Writing Fabulous Introductions

What are some way in which we can create a fabulous introduction to capture the readers attention???

• Startle the reader…make a bold statement!• Use the “jump in” lead • Begin with a little known fact• Open with a quotation• Set the scene with a VISUAL description• ACTION!• Raise an important question(?)• Onomatopoeia!

Startle the Reader!!!

• Yesterday was the day my life fell apart. Yesterday

was the day I lost a parent.

• So, what. I’m going to be a teenage mom. (What a great startling introduction to a paper on having one of those battery operated crying

babies!)

SHOCK THEM!!!!

The “Jump In” Lead

• Jump right into the middle of the story!– As I was running up the hallways, losing papers left and right from my

overstuffed binder I thought this had absolutely been the worst

day ever! Thank goodness the day was almost

over or I might have an emotional breakdown. It all

started when…

* like a flashback in a movie…

Begin With a Little Known Fact

• Monkeys have 99% of the same DNA as

humans.

• Did you know Mrs. T is actually married to Brad Pitt?

Open With A Quotation!

• “I absolutely hate middle school. There is so much drama,” Caitlyn grumbled to Kylie as they were walking down the

hall.

• Forest Gump once said, “Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to

get.”

• “Like oh my god! I saw Joe Jonas at IHOP this weekend,” Lindsey squealed as she hopped on to the bus!

Set the Scene With a VISUAL Description!

• The hall was dark. All I could see was the dark mass moving towards me. Left, right, left, right…I was shaking from head to toe.

Then, suddenly, the lights came back on. In front

of me stood the cutest brown dog with blue eyes!

MAKE YOUR READER SEE IT!!!

ACTION!

• As I was running down the street praying to God I survived the storm, I knew I should

have gotten out of town when they warned

us to. Now, I could see the waves getting bigger and the water getting deeper as I raced for my life. Would I survive? God only knew. Then, the levy broke…..duh duh duh!

Raise An Important Question!

• Did you know that ever since I was three

years old I have been able to read people’s minds?

• What would happen if the world ended today?

• What would life be like with no gravity?

Onomatopoeia!

• Begin with a sound!– Bam!– Bang!– Slap!– Woosh!– EEEK!