Support arguments with strong instances
📚 DiscourseAt A2, you could make simple claims: "Technology is good." But B2 speakers support claims with specific, well-chosen examples. Without examples, arguments float in the abstract.
The Problem: General statements without evidence sound weak or unconvincing. Native speakers don't just assert—they prove through exemplification.
❌ Unsupported
"Social media damages relationships. Young people are isolated."
Claims without proof. Sounds like opinion, not argument.
✓ Exemplified
"Social media damages relationships. Take teenagers, for instance—they're chatting constantly but rarely having face-to-face conversations."
Specific example. Illustrates the point clearly.
Today you'll learn: How to introduce examples smoothly and use them to strengthen your arguments.
These phrases signal you're moving from claim to proof:
Examples:
"Technology connects us globally. Take video calls, for instance—they allow real-time conversation across continents."
"Take the education system, for instance. Many countries are now integrating digital tools into classrooms."
Use this phrase to support a claim about modern work.
Examples:
"Startups often disrupt traditional industries. A case in point is how Uber transformed urban transportation."
"Climate change requires immediate action. A case in point is rising sea levels threatening island nations."
Use this phrase to support an argument about business innovation.
Examples:
"Effective leadership requires emotional intelligence. To illustrate this, imagine a manager who listens to employees' concerns versus one who just gives orders."
"Language learning accelerates when you're immersed. To illustrate this, consider someone living in a foreign country versus studying only in a classroom."
Use this phrase to demonstrate a point about communication.
Examples:
"Remote work is becoming normalized. This is exemplified by major tech companies allowing employees to work from home permanently."
"Social inequality persists despite education. This is exemplified by glass ceiling effects in corporate leadership."
Use this phrase to support a claim about social change.
Examples:
"AI is transforming industries. A prime example of this would be autonomous vehicles revolutionizing transportation."
"Cultural exchange enriches societies. A prime example of this would be how immigrant communities contribute to innovation and creativity."
Use this phrase to support your strongest argument about technology.
For each claim, add a strong, well-introduced example:
Introduce a specific example to prove this:
💡 Try: "Take [X] for instance..." or "A case in point is..."
Provide two contrasting examples (60+ seconds):
💡 Use: "To illustrate this..." and "A prime example would be..."
Give specific examples showing both positive and negative effects:
💡 Use multiple phrases: "Take... for instance," "This is exemplified by," "A case in point..."
For each topic, state a claim and support it with strong, well-introduced examples:
Goal: Use all 5 exemplification phrases naturally. Make your arguments concrete and persuasive.
Click to test your memory!
Pattern: Make claim → Explain why → Provide evidence/example
L33 taught justification; L56 teaches how to exemplify that justification specifically.
Structure: Identify problem → Propose solution → Show how it addresses the problem
Both L34 (problem-solution) and L56 (exemplification) require supporting ideas with specifics.
Key insight: Examples move from abstract (your opinion) to concrete (observable reality)
This makes arguments harder to dispute and more memorable to audiences.
Use L33 justification + L34 problem-solution + L56 exemplification together:
Discuss a social problem in your country and propose a solution. Justify your solution AND give specific examples.
💡 Start: "I think we should..." / Justify: "because..." / Exemplify: "Take [X] for instance..." or "A case in point is..."
I can use specific examples effectively to support and strengthen my arguments
How confident do you feel?
1 = Need more practice | 5 = I've got this!
✓ "Take [X] for instance..." - Introduce specific, concrete example
✓ "A case in point is..." - Present compelling, relevant example
✓ "To illustrate this..." - Show concept in practice
✓ "This is exemplified by..." - Provide formal evidence
✓ "A prime example of this would be..." - Highlight strongest example
Choose a topic you care about. Make a claim about it. Find 3 different specific examples. Practice introducing each one using a different exemplification phrase. Which phrase feels most natural to you?