Narrative Narrative LeadsLeads

An invitation into the storyAn invitation into the story

What is the function What is the function of the lead?of the lead? Sets the tone Determines the content and direction Establishes the voice and verb tense Lures the reader Grounds the writer Fuels the writing Makes the it easier to write the rest of the

piece

3 Types of the 3 Types of the narrative leads:narrative leads:1.Action

2.Dialogue

3.Description

Action LeadAction Lead

You can get the reader hooked into the story by starting with an exciting event or action.

Action LeadAction LeadBORING LEAD “I was excited for the first day of school”

BETTER LEAD “I threw on my favorite sweater and raced

down the stairs, barely gulping down a glass of orange juice. It was the first day of sixth grade, and I couldn’t wait to start my new life as a middle school student.”

Dialogue LeadDialogue Lead

A character or characters speaking.

It places the reader right into the scene.

Dialogue LeadDialogue LeadBORING LEAD “There was a mouse in the house today.”

BETTER LEAD “Eeeeeeeeeew!” yelled my sister as the little

brown fur ball ran across the kitchen. “Whatever you do, don’t go into the pantry,” I laughed. But, my sister had already fled to her bedroom.

Description Description LeadLead You can draw the

reader in by painting a picture with your words and imagery.

Description Description LeadLeadBORING LEAD “Football season is the best time of year.”

BETTER LEAD “The smell of freshly cut grass and burning leaves

mingles in the crisp air to announce the beginning of the season. The bright lights blazed onto the field as the echo from the announcer blared in the background. Football season had arrived.”

Atwell, N. (2002). Lessons That Change Writers (pp. 51-53). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.