Developing Ideas

Developing Ideas

How do writers develop ideas?

• explain the idea in a different way

• add a personal opinion

• give examples

• research other opinions, facts, and ideas

• add personal connections that give more meaning

Multiple Choice

It is important for children to eat healthy diets. Children should eat varieties of fruits and vegetables in order to get all the vitamins and minerals they need. They should also eat lean proteins such as chicken and fish. Children also need to drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks. Eating wholesome diets helps children maintain healthy weights and keep from getting sick.

Which detail can be added to develop the topic in the paragraph?

• One large egg is about 70 calories.

• Children ages 4-13 need 5-7 cups of water a day.

• Kale costs less per pound than other types of greens.

• Children can plant a garden to grow their own vegetables.

Multiple Choice

Although taking care of a garden is a great deal of work, it is a good activity for children. Gardening teaches children patience because they must wait for seeds they plant to grow. Gardening also helps teach children about responsibility because they must remember to take care of their gardens, or their plants will not grow. Children can learn so much from working in gardens.

Which detail can be added to develop the topic in the paragraph?

• Gardening is a popular activity in countries throughout the world.

• Maintaining a garden can sometimes become quite expensive.

• Children can practice teamwork by gardening with other people.

• The children of parents who enjoy gardening may also enjoy it.

Multiple Choice

Toll roads have changed significantly since they were first used in the United States. Traditionally, drivers paid fees for using toll roads by handing cash to attendants at tollbooths. This method of collecting tolls wasted time because drivers had to slow to a stop, and it cost states money because they had to pay the attendant at each toll booth. Modern systems of collecting tolls are designed to solve these problems. Some newer all-electronic toll roads use collection methods in which cameras are positioned over the roads to snap pictures of license plates while cars are driving at full speed. Drivers are then mailed bills later.

Which detail can be added to develop the topic in the paragraph?

• Many drivers complain about using toll roads because they do not have cash to pay for the tolls.

• Over 2,500 years ago, long before cars were invented, people in the Middle East began using toll roads.

• Many states avoid building toll roads because they are expensive and do not actually earn the states money because drivers avoid using them.

• One benefit of the newer methods of collecting tolls is that states save money because they no longer have to pay attendants at tollbooths.

Multiple Choice

Dentists recommend flossing at least once per day because flossing helps remove food from between teeth. When food is allowed to remain between teeth, a substance called plaque can build up. Plaque is filled with harmful bacteria, which can lead to small holes in the teeth called cavities. Without flossing, the bacteria left between the teeth may also cause bad breath even when people brush their teeth regularly.

Which detail can be added to develop the topic in the paragraph?

• Plaque between teeth creates acid, which can hurt the gums and lead to gum disease.

• Another way to keep teeth healthy is to brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste.

• Bacteria can be passed from person to person, so it is best to avoid sharing food and drinks.

• Most dentists recommend that patients come in for regular cleaning visits every six months.