. What is the thesis statement of this essay?
a- (6) Despite these learning challenges, many dyslexic people have had successful careers.
b- (2) Despite my mother’s best efforts to show me the difference between “b” and “d,” these letters looked identical to me.
c- (3) Although I eventually figured out a learning strategy that helped me overcome my learning disorder, dyslexia, it took years of independent study and intense focus.
BODY PARAGRAPH
(7) For instance, Henry Winkler, who played “The Fonz” on the TV show Happy Days, has dyslexia. (8) Winkler recalls, “When I was growing up no one knew what learning challenges were. So, I was called ‘stupid,’ ‘lazy,’ and ‘not living up to my potential.'” (9) Now, Winkler seeks to educate others about learning disabilities through his series of children’s books. (10) Winkler’s series focuses on the character Hank Zipzer, a child who has a learning disability. (11) In short, Winkler is not just a successful actor but an influential advocate for people who struggle with language.
4- What example in this paragraph does the writer use to develop the thesis statement?
a- Happy Days
b- Hank Zipzer
c- Henry Winkler
5- What specific details or evidence does the writer provide to support the topic sentence in this paragraph? Check all that apply.
a- Winkler’s successful career as a children’s book author
b- Winkler’s successful career as an actor on Happy Days
c- Winkler’s inability to live up to his potential throughout his life
d- A quote from Winkler about growing up with dyslexia
BODY PARAGRAPH
(12) Another example of a person with a learning disability who has had a successful career is Tommy Hilfiger, the famous fashion designer. (13) Hilfiger had to repeat the tenth grade and barely graduated from high school because of his learning disability. (14) Hilfiger stated that he “didn’t know what was wrong. Everybody thought I was a screw-up.” (15) Despite this discouragement, Hilfiger was determined to succeed in the fashion industry, and he went from being a small clothing store owner to a world-known designer and seller.
6- What is the topic sentence of this paragraph?
a- (14) Hilfiger stated that he “didn’t know what was wrong. Everybody thought I was a screw-up.”
b- (15) Despite this discouragement, Hilfiger was determined to succeed in the fashion industry, and he went from being a small clothing store owner to a world-known designer and seller.
c- (12) Another example of a person with a learning disability who has had a successful career is Tommy Hilfiger, the famous fashion designer.
7- What transitional expression for illustration helps to introduce the example provided in this topic sentence?
a- Despite
b- Stated
c- Another example of
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
(16) People with dyslexia can succeed. (17) Many have achieved far beyond the limitations that were originally put upon them by those who did not understand their learning difference. (18) Unlike Winkler and Hilfiger, I was lucky in that my parents never assumed I was lazy or dumb. (19) I still struggle with writing, even after earning my college degree; (20) however, I now know that my struggles, and the struggles of others with dyslexia, make our achievement even more important because they challenge ideas about our limitations.
Sources: “Henry Winkler: We Knew Him as ‘The Fonz.’ Kids Today Know Him as the Creator of the Delightful and Dyslexic Hank Zipzer.” Instructor 116.5 (Jan-Feb 2007): n. pag. Web. 15 April 2010; Neff, Noel. “Designs on Success: Tommy Hilfiger Rises Above a Reading Problem. (Who’s In the News).” Know Your World Extra 30 Nov. 2001. Web. 14 April 2010.
8- A good conclusion goes beyond summarizing the essay. This conclusion ends with
a- a question
b- a call to action
c- a final point
