Strong LeadsEQ: Why do writers use strong leads?

ObjectivesStudents will:• Identify effective hooks in literature and analyze what makes them effective• Write several effective hooks of their own using the strategies they have identified

As writers, you should want someone to “open” your writing. You can do

this by writing strong leads.

What is a lead?

The lead is the beginning or introduction to your story. It gives the reader a preview of what your story will be about.

Why is a powerful lead so important?

A lead is what draws the reader into your story. A good lead hooks readers from the beginning and makes them excited to continue reading.

Let’s take a look at some leads. Be ready to discuss whether the author "hooked" you as a reader.

“His mother was ugly, his father was ugly, but Shrek was uglier than the two of them put together.”

“The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world.”

“When I left my office that beautiful spring

day, I had no idea what was in store for

me.”

Pssssssst!

Yo!

Down here... under the bed.

It's me,

the Bogeyman."

"The truth must be told to kids! For too long, for centuries in fact, it's been coveredover, hidden, impossible to find. A conspiracy, an organized silence by generations ofgrownups, has kept the truth frommillions of children throughout history."

"One day I got in the car. I was going to the store to buy something."

"Something TERRIBLEhappens everyTuesday night. It'snot the pork chopsor the mashedpotatoes. It allstarts when I'mforced to eat..."

“When I was nineor ten years oldI couldn't waitfor Saturday."

Why should you write a good lead?

Rewrite paragraph to make the sentences open in ways that are more likely to grab the reader’s attention.

Find a narrative in your Writer’s Notebook that you can improve by beginning sentences in audience-grabbing ways.

Using a Varietyof Leads in

Narrative Writing

Types of Leads FoldableTalking Lead

Begins with dialogue

Sound Effect Lead

Begins with sound

Snapshot Lead

Begins with author “painting a picture”

Action Lead

Begins with action or an event

Question Lead

Begins by asking an interesting quest-Ion

Flashback Lead

Takes the reader back to a specific event in the past.

FISHING FOR READERSWITH HOOKS

Activity

HOOK HUNT

List the top three hooks that you and your partner chose. Then, circle the hook that you think was the best. Be sure to give a reason for each hook that you chose.