HOW TO STRUCTURE AN

EFFECTIVE OPENING
B Y L I LY J A D E ,
JASMINE,ANIKA AND
LOLA
1. Definition + example

2. Function + effectiveness

3. Activity + Questions
WHAT IS AN
ENGAGING
OPENING?
AN ENGAGING OPENING CONSIDERS THE
AUDIENCE AND USES TONE, PACE AND
DEVICES TO GRAB THE READER'S
ATTENTION. IT ALSO INTRODUCES THE
TOPIC AND SETTING
STRUCTURNG AN OPENING MEANS YOU
HAVE TO CONSIDER HOW TO LAY OUT
YOUR DEVICES AND POSITION THEM IN
ORDER TO CREATE ENGAGEMENT
 FUNCTION
IN ALL TYPES OF WRITING
THERE IS ONE MAIN
FUNCTION OF AN ENGAGING
O P E N I N G : T O AT T R A C T T H E
R E A D E R ' S AT T E N T I O N A N D
B U I L D A N T I C I P AT I O N F O R
T H E R E S T O F T H E T E X T.
 WHAT MAKES AN OPENING
ENGAGING?

This is judged based on its ability to

grasp the reader's attention. Narrative
hooks and strong character voices are
D C T R
usually best suited for this.
 Example 1
"This- will change your life"
This is considered an engaging opening sentence
because it leaves the reader wondering what is being
referred to , how it will change their lives and in what
ways. This makes the reader more interested in what
you have to say and builds intrigue for the rest of the
text.
EXAMPLE
 EXAMPLE 2
First the colours.
Then the humans.
That’s usually how I see things.
Or at least, how I try.
° ° ° HERE IS A SMALL FACT ° °T°
You are going to die."
This opening is engaging because it make
use of a strong character voice.
 ACTIVITY
Read the following opening paragraph about Morris Gleitzman's novel "Once" and
mark it against the mark scheme on the following slide. The mark scheme can also be
found in your books. Evaluate how engaging it is on a scale of 1 - 10.
Morris Gleitzman's novel "Once" deals with the horrific subject of the Jewish holocaust in a unique
and powerful way.
Through the careful use of a range of narrative devices, he crafts a story that is both intimate and
shocking. Told through the eyes of Felix, a young Jewish boy who lives in a world of fantasy
fuelled by the books he loves, the real human cost of this most devastating historical is brought to
the reader's attention in all its grim reality.
Gleitzman's use of the devices of first person narrative, dramatic irony, and a limited narrator all
contribute to the effectiveness of his novel - and leaves the reader touched by the courage and
unforgettably affected by their contact with the plight of millions at the hands of Nazi Germany in
the mid-twentieth century.
THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING