Amplification
Expansion of an idea is called amplification. It has already been shown that when writing a paragraph, one has to expand an idea or topic sentence. In fact, amplification and paragraph are basically the same thing. The only difference is that the paragraph topic sentence is not given, the student has to make it, on the other hand the main statement is given in amplification.
The idea of many in our country is that amplification simply means the extension of a proverb. So it is seen that in various experiments, it is said to expand the base sentence, such as Honesty is the best policy. Eternal vigilance is the price of freedom. Etc. That's not really the case. Expansion of any idea is called amplification. When a topic sentence is expanded in a paragraph, it also falls into the amplification stage.
How to do amplification? The way the topic sentence of the paragraph has to be expanded, the same has to be done in the case of amplification. However, in order to amplify the proverbial sentence, it may be necessary to explain the sentence or to define the important words used there. Moreover, examples, arguments, proofs, etc. have to be presented in support of the main statement. While amplifying, many people come up with unrealistic stories, such as Honesty is the best policy. Such unrealistic stories should not be used in amplification. Moreover, in telling such a well-known story there is no recognition of thinking power or observation ability, no gathering of new information, no reasoning philosophy. All in all, there is a tendency to memorize and present the writings of others. In amplification, as much information as possible should be taken from real life and expressed in one's own language.
Here are a few examples of amplifying proverbs that are given to amplify in different experiments.
Waste not, Want not.
Mode of amplification
(a) A restatement of the theme or idea
(b) Examples from every day life in support of the theme
Both experience and observation show that waste does lead to want. We waste our time. money or resources. and sooner or later we face shortages. Students who waste their time find themselves hard-pressed before examinations. Some people waste their money in a number of ways. They leave lights on when they do not need them: they take rickshaws or use cars when the place they are going to are within easy walking distance: they spend lavishly on luxury items. If one looks around, one finds waste of natural resources. There is scarcity of water in Dhaka city and yet many people waste it without any qualms. They wash their cars and water their lawns longer or more often than they should. Some leave their laps on after using them. There are many households in Dhaka city where gas cookers are seldom turned off just to avoid the trouble of lighting them again. If we go an wasting this valuable natural. resource, a time will come when we will have no gas left. There are innumerable examples of people or nations coming down in the world throngh extravagance. If we avoid waste of all kinds. we as individuals and as a nation can keep want at bay.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Mode of amplification
(a) Honesty defined in terms of its opposite quality, namely dishonesty
(b) Arguments in support of honesty
The opposite of honesty is dishonesty. Honesty is synonymous with truthfulnes: dishonesty is another name for deceit or cheating. One can get through life either honestly or dishonestly. However, it is best to be honest in all our dealings. For one thing, honesty always pays in the long run; dishonesty does not. For example, a shopkeeper who gives short weight is bound to get caught in the act of cheating sooner or later and then he is likely to go out of business. An honest shopkeeper. on the other hand, will never face such a prospect, and his busines is sure to thrive. A student cheating in an examination runs the risk of being expelled. Thus honesty is obviously the best policy. But it has other advantages too. Honesty is universlly regarded as an admirable quality. while dishonesty is roundly condemned by everybody. Honesty builds up a good reputation and wins appreciation. Appreciation, as the psychologists say. is one of our basic needs such as food. shelter and the like. What is more, an honest man has no problem of conscience. no feeling of guilt. He is at peace with himself. Finally, if we believe in after-life, we can presume that an honest man will be rewarded by our Maker. Thus honesty is not only the best policy, but it should also be one of the guiding principles of our life.
Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears a Crown
Mode of amplification
(a) Explanation of the theme
(b) Details in support of the theme
The expression "the head that wears a crown" obviously suggests a king or a queen because is kings or queens who wear crowns. A crown represents power or authority. Power or authority, as we know. has an irresistable attraction for some people, for they think that it makes for happiness. But what they do not know is that a crown also involves grave responsibilities. A king or a queen has to defend his or her country against foreign aggression, maintain law and order. feed the people and these responsibilities make him or her uneasy. So a manarch's life is not all happiness. We do not have many kings or queens around these days and the few we have are titular heads divested of all powers and responsibilities. But what was true of kings and queens in the past is also true of modern presidents and prime ministers. The problems of the monarchs still exist in some form or another. The saying also goes for anybody having any power or authority-- the head of a family. the head of a corporation or any other organization. The head of a family, for instance. has to support his family. educate his children and provide for them. Similarly, the head of an organization has to attend to a great many things to make it function smoothly. Thus the saying "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown" has a universal application.
Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Freedom.
Mode of development
(a) Comment on the key term 'freedom' in the statement
(b) Details in support of the need for vigilance
Freedom in the sense of political independence is a precious thing a birth-right. There is no nation which willingly parts with it. and accepts colonialism or slavery. History teems with examples of nations fighting hard and fighting long, and making supreme sacifices for the sake of freedom. The liberation wars in Vietnam. Algeria, Bangladesh and Afganistan are recent examples. But once freedom is achieved, there is no room for complacency. Threat to freedom always looms large. Enemies lie in wait to take away this brith-right. Because of the threat of foreign aggression all nations.big or small, maintain. at enormous cost. armed forces who keep vigilance all the time. But the danger to freedom comes not simply in the form of foreign aggression. It also takes many subtle formis. Cultural subversion, economic exploitation by countries masquerading as friends. foreign spies can also undermine freedom. The armed forces can do very little to deal with these subtle dangers. So what is required is eternal vigilance-constant watch on the part of not only the armed forces but also the government and the nation as a whole. It is not a pleasant thing to do; it is not a pleasant situation to endure, but it is the price a nation has to pay for freedom.
Sweet are the Uses of Adversity
Mode of amplification
(a) The meaning of the statement
(b) Details in support of the statement
Very few people accept adversity or misfortune with a good grace. Most of us grumble when beset with difficulties and dangers. These upset us and make us unhappay. But what we do not know is that adversity is not whithout its uses and that these uses are good for us. People enjoying good fortune excite envy in others and envy often provokes rivalry and enmity. But nobody envies a man who has fallen into adversity. His misfortune might arouse pity. but it never gives rise to rivalry or enmity resulting from envy. It is no small comfort to be safe from these uncharitable, not to say, dangerous impulses. Life is a mixture of joys and sorrows. We appreciate joys better when we go through sorrow just as we appreciate light better after darkness. Thus the unpleasant experiences of life are what we might call necessary evils. Adversity also spiritualizes us. It make us feel sympathy for people in similar situations. It brings out our humanity. We become higher and nobler. According to the Quran. God sometimes tests us through misfortunes. If we stand the test. if we do not waver in our faith, we can look forward to rewards from Him in the hereafter. Il not here. Thus the uses of adversity are sweet indeed!
