1. TDEC: the complete answer
Tara Banton
LT Instructional Coach

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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