SUPPORT AND ELABORATION

Body of your paper

Ways to Elaborate

#1 Explanation:Tell what you mean

This color is not right for you. I mean this color makes you look as dull as a dirty sock. You should wear blue.

In other words, To explain, I mean that…This means that….

Ways to Elaborate

#1-Explanation e.g.

Grandpa Albert has a great sense of

humor. I mean he can make you laugh just by reading a poem.

Explanation practice

1.The woman was strange. In other words________________.

2.The teacher was mean. By this I mean _________.

3.The man was greedy. To clarify,(i.e.) he__________.

4.The party was fun. In other words _________.

Words from a Student

Used by permission of R. Colt Carpenter May 13,2008, 10:55 a.m.

“My largest fault is my speed. This means I am slow.”

Ways to elaborate

#2-Example-Give an example

My brother helps me when I am in trouble.

For example, I missed the bus, and he drove me to school. I had a test 1st period, and he didn’t want me to make a zero.

Ways to elaborate

#2-Example

For example,For instance,An example of________To explicate, E.g.=exempli gratia

Ways to elaborate

#3-Describe-tell how it looks, tastes,

smells, and sounds using concrete nouns, specific adjectives, and strong, vivid verbs.

E.g.-The man speaks.

Ways to elaborate

The man speaks.

Concrete noun?Specific adjective?Strong, vivid verb ?

Write a new sentence.

Ways to elaborate

#4-Describe –Tell what it looks, tastes, smells, sounds, and feels like using figurative language.

Like__________As___________

The man speaks like________.

Ways to elaborate

#5-Personal Experience-Relate a personal experience to show what you mean.

NB-Use only 4-5 sentences to relate this narrative.

Ways to elaborate

Personal narrative

The town really does stick together. Last year, a young couple’s only child had to have a kidney transplant. The town threw a huge block party and raised over one thousand dollars for travel expenses. The family expressed its deepest appreciation for the kindness.

Ways to Elaborate

#6-Cause and effectBecause____ happened, then,_____.As a result of _________,________.If_______, then,________.

E.g.=Because Grandpa had such a great sense of humor, he always made us laugh.

Ways to Elaborate

#7-Comparison/contrastIn contrast to…….This contrasts to……On the other hand……In comparison to …….Similar to………..E.g.Grandpa had a wonderful sense of humor

compared to grouchy Aunt Susan.

Ways to Elaborate

#8-Another’s Experience Use of another’s words or life

experiences

Hayley said the funniest stories she had ever heard had been told by Grandpa.

How many examples can you find?

I started playing the trumpet in seventh grade. I had borrowed a used trumpet from my cousin who said that the quality was not great; it would play for many years to come. I played that horn for about one year. When my parents realized I was serious about this instrument, they purchased for me a new trumpet. What a great day that was in the eighth grade. For three more years I played this instrument, but I knew I wanted the best horn. If I could play that Bach, I might earn a place in the Pride of the Southland Band.

As Christmas during my junior year in high school approached, I asked Santa for a silver Bach trumpet. I had worked so hard that year; I had practiced two hours a day. I had worked afterschool on the farm to help make money to buy the instrument. On that Christmas morn, under the tree was a heavy box. It was the silver Bach trumpet which I desired for over two years. What a great present that was!

Additional Support and Elaboration Strategies

Authoritative quotes

E.g.-According to the August 9,2007, edition of Consumer Reports….

Facts and Statistics

e.g. Approximately two-thirds of the American population…..

Definition-define the word e.g.-a bully:one who delights in seeing

others uncomfortable

Witness statements e.g.-The eye witness, Mary Smith,

declared in the courtroom that…

Expert testimonyE.g.-The Surgeon General, Dr. Satcher,

proclaimed that smoking will……

Do you think our English class needs a snack? I mean that we would be able to purchase or bring a snack to class and eat it without getting into trouble. For example,.snacks we could bring to class could be fresh or dried fruit, pack of crackers, or even a pop tart. Because I don’t take time to eat breakfast, and I have no snack, I do not eat any food from 6:30 p.m. until 12:41 p.m. the next day. I have no fuel in my engine. If I should be allowed to eat a snack, I would think better, my grades would improve, and my stomach would not growl. The lack of food in my body is like a car without fuel. Both have stalled and are motionless. . Please, consider allowing us to eat a small snack during class.