Using Anecdotes in Writing

This video tutorial teaches how to elaborate on supporting details in writing by using anecdotes. It begins with an introduction to elaboration and its importance in persuasive writing. The tutorial explains how elaboration helps clarify supporting details and connect them to the thesis. It focuses on using anecdotes, which are brief personal stories, to illustrate points and enhance arguments. A practical example is provided, demonstrating how to incorporate anecdotes into an essay to support a topic sentence effectively.

What is the main purpose of using anecdotes in writing?

• To confuse the reader

• To introduce new topics

• To provide a personal touch

• To elaborate on supporting details

What is the ultimate goal of persuasive writing?

• To entertain the reader

• To inform the reader

• To get the reader to agree with the author's argument

• To confuse the reader

Why is it important to connect all arguments back to the topic sentences and thesis?

• To make the essay longer

• To ensure the reader understands the argument

• To confuse the reader

• To introduce new topics

Where is elaboration typically found in an essay?

• Footnotes

• Introduction

• Conclusion

• Body paragraphs

What is an anecdote?

• A brief story from personal experience

• A fictional story

• A long narrative

• A statistical report

What should you do after writing your supporting detail in essay format?

• Change the topic

• Add more unrelated details

• Ask if you have seen or heard of the situation

• Ignore it

What is the first step in writing an anecdote into your essay?

• Write the introduction

• Write the supporting detail in essay format

• Write the conclusion

• Write a summary

How should you connect an anecdote back to the topic sentence?

• By changing the topic

• By explaining how the anecdote supports the topic

• By using unrelated examples

• By ignoring the topic sentence

What is the purpose of using transition words in writing?

• To confuse the reader

• To introduce new topics

• To make the essay longer

• To connect thoughts and ideas

What should you do if you haven't personally experienced the anecdote you want to use?

• Ensure it is a true story you have heard

• Use a fictional story

• Ignore the anecdote

• Make up a story