Writing a Catchy Introduction
Basics on the topic Writing a Catchy Introduction
The beginning of a story is called an introduction. It is important to write introductions to our stories that are catchy! This means they are instantly interesting or memorable to our readers. The first sentence of our story is where authors try to grab the reader's attention so that they want to keep reading!
There are many ways to write a catchy first sentence, but in first grade we will learn about three: 1. a question, like “Have you ever?” or “What would you do if?” 2. a sound, like brrng, psst, whoosh, for example 3. a fun fact, starting with: You may not know that...!
Transcript Writing a Catchy Introduction
Jane and Ernie just got back from the International Olympiad, a worldwide sporting event! Now, it’s time for Jane to write her cover story about it! But, with all that fun and excitement, where should Jane begin? Let's help our gold-medal author with "Writing a Catchy Introduction." You may already know that a narrative is a type of story that entertains or tells a reader about real or imagined events. Every story has to start somewhere! We call the beginning of a story an introduction. It is important to write introductions to our stories that are catchy! This means they are instantly interesting or memorable to our readers. The first sentence of our story is where we, authors, try to grab the reader's attention so that they want to keep reading! There are many ways to write a catchy first sentence, but in first grade we will learn about three: a question, like “Have you ever?” “What would you do if?” or a sound, like brrng, psst, whoosh, or other words in this list! Or a fun fact, starting with: You may not know that! Once you have brainstormed and planned your story, you can start drafting your catchy hook! Jane wants to write a story about seeing the gold medal ceremony for diving. Since she's ready, let's help her draft some options for the story! If she starts by asking a question it should be about winning a medal. She should pick one of the question starters and then finish the sentence! Jane writes, "What would you do if you won a gold medal?" If she starts by writing a sound, it should be about a sound you might hear during diving. She should pick a word from this list and then finish her sentence, maybe like this: Splash went the water! Or, if Jane wants to begin with a fun fact, it should be something that is interesting and true about the Olympiad. She should begin with the starter, "You may not know that" and then finish the sentence with her fact, maybe like this: You may not know that gold medals are not really solid gold! While Jane picks which catchy hook to use for her first sentence, let's remember! Today we learned how to write a catchy introduction for a story. This is usually the first sentence of our story where we, authors, try to grab the reader's attention so that they want to keep reading! You can try it too by writing: a question, a sound, or a fun fact! "Ernie, I think I've got it! Our readers won't be able to put it down!" "That's great news, Jane." "So, Ernie what's it like diving from so high up?"
Writing a Catchy Introduction exercise
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What is the purpose of an introduction in a story?
HintsThink about the start of a story.
Is it supposed to make you excited to read more?
The beginning of a story is like a special invitation for the reader.
SolutionThe purpose of an introduction in a story is to be instantly interesting or memorable.
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What are the three ways to write a catchy first sentence?
HintsThink about making your story start like a fun game.
What can you ask your friends to get them excited?
Imagine your story is like a little movie in your friend's head.
What sounds or interesting facts can you use to make them smile when they start reading?
SolutionThe three ways to write a catchy first sentence are:
- asking a question
- writing a sound
- stating a fact
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If you were writing a story about a day at the zoo, what could be a catchy introduction using a sound?
HintsThink about what sounds the animals make.
Can monkeys moo?
If you were pretending to be a lion at the zoo, what sound would you make to show you're a strong and powerful animal?
SolutionIf you were writing a story about a day at the zoo, The lion roared! would be a catchy introduction.
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Imagine you are writing a story about a magic adventure. What could be a catchy introduction using a fun fact?
HintsThink about something interesting and surprising about magic that your friend might not know.
What could make them say, "Wow!"?
If you were telling a secret about magic to your friend, what fun fact could you share to make them excited about your story?
SolutionYou may not know that magic wands are not real!
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If you were starting a story about a mysterious treasure hunt, what could be a catchy introduction using a question?
HintsWhat question could you ask the reader to get them curious about the story?
Think about something magical happening during a treasure hunt.
What question can you ask that makes your friend think about what they would do in the same situation?
SolutionWhat would you do if you found a treasure map?
If you find a treasure map, it's like discovering a special guide that shows you where to find hidden treasures.
The map is important because it gives you clues and directions, leading you on an exciting adventure to uncover something valuable and exciting.
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Imagine you are writing a story about a magical forest adventure. What could be a catchy introduction using a fun fact?
HintsImagine you are exploring a magical forest with your friend.
What interesting thing could you share with them to make them curious about your story?
Think about the magical creatures and plants in the forest.
What fun fact could you tell your friend to make them excited about the adventure?
SolutionDid you know that trees in the magical forest can talk?
