,LESS-ON:3:
WRITING A S.TRONG LEAD
NF.qF
The Parts of an Autobiographical Narrative In an autobiographical narrative, a writer describes something that happened in his or her life. Here is an example of an autobiographical narrative written by a
fifth-grade student. As you read, think about how the student organized it. Then answer the questions.
Begin with a strong lead that Y s {â‚Ź.$ rt{ B{
H
will make readers want to
titter,P'atrotr byTanya
I
witlr a stick in one hand ana a bulging garbage bag in the other. Who said volunteer There
read
more.
stood, on the shoulder of the road,
Make the topic and setting clear to your readers.
work would be a breeze? The only breez,e I felt all day was the wind
Develop your ideas by using sensory details and descriptive
of passing trucks. Litter patrol was worlg but it was rewarding work.
words.
.
.The day,began when
soda very much.Then
I put
a soda qan
into the bag.I'dont
I took a couple of .i.p,
like
,
Organize events in chronological order. Use transition words such as.frst,
and picked up a tattered
magazine.Next I pulled a plastic bag from a shrub.
As l,worliedrl started to think
atout*at
then, and next.
I'could do-to make my
town c-lb*ner;The next th-ing I knew, two haurs had passed.I tuined around. The shoulder of the road was trash free!
,
Use complete sentences. Each
must have a subject and a predicate.
1. Which is the lead sentence? Underline it. 2. Circle words in the first paragraph that describe the setting. 3. Which detail does not relate to the topic and seems out of place? Cross it out. 4. What transition words help show the chronological order of events? Write them.
5. Which details help grab readers'attention? Write them below.
Writer's Companion. UNIT 1 Lesson 3 Writing a Strong Lead