Content publishing
Choose examples that explain an article's main point
An example earns its place when the reader can see an input, follow the reasoning and reach the result. Pick the concept readers find hardest, then choose or build a small case that shows it. Say when an example is invented, and state where it stops applying.
A text to start with
My article explains [concept] to [reader]. The main point is: [point]. The part readers usually find hard is: [difficulty]. Here are real cases I could use: [cases, or write none]. Suggest examples that show the concept with a clear input, visible reasoning and a result. Mark any example you invent as hypothetical. For each, state one limitation: a situation where the example would mislead.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Example selection worksheet
Concept being explained: [ ] Main point of the section: [ ] What readers find hard about it: [ ] Repeat this block for each example. Example input: [ ] Real or hypothetical: [ ] If real, source and permission: [ ] Reasoning, step by step: [ ] Result: [ ] How the result shows the concept: [ ] Limitation (where this example would mislead): [ ] Would this example work for a different concept? [yes / no] Placement in the article: [ ] Reader test (could they explain the point back?): [ ] Rejected examples and why: [ ]
Examples that do not teach
Test each example by removing the concept's name and asking whether a reader could still see why the result follows. If the example works equally well for a different concept, it does not illustrate this one. Label invented examples and check that their numbers are plausible for your field, since a made-up figure can look like a real finding. Confirm that real examples have permission to be used and carry no private details. Beware of one clean case that hides the exceptions readers will meet, and put the limitation beside the example, not later.
Ask another agent to check the result
Check whether each example in this worksheet illustrates the stated concept, or would fit just as well for a different one. Confirm that every invented example is labeled hypothetical and that each limitation is stated. Name any example that should be replaced and say why.
Place and test the examples
Put each example directly after the sentence that states the concept it supports. Ask someone who fits your reader description to explain the point back after reading only that section. If they cannot, simplify the example or pick another. Keep rejected examples in a list in case a later section needs them.