C1 Stage 2: Linked sentences
Give an example, then comment on it
Giving an example and commenting on it in an essay
You can support a point with a specific example and say why the example matters.
This guide is for B2 writers moving to C1. It is a stage 2 skill: write 2-3 sentences (25-90 words).
When to use an example and comment
Every time you make a point that a reader might doubt. The order is always the same: your point, an example, then what it shows and why.
An example and comment: how to do it
An example on its own is not enough. After it, say what the example shows for your point, and then why: a good comment often has 'because' in it. A comment that only says your first sentence again in other words adds nothing. Choose an example a reader can picture (a typical person, place or moment), not 'many things'. Keep it honest: a typical case is fine, an invented study or number is not.
Useful language for an example and comment
- For instance, ...
- A case in point is ...
- Take ..., for example.
- This illustrates how ...
- What this shows is that ...
- This matters because ...
Example of an example and comment
Public libraries now do more than lend books. For example, a small-town library runs a Saturday coding club and helps older residents with online forms. This shows how libraries fill gaps other services miss, because anyone can walk in and ask for help.
Topic: Public libraries
How the BetterWrite coach checks an example and comment
The BetterWrite coach checks 3 points for this skill, plus accuracy and staying on topic, and quotes your own words when one is not there yet.
Try it
Write 2-3 sentences about learning from failure: make a point, give a specific example, then comment on it.
Write 25-90 words (2-3 sentences).