1. We are learning to…  … organise our writing into paragraphs.  We use paragraphs when …  …new event or a new speaker  …different time or different place,

2. Connect : Where should the new paragraphs begin?  In the streets of Verona another fight breaks out between the servants of the feuding noble families of Capulet and Montague. Benvolio, a Montague, tries to stop the fighting, but Tybalt Capulet, Tybalt, was determined to spill Montague blood. Prince Escalus, the ruler of Verona, attempts to prevent any further conflicts between the families by decreeing death for any individual who disturbs the peace in the future. Romeo, the son of Montague, runs into his cousin Benvolio, who had earlier seen Romeo moping in a grove of sycamores. After some prodding by Benvolio, Romeo confides that he is in love with Rosaline, a woman who does not return his love.

3. Activate: Why did the feud begin? Our ideas: but which is your favourite?  Arguments about money – stole jewels – refused to pay a loan.  One of the wives had an affair with someone from the other family.  The families fought on different sides in a war.  A Capulet killed a Montague by accident.  A Montague kidnapped a Capulet for ransom.

4. Select your favourite reason for the feud  Choose your characters’ first names and try to make them sound Italian.  Plan you story – beginning, middle and end.  Make it dramatic and exciting.  Remember to organise your writing into paragraphs.

5. Demonstrate: Create an exciting beginning.  You could begin with a description. The sea glistened like a sparkling, silver mirror. Waves lapped gently at the sides of the ‘Veronese Princess’ as she sailed silently along in the cool, refreshing breeze. Lady Isabella was so excited.  Begin with an action An ear splitting whistle made all the young Montagues and Capulets leap to attention. At once they ran in different directions, bumping into one another, scrambling over untidy piles of ropes determined to play their role as the boat set sail.

6. You could begin with dialogue. "Sharks!" shouted Antonio Montague, the ship's look out, "hundreds of them!" "They seem to be heading our way!" cried a terrified Julius Capulet, who was moving quickly, desperately trying to pull Angelina Montague out of the deep blue water. Which type of beginning will you use? Description – Action or Dialogue?

7. Consolidate: Peer feedback  Share your opening sentences with a partner.  Which opening did you choose?  Is it effective? What works well?  How could the beginning be improved?