Writing to Entertain - Lesson 3 - Effective Openings PowerPoint

The third lesson in the 'Writing to Entertain' series is all about crafting effective openings that captivate readers from the get-go. The lesson's objectives are to enhance students' understanding of words through the use of a thesaurus and to explore various methods that can hook a reader at the beginning of a novel. Students are encouraged to expand their vocabulary by discovering synonyms—words with similar meanings that can add nuance and depth to their writing. The lesson humorously demystifies the concept of a thesaurus, ensuring students understand that it's not a prehistoric creature but a valuable tool for finding alternative words.

During the lesson, students learn about different types of thesauri, including traditional alphabetical listings and indexed versions, as well as digital tools available in software like Microsoft Word. They are shown how to use these tools to find a range of synonyms and how selecting just the right one can significantly alter the sentence's impact. The lesson involves practical exercises where students enhance sentences by replacing highlighted words with more expressive synonyms. Additionally, there's an opportunity for speaking and listening, where students share their revised sentences, explaining their synonym choices and the intended effects. The lesson also delves into analyzing the techniques used in the opening passage of 'The Five Orange Pips' by Sherlock Holmes, examining how elements like sentence length, punctuation, similes, and direct speech contribute to an effective and engaging story introduction.