5.3 Writer's Workshop: Literary Essay

Revising Mini-lesson: A Good Lead

Good writers sweat their engaging beginnings. Leads give shape to the piece and to the experience of writing it. A strong engaging beginning sets the tone for the piece, determines the content and direction of the piece, and establishes the voice. Of equal importance, the engaging beginning captures the reader’s interest, inviting the reader to dive headfirst into the text.

When you read, pay attention to how the writer engages you at the beginning of a story.

When you write, experiment with multiple engaging beginnings. Deliberately craft different leads. During revision, choose the lead that you believe works best.  Try at least 3 before you decide.

Open your writing template and copy and paste your draft into your final draft step:  Step 3:  Revising and Final Draft. Then revise your opening in your essay  to have a compelling lead.

Watch the video below to learn examples of many different strategies for engaging the reader.