Illustration (or Example)
Remember the metaphor that we started the course with? We are a group of nature enthusiasts or birdwatchers on a walk together. Birdwatchers have books of birds, with names and pictures, so that they can identify the birds–match the bird with its name. Lovers of wildflowers have similar books, so they can identify the plants that they find. The name goes with the picture. It’s interesting and fun to match what we see with the description that we read. When we hear or read the word "robin" we get an image in our minds of the bird. Say the name of a wildflower and you get a picture of it in your mind.
Let’s say you are writing narrative, and you write, "When I was a child, we lived next door to a man who was very mean." An often-quoted rule for writers is "Show, don’t tell." How did the man show his meanness? Did he kick his dog? Did he call and complain about the noise when you had friends over for a party? Did he refuse to let you use his telephone if yours was out of order? You’ve probably heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words." If you’re making a statement like "My neighbor was mean" a well-chosen example of his meanness will do more to make your reader understand this than a lot of general statements. In writing, illustrations (examples) make your words real.
www.methodist.edu/library/about/sp/aud.htm
Assignment: In English we say that some people see the glass as half empty, and others see it as half full. Think of someone you know whom you would describe as a positive person. Even in difficult situations, this person has been optimistic and done his or her best under the circumstances. Describe in detail what the obstacles in the way of this person were or are, and what steps the person took or takes to overcome the difficulties. Some people see an obstacle as a barrier, and others see an obstacle as a challenge to be overcome.
www.att.com/ar-2001/what_see.html