This document provides guidance on writing an illustration essay. It explains that an illustration essay uses examples and anecdotes to support and explain claims, generalizations, and behaviors. It recommends choosing a topic to illustrate, developing a thesis statement, using climactic structure with the strongest point last, and including topic sentences and examples in paragraphs. It also provides potential topic ideas that could be illustrated through examples, such as abilities, attitudes, vacation spots, habits, and behaviors. The audience for the essay includes the instructor, classmates, other students, and potential employers.