Supporting a paragraph with examples

The idea

Choose a specific example relevant to the main point, then explain how it supports that point.

Examples

• Public parks encourage exercise.
• For example, a walking path gives residents space to move.
• This makes daily activity easier to fit into a routine.
• Shared kitchens can reduce food waste.
• For instance, neighbours can exchange extra vegetables.
• That means useful food is less likely to be thrown away.

Watch out

Do not leave the reader to guess why a colourful but unrelated example belongs in the paragraph.

Try it yourself

1. Complete the sentence: Main point: Reading together helps children learn words. For example, adults can explain new ___ in a story. (words / wheels)

   Show answer or example answer

   words

   words relates directly to learning vocabulary while reading.

2. Complete the sentence: A supporting example should be ___ to the main point. (relevant / unrelated)

   Show answer or example answer

   relevant

   relevant means the example actually relates to the main point.

3. Complete the sentence: After an example, explain how it ___ the main point. (supports / hides)

   Show answer or example answer

   supports

   supports asks you to show the connection between the example and the claim.

Use it today

Write one main point, add a relevant example and explain the connection.