Elaborating with Detail-Generating Questions

Which sentence provides stronger details?

• You'll really, really enjoy having a nice kitten as a pet.

• You'll enjoy having a soft, fluffy kitten with big green eyes to keep you company.

Which sentence is better?

• You need thick, wool mittens to keep your hands warm when winter temperatures drop below freezing.

• You need good mittens for your hands in the winter.

Which sentence has more specific details?

• Cupcakes are a good and really tasty treat.

• Chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting and sprinkles are the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Which sentence is stronger?

• Everybody likes ice cream with yummy toppings.

• Everybody likes creamy vanilla ice cream with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Which sentence would be better in your composition?

• You should bring a pair of nice, warm pajamas to camp.

• It's important to bring a pair of long-sleeved, flannel pajamas to camp to keep you warm during cold nights in the cabin.

Which sentence has stronger details?

• Elephants have long, muscular trunks for picking up food and drinking/spraying water.

• Elephants have really long trunks they use for all kinds of things.

Which sentence is better?

• You really need to wear sunglasses at the beach.

• A pair of dark sunglasses will keep your eyes protected from the bright sunshine at the beach.

Which detail is more specific?

• Polar bears have thick, white fur to keep them warm and blend in with the snow.

• Polar bears always have really thick fur on them.

Which sentence is better?

• In the autumn, the leaves fall off of all the trees.

• In the cool autumn weather, gold, red, and brown leaves fall from the trees.

Which sentence fully elaborates the author's point?

• You really need a good bat and glove so you can have fun playing baseball.

• Every well-prepared player needs a sturdy, properly-sized bat and a well-stitched leather glove to be successful.