To ensure that your anecdote effectively supports your essay's claim, you should focus primarily on the following:
- Explain the point of the story: Clearly connect the anecdote to your main argument or claim. Make sure that the reader understands how the story illustrates or reinforces the point you are making in your essay.
While including relevant details about the people involved and the context of the story can add depth and richness, the priority should be on how the anecdote contributes to your overall argument. Therefore, the most critical step is to explain the significance of the story in relation to your thesis.
Providing background details can also be helpful, but keep it concise and pertinent to the narrative you are presenting. Avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive detail that does not directly support your claim.