Analysis of an Issue - Real world Examples

by **Ramesh** Sat Jul 26, 2008 2:12 pm

Hi,
I am able to come up with an pretty decent essay having an intro, two body paragraphs and an conclusion. But when it comes to quoting examples in the body paragraph I am found wanting. How can I improve on this ?
Can I quote pesonal examples [which might end up too narrow when the test graders reads] or should the examples only be general [like Steve Jobs of Apple] ??? Moreover, how can I work on quoting good examples ??

My GMAT test is on Aug 5th. So, kindly reply as soon as possible.

Thanks in advance.

by **StaceyKoprince** Mon Jul 28, 2008 10:16 pm

You can absolutely use personal examples - that's completely fine as long as you give enough detail in your body paragraph that the reader can understand why you chose this example. Also, if you choose a real-world example, it doesn't even need to be a business example - it could be something from history, or from a book you've read - even a movie! The source doesn't matter so much as the relevance and resonance of the example to the situation at hand.

One thing to help you with brainstorming examples: go to chapter 10 of OG11 and you'll find a list of sample analysis of an issue essays. Pick a random one and spend a few minutes brainstorming all the examples you can think of. Do one a night and after a couple of weeks, you'll have lots of ideas. You may even want to keep a list of your ideas, because lots of times you'll find that you can take one example or topic and use it for lots of different essay topics.