The best stories use vivid descriptions and imagery to draw the audience into the tale. By using words that explain the characters and setting, the story experience moves beyond a 1-2-3 format to one that is compelling. A good story starts with the frame, but it's only when the story is expanded that it becomes a work of art.

In general, expanding the story can mean doing all or some of the following:

• Using a emotions and feelings to describe a story's personal aspects.
  
• Giving specific names and titles to places and characters.
• Adding noun-adjective and verb-adverb combinations that are unique and varied.
• Using metaphors to help the reader relate to the imagery.
  

To help students create interesting elements that are part of a well-written story, try the ideas in the list to the left or add your own ideas and strategies.