Elaboration Strategies

Explain Tell what you mean. EX: This color is not right for you. In other words, you look dull in beige and should wear blue like your eyes. Transitions: This means that…, To clarify…, To explicate…, In other words…

Exemplify Give an example EX: My brother helps me out when I am in trouble. Yesterday, for example, I missed the bus and he drove me to school. I had a test first period, and he didn’t want me to fail. Transitions: For example… (should ALWAYS be embedded), For instance…, An example of…, To exemplify…

Literal Description Tell how it looks, tastes, smells, and sounds using concrete nouns, specific adjectives, and strong verbs. EX: My bedroom looks good now because I redecorated. I purchased a black and white striped comforter and three firm, round black pillows to toss on it.

Figurative Description Tell how it looks, tastes, smells, and sounds using figurative language (simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, etc.). EX: My bedroom looks good now because I redecorated. My bed looks like a zebra with its black and white striped comforter.

Narrative Relate a personal experience to show what you mean. EX: Grandpa Tom has a great sense of humor. One time when I was visiting his grocery store, I watched him cut up chickens. He gave me a chicken head and told me that if I planted it in the garden and didn’t disturb it for three weeks, I’d have a chicken bush. I took the chicken head home and buried it; but, after only three days, my curiosity overcame me and I dug it up. When I told Grandpa Tom that nothing was growing, he said it was too bad because it would only work once; he knew I couldn’t wait three days without looking! NOTE: NO MORE THAN FIVE SENTENCES FOR A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!

Cause and Effect Giving the reasons an event happened or the results of the event. EX: Because Grandpa Tom had such a great sense of humor, he always made us laugh. Transitions: Because_____happened…, As a result of________...

Comparison/Contrast Giving similarities and/or differences between two or more things. EX: Grandpa Tom had a wonderful sense of humor in contrast to grouchy Grandma Susie. Transitions: In contrast to…, This contrasts…, On the other hand…, In comparison to…, Similar to…

The Use of Other’s Experiences Giving specifics through other people’s words. EX: My father once told me that he enjoyed Grandpa’s jokes and laughter.

Red Bow Conclusion After you have elaborated, you will need to tie it all together with a red bow… your CONCLUSION SENTENCE.

Review: Ways to Elaborate E L F N C O Explain Example Literal Description Figurative Description Narrative Compare/Contrast Cause/Effect Other’s Experiences

Assignment – 50 points PROMPT: In a strong, informative paragraph, demonstrate the use of at least 5 pieces of textual evidence (explanation, examples, literal descriptions, figurative description, narrative, cause/effect, and compare/contrast), explaining the essence (individual nature – personality) of who Frederick Douglass was. Topic Sentence referencing Douglass Explanation Sentence 5 Elaboration Strategies using textual evidence Red Bow Conclusion