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 McPhee

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.