What is an Illustration Essay?
Illustration essays help readers understand a topic better by explaining it and providing concrete examples and descriptions. Here are some topics sorted by topic.
Athletic Activities
How a coach of football can change a program.
– This video will show you how to pass the baton during a track event.
Show how to throw a proper curveball.
– Explain how you can swim in competitive swimming.
Describe the differences between cheerleading and tumble.
– Discuss the mechanics of equestrian contests.
What is the purpose of football practices? Explain how players prepare for a game. This could be for any sport.
Explain the importance of sports for colleges. What is the impact of sports on a college town?
– Show teamwork in a team sport.
– How to play ultimate Frisbee
Disc golf: How to Play.
– This video will show you how intramural sport works and what they can do for college students.
– Explain the game of rugby and its differences from other sports.
Describe the preparations needed to play ice hockey.
Describe the competition to be a starter in a sport team.
Describe how coaches determine whether an athlete should be removed from a game due to injury.
– This video illustrates the process of playing and practicing lacrosse.
– Tell us why you think a team sports (or any other team) is underrated.
Describe college club sports teams and compare them to intramurals.
Illustration of how to balance schoolwork and college athletics
College Topics: Life at College
– Why are students so interested in a school’s mascot?
How can college students be successful in their studies?
Illustration of how college bands prepare for half-time shows
Describe the duties of a Resident Assistant within a Dorm.
– Discuss ways to break the “friendship circle” with someone of the opposing sex.
– This video demonstrates the steps required to choose a college.
Illustrate the worst and best ways to ask someone out on date.
– Discuss how students pay college.
How do I create a resume that is appealing to college applicants?
Describe a past prank you witnessed at school, as well as the results.
– Tell us about the college’s efforts to keep freshmen students.
– Describe the traditions of your college’s football games.
Illustrations of college students keeping a budget.
– How to create and maintain a great music practice routine.
Describe the benefits and drawbacks of dorm-life.
Describe campus life in one dorm.
Illustration of how to use campus printers
Describe the achievements and importance of a specific college president.
Interview a professor.
– Share information about campus Christian organizations like Campus Crusade or Navigators.
Describe the controversy surrounding some American universities that require religious leaders to be accepted by their faith groups.
– Illustrate Homecoming rituals on campus
– Tell us about the significance and meaning of your school’s emblem, song, or motto.
– Explain how statues are important to campus history.
– Tell us the story of an older building and its name.
Describe a program that provides tutoring services for college students after school.
Interview an international student to discuss their experiences attending college in a foreign country.
Describe your cleaning routine and how you keep it clean.
How can you get your roommate to put their stuff away?
Describe the student’s eating habits on campus.
Describe the distinctiveness of a specific fraternity or sorority.
– How to exercise enough in college
– This video will show you how to get along your roommate.
– How to deal with people who are annoying in your dorm.
How can you support a college friend making poor choices?
– In 15 minutes, explain how to prepare for class.
Describe the differences between a Texan and a Californian.
– Showcase the history of your basketball or football stadium.
Describe the changes that your college has made over its history.
– Showcase the background and history of one of your college’s statues, street markers, or other landmarks.
– Showcase the importance and value of finding a campus that allows you to study.
– This video illustrates the importance not to procrastinate when you are studying.
– How to communicate well with your family when you are at college.
– Provide information about a school’s honors or major that many students don’t know.
Illustration: Showcase the differences between good and bad studying habits.
Careers
Observe and describe vividly a coffeehouse, or any other place that students gather in.
– Give an overview of the work done by a Starbucks barista.
– Explain “The customer’s always right”
– Showcase the benefits and discuss how 4-H can prepare you for a future career.
– Discuss how ROTC/Air Force ROTC prepares students for college and career.
– Discuss the steps involved in becoming a dentist.
Describe a typical workday for an EMT or a nurse in the ER.
Describe how fashion designers create clothing.
Describe the role of a buyer in large department stores.
– Explain the steps you need to take in order to become a flight instructor or work in an airline company.
– This is a way to show what an interior decorator or fashion designer does.
Interview or shadow a researcher scientist. Illustrate their research activities.
Illustrate the preparations teachers make to teach every day.
– Show the preparation and research done by a judge or lawyer.
Describe the role of an accountant or show how they live during tax season.
Describe the operation of a funeral service.
Illustrate the experience of working at a fast food restaurant.
Explain the daily operation of a grocery shop to stock, store, sell and distribute products.
– Showcase the background of a restaurant through the eyes of a waiter/waitress.
– Illustrations of non-profit organizations’ work.
Describe a typical day for a plumber, electrician, maid, or other construction worker.
Illustrate the difficulties of working with colleagues who are difficult.
– Show the difficulties of working for a poor boss.
– Explain to customers how to sell a product.
– Show the best ways to get people involved in a cause.
Communities
– Explain religious ceremonies or practices to those who are unfamiliar.
Interview someone who is homeless or works with homeless people to find out their daily lives.
– Showcase the significance of a landmark in your city.
– Why do people smoke? Define the life of a smoke-free smoker.
– Show the 4-H team how to display an animal, picking which kind.
Illustration of friendships and their importance
Describe the self-defense options available to women to protect themselves.
Describe the characteristics and genres of electronic music like Indie, Punk or Blue Grass.
– Cities and towns affected by natural disasters are changed. How did a natural disaster change a town?
Describe revitalization efforts in a downtown location near you.
Describe a historical landmark in your area or nearby college. This will help people remember and learn about the history.
– Take a tour of a museum and show your appreciation.
– Choose a historical news story and describe what happened.
– Give an explanation of the steps taken to investigate a case involving murder.
Describe the procedure of autopsy.
Where can I find examples?
Great examples will make your essay stand out. These are some places where you can get inspiration:
1. Personal observation: Make a point to observe the surroundings around you. Make notes of everything you experience. Make your description vivid.
2. Interviews: To get stories and examples, you can interview others about your topic. To make it easier, prepare your questions and take notes.
3. Keep in mind your personal experiences: Remember that you can use your own stories and memories to inspire others. Look for photos of the event to help you jog your memories. Then spend some time reflecting on it. You should write down all the details, even sensory expressions. Write down your memories using vivid adjectives or adverbs.
4. Media: Check out YouTube and TedTalks for videos about your topic. You may also find articles on the topic online. Do not forget to look at books and movies that might be of interest to you.
Questions and Answers
Question: Do illustrations in illustrated writing have to always include pictures?
Answer: No. Answer: No. Illustration essays are not about photos but using words to describe and show something. You can also call it an “illustration article”, explaining essay, describing essays, or concept essay.
