Elaboration Excellence for Everyone (EEE) Presented by Beverly Dunaway

ELABORATE WITH ANECDOTES Definition: A short narrative inserted into an essay that develops an idea or argument Example: I remember the time, that Grandpa stepped into my room to play checkers. With intense eyes, bushy gray hair, and a voice that was rustic and firm, he stated confidently, “Let the games begin!” I knew from that moment I was in for a challenge of the minds. His against mine.

ELABORATE WITH MINI STORY I remember a time, grandpa enters my room to play a game of checkers.

ELABORATE WITH EXAMPLES Definition: Provide more specific information about an idea Key words: For instance, and For example, Example: Some people say, “ School is an adventure. “ I agree. For example, in Math class today, my teacher poured out a box of miscellaneous items and told us to create a Math problem collage. I jumped spryly at the chance to build. WOW! Art and Math together! That combination is an adventure in creative thinking!

Elaborate with EXAMPLES (For example or For instance)

ELABORATE WITH DEFINITIONS Definition: Restate an unfamiliar word or phrase to tell what it means Example: I cheered loudly because the T.E.A.M. , which means together everyone achieves more, won the hard fought football game.

Elaborate with DEFINITIONS What does the word or phrase mean?

ELABORATE WITH FACTS Statistics and Facts Definition: The numbers (data) and information that help support one’s ideas and arguments. Example: There is a margin of over 7,000 votes separating the presidential candidate. With that margin of votes and 99% of the votes counted, he should be declared the winner.

Elaborate with FACTS Elaborate with facts and statistics

ELABORATE WITH QUOTES QUOTES Definition: Words someone says that can help support one’s ideas Example: The student boasted loudly, “Homework is good for the brain. Research proves that homework keeps the brain active and keeps brain cells from dying out!” In my opinion, homework is good for you!

Elaborate with QUOTES

ELABORATION CAUSE AND EFFECT Definition: A way to explain why things happen and what happens as a result. Two Types: Cause and Effect and Cause and Effect Chain ( A causes B, B causes C and so on) Example: When a student doesn’t do his homework, he doesn’t learn the material. When the material is not learned, his grade suffers. When his grades plummet, he gets grounded. When he gets grounded, he cannot socialize with his friends!

Homework: Cause and Effect

ELABORATION COMPARE AND CONTRAST Definition: A way to show similarities and differences (compare/contrast) Example: The newly renovated gym has much more to offer than another gym. The building shines and displays its excellence with trophies and banners. Students take pride in their school now. The teachers care for their students because they put in extra time after school to organize activities to help students understand the benefits of getting the body into shape . The gym across town does not provide these extra services for students.

Going to the GYM! Compare and Contrast

ELABORATE WITH DESCRIPTION Paint pictures with your words Help the reader to visualize your thoughts Use Sensory words Write description of characters Write description of character traits Show don’t Tell Use Color Words Have description of places, activities, people Describe Emotions- Show, don’t tell!

ELABORATE WITH DETAILS WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? HOW?

ELABORATION TOOLBOX ANECDOTE Mini story in narrative or expository I remember a time, DESCRIPTION PAINT A PICTURE VISUALIZE SENSORY DETAILS CHARACTER PLACE DETAILS WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? HOW? EXAMPLES For example, For instance, FACTS/STATISTICS Dates Percents Numbers COMPARE/CONTRAST Similar or different DEFINE Give the definition or meaning QUOTES Someone speaks Quote a saying CAUSE/EFFECT What happened The results

ELABORATION PICTURE ICONS

ELABORATION TOOLBOX LIST 1. MINI STORY (anecdote) 2. CAUSE AND EFFECT 3. FACTS AND STATISTICS 4. QUOTES 5. COMPARE AND CONTRAST 6. EXAMPLES (For example, For instance) 7. DESCRIPTION- SHOW DON’T TELL! 8. WRITE WITH DETAILS- ANSWER QUESTIONS 9. DEFINITIONS