English 100
The Anatomy of an Example Essay
Follow these detailed explanations for a stellar Illustrative Essay
Look at the essay “You Are Not My Friend” on pages 188-189. This example essay was written by Joel Stein, and his essay is a good essay, but we need to examine why.
Graf 1 : Please remember all introductions should have one of the following: an historical fact, a definition, a universal truth, or a quote. This essay begins with a twenty-first century definition of Internet friendships.
The first graf is fairly short, but note how the RENNS begin to set the comedic/satirical tone. And Stein gives us the thesis immediately: “In the pre-Internet days, neither of uswould have even thought of calling each other friends.”
Graf 2: Note the tight and focused organization of the body paragraph. The body paragraphs begin listing examples. Now, look at the RENNS—Names— in this graf: MySpace (I know, that’s so 2005!) but there‘s also Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.
Graf 3: RENNS are at work here again, and in this graf they include a Reason for Stein’s annoyance: too much information about “friends” he barely knows. Each RENNS further supports the thesis of these people, by now defined as metafriends, really aren’t his friends.
Graf 4: Note the continuing specific examples and the writer’s sarcastic/satirical persona. This strategy makes for a focused and tightly organized essay. The RENNS are extremely evident here: Michael Hischorn, Facebook, non-metafriend. What is also obvious is the detail and depth the essayist uses when expounding upon his frustration of the myopic messages he keeps getting. Notice how each body graf refers back to the thesis which centers on how people have lost the true meaning of the word “friend.”
Graf 5: Notice how Stein visits the opposition. Up until graf 5, he abhors social networking, yet he uses the best tool every writer should use: honesty. He openly admits he is hooked on Facebook and he is afraid (another brutally honest emotion good writers confront and publicly admit) that he will be perceived as a loser. Here’s another Name: Dane Cook.
Graf 6: Note how Stein visits again the opposition. In this graf, Stein is giving some examples of the benefits of social networks. A good essayist will visit, briefly, a view that is the opposite of his thesis. Why? To add ethos to the writer and to prove the writer is not overly biased.
Graf 7~Stein’s satiric tone is superb betwixt and between the examples.
Graf 9~ (I am skipping graf 8 because I am running out of room). Note the conclusion that doesn’t restate his thesis, but he does one strategy every conclusion should include: a challenge. He also finishes his essay with more examples—and more satire.