Writing: Organization

Great Beginnings: Start With a Bang

 

            Today's Snack: It doesn't actually make a "bang," but popcorn popping in a pan on the stove makes a very pleasing, loud noise. So fix a batch of popcorn the old-fashioned way, and wash the salty goodness down with some sweet orange juice.

 

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Supplies:

Balloon, blown up and tied

Pencil | Lined paper

 

Imagine that you just heard a very loud noise in the next room. What would you do? Jump up and go investigate, of course. It's the same way with writing.

 

The first sentence or paragraph of anything in writing needs to be attention-getting, like a loud noise, in order to draw the reader in to the story or paper. First impressions count big. The better your very first sentence is, the smarter your readers will think you are, and the more positively they will view your writing.

 

You can start off with one of these starter sentences, or "leads" (to literally "lead" you into the story):

 

 

1.      Summary: Introduce your subject by answering the 5 W's and H - Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

 

2.      Zero in on one fact: make sure it's something your readers don't already know!

 

3.      Question: Draw your reader in and raise curiosity with an engaging question (never use a question that can be answered "yes" or "no," though - that's too easy! It has to be more like a riddle).

 

4.      Set-Up: Set the scene for the action for the entire story in a few sentences.

 

5.      Quote: Identify the speaker and use only very unique, interesting quotes; it can be the quote of a famous person, but watch out for boring clichés - if everybody already knows the quote, it isn't as interesting; a good use of a quote might be, "You shouldn't bite off someone's ear," boxer Evander Holyfield said. (very attention-getting; makes the reader want to know more) A BAD use of a quote might be, "It's a nice day," the man said. (boring; everyday; not an unusual or challenging statement or language)

 

6.      Snapshot: Create an instant picture of the issue, character or subject with just a little description, so that your reader immediately feels like a part of it.

 

7.      Anecdote: tell a very short story that illustrates your point.  

 

 

Now, have someone go into the next room and stomp on the balloon, to make a loud "BANG!"

 

Now write a story about that! Imagine what that sound might have meant. On a sheet of lined paper, use one of these types of leads for a story explaining what that loud noise in the other room turned out to be.

 

If you're in a group, it would be fun to share your "leads" or read aloud your stories. Your fellow students will no doubt get a bang out of what you wrote!