8/20/2019 Expansion of Passages

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EXPANSION OF PASSAGES 

This exercise is the exact opposite of Precis-writing. In Precis-writing we have to compress; and

in these exercises we have to expand. A sentence, or a short passage, has to be enlarged into a paragraph by the fuller and more elaborate expression of its meaning, or by adding illustrations,details or proofs to a simple statement. uch exercise practically amounts to the writing of 

miniature essays on the sub!ect of the original sentence or passage. "o strict rule can be laid

down for the length of the expansion; it must not be too short, or it will scarcely be an expansion,or so long as to become an essay. #n the average, eighty to one hundred words should be aimed

at.

METHOD OF PROCEDURE 

$. %arefully read the original sentence or passage until you feel that you clearly understand

its meaning. &It is a good practice to try to express the main idea in a word or a phrase;e.g., the real sub!ect of the second specimen is, 'Pride in #ne(s )or*.'+

. aving grasped the sub!ect and meaning of the passage, proceed to expand it by addingdetails, illustrations, proofs, examples etc., until it is a tiny essay only long enough to

ma*e a paragraph.

. The expansion must contain all that was in the original passage

/. The sentence for expansion is a conclusion or finished product0 and it is your wor* totrace the steps by which this thought has been arrived at.

1. If it is a metaphor, explain its full meaning in plain language, and give reasons to support

it.

2. %orrect all mista*es in spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Example:

8/20/2019 Expansion of Passages

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-1-A great deal of talent is lost in the world for the want of a little courage.

EXPANSION 

SELF-CONFIDENCE Timidity and self-distrust are almost as great faults as conceit and over-confidence. There aremany people who have real talent in different lines, and yet who never accomplish anything,

 because they are afraid to ma*e the first venture; and in this way good and useful things are lost

to the world. A reasonable amount of confidence in one(s own powers is necessary for success.

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Peace hath her victories "o less renowned than war.

EXPANSION 

THE VICTORIES OF PEACE 

The word victory is generally associated in our minds with war, and calls up visions of battles,

 bloodshed, and con3uest by force 0 and we thin* of war as a glorious thing because of its famousvictories and splendid triumphs. 4ut when we thin* of the achievements of great men -

statesmen, scholars, social reformers, scientists, philanthropists, explorers, discoverers and

honest wor*ers - for the betterment of the human race and the progress and civili5ation of the

world, we reali5e that the victories of peace are even more glorious than the victories of war.