On Demand Writing Lead Sentences Lead sentences are

On Demand Writing Lead Sentences

Lead sentences are NOT • • Introduction sentences Topic sentences Hi! My name is… I will tell you…

Lead sentences do… • Grab the reader’s attention • Make them want to read more • Is like a “bait” to hook the reader • Plant a “seed” in the reader’s mind of what you will be writing about • Motivate the reader to read more • BEGIN your introduction paragraph…don’t use ONLY a lead for your first paragraph!

Leads are magic flashlights that shine down through a story showing the writer what to put in and what to leave out. John Mc. Phee

Different types of leads • Question • Snapshot Lead (picture or unusual image) • Dialogue (could be one person thinking or talking) • Action and Onomatopoeia • Interesting / Surprising Fact • Voice

Questions • Have you ever considered the fact that recess can actually be a learning opportunity for students? • Are you tired of hearing students shout to friends when in the lunchroom? • Do you have a special memory that makes you grin from ear to ear every time you think about it?

Snapshot Lead • Imagine being so good at gymnastics that you could do handstands, backbends, and walkovers – all on the jiggling back of a cantering horse. • When my father woke me at six o’clock that morning, I knew at once this was the day of days. It was the day I longed for and the day I dreaded. It was also the day of butterflies in my stomach, except they were worse than butterflies, they were snakes. I had snakes in my stomach from the moment I opened my eyes on that Friday morning. • If you’re stuck, begin with “Imagine this: ” or “Picture this: ”

Dialogue • “Mama, what time is it? ” I called from the stairs. I was excited from my head to my toes with the thought of what was about to happen. • “Pizza is my favorite food!” I screamed across the lunch table, but my teacher did not think it was as amusing as I did.

Action and Onomatopoeia • “Dribble, Dave, dribble!” I screamed. We were losing the soccer game 2 -1 against Fox Meadow. Boy, was I furious! • As slim and straight as an arrow, Donald Bonnette glides over the water with grace and ease, the way a bird glides on currents of air. • Smack! Boom! Crack! The ball sailed right passed my friend and right into my neighbor’s front window. The minute I heard that, I knew the worst had happened.

Interesting / Surprising Fact • Did you know walruses’ young when born weigh 100 pounds? They are even born on ice. • Did you know of the 410 minutes we are in school each day, we are only allowed to talk 40 minutes. That is only an alarming 10% of the school day. • If I were a hummingbird, my heart would weigh 80 pounds.

Voice • Would I consider going to any other school besides South Christian? Not a chance. I can tell you for certain: South Christian Elementary is the place for me. • When it comes to spending time outdoors, I think there is nothing better than getting to visit with your friends at recess.

Choose the better lead… • In my paper, I will tell you three valid reasons we should be able to continue having recess. I will tell about lessons we have learned and how recess can actually be good in helping us focus in the classroom. • Imagine not being able to see or talk to your friends at all during the day. Now imagine a classroom full of 25 snoring students. Without recess, this is what is going to happen. You may not think recess is a good thing now, but after hearing how recess can actually benefit students, you may just change your mind.

Guess which type of lead? • Would you like to spend the day with me? ” I never expected to hear these words from Mayor Rudy Giuliani, but that’s what happened to me last summer in New York City. • Crash! The minute I heard the shatter of glass, I knew the worst had happened. • When it comes to spending a fun Saturday afternoon, I think there’s nothing better than going jet-skiing.