Elaboration TechniquesLEARNING TARGET: I CAN DEVELOP THE TOPIC WITH RELEVANT FACTS, DETAILS, DEFINITIONS, CONCRETE DETAILS, QUOTATIONS, OR OTHER INFORMATION.

Elaboration Techniques

Elaboration means to “say more” about an idea using specific words, onion-like layering of detail, and specific strategies such as definitions, descriptions, examples, facts, quotes, dialogue, reasons, and/or statistics. Elaboration allows us to select precise diction that are related to the topic and tell exactly what we mean.

Citation / Quotation

Quotes elaborate directly through dialogue and through citation of evidence.

Remember to TLQC+A!Example: T L QAdditionally, in his inaugural address, John F. Kennedy proclaimed, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” (Cite). + Analysis (What does this mean in your own words? How is this quote relevant to your topic?)

Statistic / Fact

The use of numbers, data, or figures to justify a statement related to your topic. Facts must be proven true. If you paraphrase facts from a source, then you must cite them!

Example: Jennifer could run a mile in 5 minutes and 12 seconds, making her the fastest girl in the 7th grade.

Simile / Figurative Language / Imagery

Using the five senses and/or figurative language, description elaborates by showing the reader rather than telling the reader. Use all types of descriptive words, especially strong verbs and similes. Get rid of the following words: is, was, and were whenever possible. Add adjectives to modify important nouns.

Example:Fluffy was a nervous witness.Fluffy wiggled like a nervous witness.

Concrete Example

Examples often follow facts. Examples often begin with one of the following transitions: for example, for instance, to illustrate, thus, in other words, as an illustration, in particular…

Example:Today, Fiona had a load of homework to complete. For example, she had assignments due in Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts.

Anecdote

Personal experiences are stories that usually begin with time connectors.Brief and complete, they include a beginning, middle, and end. Their purpose is to elaborate a supporting detail by providing a direct example from personal experience.

An anecdote should be an account of one to three sentences that relates to the topic in a humorous or interesting way.

Example:Last week, Bowser volunteered at the animal shelter. He helped bathe, feed, and care for the stray dogs they had there. It made him feel good to help other living beings.

Definition

A definition elaborates by telling exactly what something is.

Definitions often begin with one of the following transitions: according to, defined as, which means, or otherwise known as…A definition might be part of an appositive phrase.

Example:Bowser kept his pet annelid, a worm otherwise known as Wiggles, safely tucked into a shoe box filled with dirt.

Sacajawea Paragraph = T+(SEE)3+C

Sentence #

1234567891011

Topic Sentence T +1.Supporting Detail 1 S

a.Elaboration 1 Eb.Elaboration 2 E

2.Supporting Detail 2a.Elaboration 1 x 3b.Elaboration 2

3.Supporting Detail 3a.Elaboration 1b.Elaboration 2

•Closing Sentence + C get it?