4.9  Methods of Development: Illustrating with a Story

This method of developing in detail has the same parts as the narrative pattern but is briefer highlights a point already made. In a way, the illustration in words is an extended example. Let's try developing the recommendation of the outline with a story to illustrate the point.

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      I recommend that we include the photo set in the time capsule to show students of the future that they can be in a different building but still be in the same school.
      I can picture the scene, one hundred years from now. Photographers and reporters are milling around as school officials dig up the time capsule. When they get it to the surface and open it, you can feel the air of expectation.
      Watchers wonder what great treasure or wisdom was left by the primitive pioneers of a century ago. At first there is disappointment at finding only three pictures and no explanation. They look at the pictures for awhile, hoping for some secret message or code. Then, the principal reads aloud the school mission statement from the third photo.
      The onlookers fall silent as they realize that, even in their high-tech, futuristic building (that we can't even imagine now), the school mission statement has not changed. A moment later, after some thought, they realize why.

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Illustrating with a story is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to develop your ideas. Stories are like gardens for details, and details allow you to show readers what they can't just be told.

Activity: Using a Story to Illustrate

Now, you try one. Develop the statement that follows by illustrating with a story about something that happened. The statement:

      Even though science class is usually pretty serious, there are some funny moments also.

      Your prewriting will be jotting down the events for a funny story in science class.

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