Elaboration — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- The facts, definitions, and examples a writer adds to develop a point so the reader truly understands it. (English 6)
- Further explanation or detail that develops an idea. (English 6)
Where it is taught
- Informative & Explanatory Writing — Writing, English 6, Grade 6
- Discussion, Listening & Evidence — Research, Media, Discussion & Presentation, English 6, Grade 6
In use
Each paragraph should open with a topic sentence naming its own little focus, then deliver elaboration: the facts, definitions, and examples that develop the point.
Informative & Explanatory Writing
Questions using elaboration
Problem 1
Which sentence is a topic sentence that still needs elaboration to be complete?
- Volcanoes are interesting.
- About 75% of the world's active volcanoes ring the Pacific Ocean.
- For example, Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980.
- Volcanoes form in three main ways, one being where plates pull apart.
Answer and explanation
Volcanoes are interesting.
"Volcanoes are interesting" is vague and adds no real information yet — it needs facts or examples to develop it.
Taught alongside
- informative/explanatory writing
- topic sentence
- transition
- concluding statement
- discussion norm
- paraphrase
- revision
- perspective