How to Write Effective Leads. What is a lead sentence? A good ‘lead’ or opening (topic) sentence in a piece of writing ‘hooks’ the reader to continue.

How to Write Effective Leads

What is a lead sentence?

• A good ‘lead’ or opening (topic) sentence in a piece of writing ‘hooks’ the reader to continue their reading.

• A weak lead makes the reader want to read something else.

7 Ways to Write an Effective Lead……

• Provide a hint of mystery that makes the reader want more information

• Ask a question• Start with dialogue• Use a sentence from the middle of your writing• Use a sound effect• Begin with an amazing fact• Use a sentence that sets the mood

7 Ways to Write an Effective Lead……

• These methods can be used for both memoir, fiction or research writing.

Examples

• Read the following paragraph.

When we came inside from a snowy recess Ms. Sleep had hot cocoa with marshmallows on top waiting for us. She helped us out of our soggy clothes and told us to warm our red hands around the sides of the cup until it was cool enough to drink. At Christmas time Ms, Sleep brought us each a Christmas tree cookie and icing and Smarties to decorate it. She just laughed and her blue eyes sparkled when we were greedy and piled the icing on thick to hold way too many candies. Last month we had Aerobathon. Ms. Sleep came wearing her wide shorts with her skinny legs sticking out and she gave us a challenge. She called out to the whole school, “Anyone who can do as many laps as I can, will come to the park with me for a lemonade lunch!”…the race was on.

Tips to write an effective lead……

1. Provide a hint of mystery that makes the reader want more information

• The most fun I’ve had was on a cold winter’s day.• As I entered the classroom a sweet smell greeted me.• I slammed the door behind me and followed the smell

into the classroom.• As I entered the classroom the sweet aroma filled my

lungs.• The kids entered the class with a look of happiness and

surprise on their faces.

Tips to write an effective lead……

2. Ask a question• Have you ever really liked going to school?• Did your teacher ever bring you cookies?• Is your teacher full of fun? You should meet Ms.

Sleep.• How many times have you had a really nice

teacher?• Why did this day ever have to stop?

Tips to write an effective lead……

3. Start with dialogue• “Thanks for the cocoa, Ms. Sleep.”• “Who wants hot cocoa?” Ms. Sleep called out.• “Brrr,” I cried, “it’s freezing out.”• “Kids, recess is over now. It’s time to come in,”

yelled Ms. Sleep.

Tips to write an effective lead……

4. Use a sentence from the middle of your writing

• The bell rang just as we finished the snowman.• At Christmas time Ms. Sleep brought us

Christmas tree cookies.• The teacher laughed when we too much icing.

Tips to write an effective lead……

5. Use a sound effect• Ding! The bell went to end recess and

everybody raced inside..• “Buzzzzzzzz!’ Recess was over and it was a

good thing because I was freezing.• ‘Crunch, crunch,’ was all we could hear.• ‘Creep,’ I heard the door opening.• ‘Splash!’ Ms. Sleep spilled hot chocolate on the

freshly mopped floor.• ‘Click,’ the door went, when we walked inside.

Tips to write an effective lead……

6. Begin with an amazing fact• Hot cocoa is great after a cold recess.• Hot cocoa and snow go well together.• Hot cocoa will burn your tongue.• Never dip your cookie in hot chocolate.

Tips to write an effective lead……

7. Use a sentence that sets the mood• Wow! As I stepped into the classroom, I couldn’t believe

it was so warm inside.• With teeth chattering from the cold, sodden snowpants

weighing us down, we slopped in from recess• Ms. Sleep greeted us with kind words as we walked into

the cozy building from our cold recess.• We sat at the table and defrosted our hands on a hot cup

of cocoa after a cold day outside.• Water boiling and cookies baking, the kids outside were

playing in the snow and waiting for the bell to ring.

What method have the following writer’s used?

I blame bad genes for my hair — it’s as fine as a toddler’s and more slippery than a politician. Hair like this can not be styled. It cannot be tamed. This means a ponytail holder is my key accessory, but even that can’t keep the wisps around my hairline under control.

What method have the following writer’s used?

Have you ever been so angry you wanted to scream at the top of your lungs in despair? Well, I have and this is my story.

What method have the following writer’s used?

The ocean area covered by the Arctic sea ice last summer was as low as it’s ever been, according to a newly released survey. The rate of melting gets faster every year suggesting that a warmimg cycle predicted by climate change models is already at work.

What method have the following writer’s used?

‘Ringgggg!’ went my alarm, waking me from a pleasant sleep. It was another Monday morning and one I wasn’t looking forward to.

What method have the following writer’s used?

“Get up, Stephen,” my mother yelled. It was another Monday morning. The same hum drum routine had started all over again.

Homework

1. Write 3 new leads for the paragraph provided. Choose from the 7 ways to write effective leads. Identify the method.2. Choose one of your newly added Writing Territories and write about it, Be sure to use one of the methods for writing a lead sentence in your paragraph. 3. It should be ½ page and does not have to be completed.4. This is due for Thursday. Be ready to share your leads with the class next writing day.

Let’s check our homework

One summer when I was around eight years old my father bought me a bike. We were staying at the family cottage in the country for the summer. One day my dad and I went into town together while the rest of my family stayed behind. While we were down town shopping my father found a bargain bike which was much too big for me but the price was right and he couldn’t resist. When our chores were done he loaded me and the bike in the car and headed back to the cottage. When we were almost there Dad suggested I should ride the bike down the long steep hill that led to the cottage so everyone could witness first hand my great bike and his super bargain. Dad steadied the bike as I hopped on, my feet on the pedals as I could not sit down since my legs were too short. I could see my mom, brothers and sister waiting at the bottom of the hill wondering what was going on. At first things were okay until the hill became steeper and the bike picked up speed and I got so afraid I forgot how to steer right or use the brakes. I was headed towards the remains of an old foundation where we put garbage and thought my life was over! At the last minute I swerved and flew off the bike and into the bushes. My mother came running to see if I was alright and yelled at my dad for letting me do such a dangerous thing. It was an experience I wouldn’t soon forget.

Start with dialogue

“Turn, turn!” I could hear my father shout as I picked up speed and headed down the steep hill towards on an oversized two wheeler.

Use a sound effect

Thump, thump was the sound of my heart as I sped towards what I thought was my death.

Begin with an amazing fact

Five thousand children are killed each year in bicycle accidents and I was nearly one of them.

Use a sentence that sets the mood

My heart was in my mouth when I saw the deep hole approaching quickly.

Ask a question

Have you ever had a life threatening experience?

Use a sentence from the middle of your writing

While we were down town shopping my father found a bargain bike which was much too big for me but the price was right and he couldn’t resist.

Provide a hint of mystery that makes the reader want more

information

That day, August 15, 1960 provided an an experience I will never forget.