ELABORATION

Definition Elaboration is the process of developing ideas by providing supporting details. These details (e.g., facts, sensory details, definitions, examples, anecdotes, scenarios, descriptions, quotations, etc.) are suitably explained and connected. A writer elaborates on his or her ideas so that a reader will understand more clearly what he or she is saying. Thoughtful elaboration is guided by the purpose for the writing and the needs of the audience.

Techniques Anecdotes: Use a short narrative (story) inserted into an essay that develops an idea or argument. (I remember a time when... Once when I was in third grade..., etc.) Scenario: Create a believable and appropriate hypothetical (pretend) situation or event (Let's say, for example, that... ) Examples: Provide specific information about the idea. (For example... For instance... Such as..) Definitions: Restate your idea in another way so that you are sure it is understood. (What I mean by that is... __________________ means... etc.)

Techniques Statistics or Facts: Use believable (but fictional -- created for the purpose of the writing) numbers (data) and information to help support your idea or argument. (Ninety-eight percent of the students in the neighborhood believe... Three out of four people polled feel... According to the statistics available at the town's water department... etc.) Quotations: Believable words that someone says that help to support the idea or argument. These can be fictitious (but believable) in a persuasive essay, direct quotes taken from the reading provided, paraphrased (but it needs to be clear it is paraphrased) or exact quotes from a famous person. (According the Joe Jones, Mayor of Townsville,... John F. Kennedy once said... This reminds me of a quote I once heard that went something like this, "..., etc.)

Techniques Descriptions: Create vivid images for your readers remembering to use your five senses, plus your sixth sense - personal feelings. Word choice and descriptive language is very important here. Use vivid verbs, exact nouns, interesting adjectives and adverbs. (Looks like... Sounds just like... Smells similar to... Feels just the same as... Tastes just like..., etc.). Use the appropriate words when writing. For example, if talking about a story, use the words plot, theme, characterization, setting, protagonist, antagonist, etc. Use Humor: Remember your audience and keep it appropriate, but a strong writer can effectively use humor.

Techniques Make connections: Text to text; text to self; text to world; text to movie; text to television show; text to famous quotation; etc., but the explanation of the connection must be clear and say WHY. Use Figurative Language: similes, metaphors, personification, analogy onomatopoeia effective statements of irony alliteration repetition of key ideas, words, or phrases hyperbole