What does "elaborate" typically require from a student?

The term "elaborate" typically involves adding detail and complexity to a thought or concept. When a student is asked to elaborate, they are expected to go beyond surface-level understanding and provide a deeper exploration of the subject. This can include examples, explanations, or additional information that enriches the initial idea. The goal is to create a more nuanced and thorough understanding, which helps convey the intricacies of the topic more effectively.

In contrast, identifying main ideas focuses on recognizing the core elements of a topic without delving deeper into their intricacies. Summarizing arguments involves condensing information to capture the essential points rather than expanding on them. Defining concepts requires providing the meanings of terms but does not involve the level of detail and complexity that elaborating does. Thus, the choice that aligns with the expectation to add depth and richness to an idea is the most fitting.