Aim: How do we write more effective leads?

Do Now: Please finish the Headlines worksheet from yesterday, work with two others sitting nearby to make the headlines more effective, based on what we learned yesterday. (10 min.)

1. Use an active voice. (Action words!)


2. Use present tense.


3. Do not use periods. Use commas over connecting words.


4. Stick to basic vocabulary. Don’t try to get fancy.

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Practicing the writing of GREAT LEADS:

a good lead hooks the reader and heightens the reader's curiosity by arousing interest. The best leads drop the reader into the middle of the action.

Please read the following leads from articles, novels, and articles.

(5 min.)

What makes these leads effective?
(3 min.)

These are the various methods to have an exciting lead:
• Describe a Character
• Action
• Dialog
• Emotion
• Detail
• Setting
• Quotation
• Avoid using rhetorical questions, trite phrases, or slang.

Now I want each and everyone to pick a topic and use at least five different types of leads as a hook.(here's some suggestions: an exciting thing that happened over Christmas vacation, your most embarrassing moment, your greatest moment so far in your entire life, the best night of your life, or anything else that you want to write about...)

Take ten minutes to write at least five different types of leads for your topic.

(10 min.)
• In groups of 3-4, have students share each of their leads and let the group determine which is best.
(5 min.)

Summary:

• You guys will then read your lead to the class. Have the class respond to its effectiveness in hooking the reader.