FMS Computer Lessons
  • Writing a Story
  • D-Day Assignment
  • Ancient Greece
Horizontal Elaboration

Horizontal Elaboration

Good writers know how to write complex (expanded/elaborated) sentences.

The car drove down the road.

The blazing red mustang barreled down the gravel road.

Vertical Elaboration

Good writers improve their writing when they expand their thoughts and ideas within the paragraph and from paragraph to paragraph

Tourists from all over the world should visit Florida. Florida is often called the Sunshine State because there are so many wonderful outdoor activities for tourists to enjoy.  

The state of Florida has many beautiful and sandy beaches. Tourists can enjoy several amusement parks with exciting rides and games for the whole family. If you enjoy water-theme parks, you should know that Florida is the home to “Adventure Island” in Tampa and “Typhoon Lagoon” in Disneyworld. If you are planning a sun and fun filled vacation, Florida is the state to visit. 

Paint a Picture

Elaborate by showing Not Telling

Good writers create a picture in the readers mind by writing sentences that SHOW what happened rather than tell what happend.

The little girl looked in the window.

The little girl pressed so close to the window, that her breath fogged the glass.
Awesome Adjectives

List of Awesome Adjectives

Good writers always replace dull adjectives with vivid adjectives!

Vivid Verbs

Large List of Vivid Verbs

Unlock your imagination and come up with some BRIGHT ideas!


Instead of….
  1. go
  2. eat
  3. make
  4. say
  5. walk

Try these...

  1. depart
  2. devour
  3. design
  4. respond
  5. meander

Super Synonyms

Instead of this
  1. think
  2. use
  3. laugh
Use this
  1. contemplate
  2. utilize
  3. chuckle

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