Central Idea and Idea Development
Anecdote
A brief story that illustrates or makes a point.
Metaphor
A comparison that does not use "like" or "as."
Simile
A comparison using "like" or "as."
Statistic
A numerical measurement describing some characteristic of a sample.
Analogy
A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them. Ex. similes and metaphors
Example
A specific case used to illustrate or represent ideas, conditions, experiences, or the like in writing.
Question
A statement that requires an answer.
Description
A written representation or account of a person, object, or event.
Central Idea/Main Idea
Also known as the main idea; this is the most important thought of the entire text and tells the reader the author's main point in writing
What are 9 examples of idea development that you can use when writing?
Analogy, Anecdote, Description, Dialogue, Example, Fact, Flashback, Question, Statistic
Dialogue
Conversation between two or more characters.
Idea Development
Creating, developing, and communicating ideas.
Development
How the author "grows" the central idea and topic throughout their piece. At the start of the text, the central idea will be unclear, but by the end of the piece the reader will have a good understanding of it.
Pattern of Organization
The relationships between supporting details in paragraphs, essays, and chapters. The organization of the supporting details helps you understand how an author thinks. (Also called the Text Structure.)
Supporting Details
These are facts, information, examples, etc. that support the author's central idea. They will clarify, explain, and describe the main idea so the reader understands it fully.
Topic Sentence
Usually the first sentence of a body paragraph. It tells the central idea or topic of that paragraph.
When do we use idea development in writing?
We need to use it all of the time when we write to expand our ideas on our supporting details!
Author's Purpose
Why the person wrote the text
Signal Words
Words that bring attention to supporting details / ideas. Here are some common signal words: one, to begin with, also, further, first (of all), in addition, furthermore, second(ly), other, next, last (of all), third(ly), another, moreover, and final(ly).
Flashback
Writing about a time in your past to expand on your ideas. Ex. "I remember when...." or "Looking back...."
Fact
statement that can be proved or verified