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