Learning Target RI 3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and elaborated in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).

Who is a key individual? A main character Someone who appears throughout the text. Someone we care about in the text. The story would not make sense or would change if this person was not included.

What is a key event? A main event in the story. It can be the climax (the most important part of the story!) It can be one of the sequence of events in the story. The event must be included in order for the situation to be fully understood by the audience.

What is a key idea? We’ve talked about the central idea (or main idea) It’s stated as a sentence and not as just a few words. It’s something that is supported throughout the text, and not just a single paragraph.

What does it mean to introduce? The method the writer uses to first suggest the importance of an idea, event, or individual Usually writers introduce ideas, events, or individuals near the beginning of the text or at the beginning of a paragraph. Writers can introduce the importance of an idea, event, or individual through facts, descriptions, anecdotes (very brief stories to make a point) or quotes.

Example - My grandfather was an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood he would always make time for me. For example, we would take long walks together on the farm, and we played a record number of checkers tournaments. The most important part of the time we spent together was when he would tell stories of his youth. There was always a lesson to be learned and a laugh to share along the way. These memories will forever define my grandfather’s integrity and patience in my mind.

What does it mean to illustrate? In this situation, illustrating does NOT mean drawing pictures. An author illustrates the importance of an idea, event, or individual by giving examples or evidence to support an idea. Illustration statements are used by authors to support the key individual, event or idea in the text.

Example - My grandfather was an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood he would always make time for me. For example, we would take long walks together on the farm, and we played a record number of checkers tournaments. The most important part of the time we spent together was when he would tell stories of his youth. There was always a lesson to be learned and a laugh to share along the way. These memories will forever define my grandfather’s integrity and patience in my mind.

What does it mean to elaborate? Authors elaborate by going beyond a basic explanation of an idea, individual, or event. Authors do this by using vivid description and by expanding ideas with additional information. Elaborating means providing the reader with supporting details that help increase the reader’s knowledge about the key individual, event or idea.

Example - My grandfather was an important part of my life. Throughout my childhood he would always make time for me. For example, we would take long walks together on the farm, and we played a record number of checkers tournaments. The most important part of the time we spent together was when he would tell stories of his youth. There was always a lesson to be learned and a laugh to share along the way. These memories will forever define my grandfather’s integrity and patience in my mind.