2. LEADS - “Write this down” A GOOD LEAD MUST:

3. 1. Capture the reader’s interest

4. 2. Introduce your subject or problem

5. 3. Move smoothly into the body of your piece

6. FICTION LEADS - “Write this down” Show a problem or conflict characters have Show action (rising) related to the conflict Start with dialogue in which characters are talking about a problem Create a sense of foreboding; something important is about to happen Depict a humorous situation

7. SAMPLE LEADS - which one would you prefer of the following four leads about students and their lack of study skills?? ?

8. Version #1 Jason is a typical high school junior. Last night he was studying for a major history test. Feeling that music relaxes him, he put on the stereo and hit the books. After two hours-during which he treated himself to some snacks, and his favorite TV show-he decided that he had studied enough. After all, he had put in two hours. The next day Jason bombed. Why? He doesn’t know how to study effectively.

9. Version #2 “Students fail tests because they don’t know how to study,” says Ed Harmon, a high school history teacher. Harmon’s statement is echoed by teachers throughout the country.

10. Version #3 Do you know how to study for tests? If you answered yes, you are in the minority. Most students don’t know how to study for tests effectively.

11. Version #4 Taking tests is a major activity in American schools. It is also one of the most anxiety- causing. The reason for this comes down to a simple fact - most students don’t know how to study for tests.

12. SO WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH MY BOOK REVIEW?

13. IT’S A MAJOR PART OF YOUR GRADE, THAT’S WHAT!

14. LET’S PRACTICE

15. Read the following paragraph from a personal narrative, Write a possible beginning for the story: ……Bob was the one who took charge. He shouted, “Take this life jacket!” I put the jacket on as quickly as I could. We hurried into the lifeboat, being careful not to tip it during boarding.

16. BOOK REVIEWS DESERVE THE SAME EXCITING LEADS NOW IT’S YOUR TURN. USING ONE OF THE STRATEGIES LISTED IN THIS PRESENTATION, WRITE A LEAD FOR YOUR BOOK REVIEW. ANY QUESTIONS?