Elaboration Learning goal: Students will learn to elaborate ideas by adding relevant supporting details to their Big Idea paragraphs. Copyright 2014 by Write Score, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Review Plan & Paragraph Lesson Spaceship diagram used for planning. Introductory paragraph created from plan.

Plan: Spaceship Diagram Invention with the greatest impact: automobile Distance Transport goods Comfort

Introductory Paragraph “Shot gun!” Cool air in my face, controlling the radio…my mom’s van is a great way to travel. The invention that has made the biggest impact on people’s lives is the automobile. Can you imagine a world that is no bigger than the distance you could walk? Transporting goods and materials without an automobile would be almost impossible. Don’t forget about the comfort associated with our vehicles these days. If there is one invention that has changed people’s lives for the better, it is the automobile.

Today, we will create “Big Idea” paragraphs that give your essay an edge. Start with your first big idea (circle) in your plan. Then follow these steps to elaborate your big idea.

Elaboration Guide Step 1: Write a sentence that transitions from the previous paragraph and expresses the big idea. Remember to indent.  Step 2: Say more or explain sentence 1 with more details. Step 3: Say more or explain sentence 2 with more details. Step 4: Write a couple of sentences that give the reader: A detailed explanation A detailed description A detailed example A series of details to clarify A brief story with details Be sure it relates to the Big Idea of this paragraph and to the topic. Step 5: Your last sentences needs to wrap up your paragraph, still focusing on the big idea.

Step One: Write a sentence that transitions from the previous paragraph and expresses big idea #1. Example: Our world would seem much smaller if we didn’t have the ability to drive distances beyond what we are able to walk.

Step Two: Say more or explain sentence one with more details. Example: We would not know people from other communities if our schools, jobs, sports practices and friends’ houses were only within walking distance.

Step Three: Say more or explain sentence two with more details. Example: Travel would be nothing more than a dream if it weren’t for automobiles to take us distances that would be impossible to go conveniently by foot.

Step four: Write a couple of sentences that give the reader: A detailed explanation A detailed description A detailed example A series of details to clarify A brief story with details Example: I remember competing in the state science fair in Orlando, Florida, with hundreds of students from all over the state. In addition to the competition, we were able to get acquainted, meet college admissions personnel and exchange ideas that increased our science knowledge and abilities. I remember students arriving in cars, busses, and vans of every shape and size. If vehicles were not invented, this annual event would surely suffer along with science education in our state.

Step Five: Your last sentences needs to wrap up your paragraph, still focusing on the big idea. Example: With the ability to drive, people have gained a larger area to work, learn, play and travel. Automobiles have impacted people’s options and opportunities for jobs, schools, leisure activities and visiting family and friends.

Let’s Review the Steps On the Elaboration worksheet: Underline step one step two Put (parenthesis) around Step 3 Put [Brackets] around Step 4 Draw a squiggly line under Step 5 Circle Pass out the Elaboration worksheet.

Body Paragraph #1: Big Idea- Distance Our world would seem much smaller if we didn’t have the ability to drive distances beyond what we are able to walk. We would not know people from other communities if our schools, jobs, sports practices and friends’ houses were only within walking distance. Travel would be nothing more than a dream if it weren’t for automobiles to take us distances that would be impossible to go conveniently by foot. I remember competing in the state science fair in Orlando, Florida, with hundreds of students from all over the state. In addition to the competition, we were able to get acquainted, meet college admissions personnel and exchange ideas that increased our science knowledge and abilities. I remember students arriving in cars, busses, and vans of every shape and size. If vehicles were not invented, this annual event would surely suffer along with science education in our state. With the ability to drive, people have gained a larger area to work, learn, play and travel. Automobiles have impacted people’s options and opportunities for jobs, schools, leisure activities and visiting family and friends.

Work with a Partner Create your own body paragraph #2 or #3 using the correct Big Idea for that paragraph. Be sure to use the correct section of your Elaboration worksheet to write your answer.

Check your paragraph Body paragraph 2 Points possible Self -assessment Points earned There is a statement that transitions from the first body paragraph and states Big Idea #2. 2   All details are relevant to the Big Idea #2. There is a story, explanation, description, examples or series of details that relates to the Big Idea #2. The paragraph wraps up with a statement that connects the Big Idea to the topic. Total 8

Independent Practice Now work on the remaining 2 paragraphs. Write your paragraphs in the correct section of the Elaboration Worksheet.