TDEC: the complete answer Tara Banton LT Instructional Coach

TDEC checklist: Thesis - answer, claim, main idea Detail  evidence Commentary - Elaboration - context of Detail significance of Detail & Elaboration

Thesis – “T” Thesis – answer to the question Tara Banton, 2014 Thesis – “T” Thesis – answer to the question Main point of paragraph or essay Highlight in PINK

Detail = “D” Highlight in green Detail  evidence Tara Banton, 2014 Detail  evidence Quotes (text-based evidence) Proof (establishing as truth) Real examples (an actual event – not theoretical) Evidentiary examples (data or research) Highlight in green

Elaboration = “E” Highlight in blue Tara Banton, 2014 Elaboration  facts about the Detail Elaborate Explain Elaboration can be lots of stuff about the Detail: Placement - Where is it in the text, or in time or place? Background - What happened leading up to this moment in the text or in life? Context - What circumstances are immediately surrounding the detail? Paraphrase - Rewording for the audience for greater clarity. Literary Device - If detail is a device, name it or define it. Highlight in blue

Commentary = “C” Commentary  opinion, judgment, observation Tara Banton, 2014 Commentary  opinion, judgment, observation When we communicate opinions, we comment: Simple opinions Great insights Thoughtful observations Original interpretations Commentary is why we think the author wrote the Detail, why we think the Detail happened, or why the Detail proves the thesis. Highlight in ORANGE

Commentary Development Tara Banton, 2014 Commentary Development Deepening Levels Connection to T  emphasize theme = meaning Author’s purpose  WHY s/he wrote Universal connection  Human story  Why it matters

TDEC is a pattern of thinking Tara Banton, 2014 TDEC is a pattern of thinking It is the way we process information. Ask Dad for the car – he wants details Present evidence to the judge – she needs elaboration Ask teacher a question – you want detail, elaboration and commentary At an interview – interview questions need TDEC answer A Short-answer question needs a TDEC answer because it is the complete answer