Language Arts

Elaboration is…Telling the reader more about an idea.

Good elaboration

Clearly supports the main idea Is appropriate for the audience Is often included within sentences Is layered like an onion Answers the reader’s questions

Elaboration can take many forms including:AnecdotesScenariosExamplesDefinitionsStatistics/FactsQuotationsDescriptionsRhetorical Questions

A short narrative inserted into an essay that develops an idea or argument.

Anecdote Starters: I remember… One time…

Example: Idea: Kids these days have it

easy. Anecdote: When I was young, I

walked five miles in the snow to get to school!

IDEAThe hallways of my school are really crowded during breaks.

ANECDOTEWrite a 1-2 sentence story about a time you felt crowded in the hallway.

Hypothetical situation or event “Hypothetical” means imaginary or

suggested as an example. Scenario Starters:

Imagine that… Suppose that…

Example: Idea: It’s important to be honest. Scenario: Suppose that you forgot to study for a

test. You might be tempted to cheat, but cheaters get suspended. If you are honest, it’s possible that your teacher will allow you to do extra credit later on to bring up your grade.

IDEASometimes teachers are nicer than you would expect.

SCENARIOWrite a short scenario to elaborate on this idea.

Provides more specific information about an idea. Example Starters: For example,… For instance,… …like…

Example: Idea: I love mystery books Example: I love mystery books like The

Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and the Nancy Drew book The Clue in the Broken Locket.

IDEAMy little brother is always driving me crazy.

EXAMPLES Write two examples to elaborate on how your brother/sister drives you crazy.

If you are writing about a topic or use a word you think people won’t understand, define it.

Adding Definitions: Add a definition as an appositive

Example: Sufi hiked up Mt. Rainier, a mountain in Washington State.

Add a sentence defining an unfamiliar term Example: Sufi hiked up Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier is

the tallest mountain in Washington State and considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.

IDEAMy coach suggested that I try out for the select team.

DEFINITIONRewrite this sentence and define the unknown word “select team.”

The numbers (data) and information that help support your idea or argument.

Example: Idea: My mom should let me stay out

later. Statistics/Facts:

Mom, did you know that 98% of all my friends get to stay up until 1:00 AM on weekends?

Well, Son, did you know that 3 out of 4 parents would have grounded you for staying out so late?

IDEASmoking is a major problem facing teenagers today.

STATISTICS/FACTSRewrite the sentence by making up two facts to support why smoking is a problem.

Words someone says that can help support your idea or argument

Example: Idea: Another reason to

graduate from high school is that even technical jobs require a diploma.

Quotations: Jared Turner from Best Performance Welding magazine states, “We won’t even consider hiring a person without a high school diploma.”

IDEAMy mom gets mad when I slam my bedroom door.

QUOTATIONElaborate on this idea using a quotation. HINT: What would you say or what would she say to you?

A way to create vivid images for

the reader.

TIPS FOR WRITING DESCRIPTIONS:

Show, not just tell, your reader. The room was messy Papers were

strewn all over the table while weeks of dirty laundry covered the floor.

Be specific with your word choice. Went to the store Sprinted to 7-Eleven.

Try to create an image that appeals to your reader’s senses (see, smell, hear, feel, taste).

Example: Idea: My phone rang during class.

Description: The sound of my phone cut through the silent class. I anxiously dug into my backpack, trying to grab it before Mrs. Schuman, the writing teacher, noticed. Pawing through chapstick, pencil shavings, gum wrappers, and hair bands, my hand darted around the deep pockets of my backpack. “Must shut off ringer,” I thought.

IDEAThe new student was overwhelmed

by what s/he saw on the first day of class.

DESCRIPTION Rewrite this statement using description to

create a vivid image that shows, rather

than tells.

HINT: Use your 5 senses to describe— What do you see, smell, hear, feel & taste?

A question that doesn’t necessarily have an answer but is asked to make a point. Ask more than “Have you ever…?” or “Do you

like…?”

Example: Idea: True friends are hard to find. Rhetorical Questions:

How do you know who your true friends are? Have you ever been betrayed by someone you

thought was your friend? What would you give to have a friend who would

never let you down?

IDEAWe shouldn’t judge people by their appearances.

RHETORICAL QUESTIONSWhat rhetorical questions could you ask to introduce or elaborate on this idea?

IDEA Teenagers have problems.

ELABORATEUse elaboration strategies to give the reader more information about this idea.

Anecdote Scenario Examples Definitions

Statistics/Facts Quotations Descriptions Rhetorical

Questions