Ways to Write Opening Sentences to a Story Directions: Think of a story you would like to write or use the opening line from a book that you like to create different possibilities for opening “hook” lines for the story. For each type listed, create your own grabber sentence.

1. Background John had been dreaming about Alice for weeks, but each time he thought he had a chance to talk to her, he had chickened out. 2. Evaluation Maggie loved the ocean best in the summer. 3. First Step Jack stopped walking, and against his parent's wishes, crossed the field and entered the woods. 4. Knowledge Knowing how to survive alone in the woods might have saved the boy's life. 5. Points There were two things that Peter thought of most of the time: her, and being with her again. 6. Qualifications For the last few years, Carol had been taking swimming lessons. 7. Setting The room, though dimly lit, had a sterile look to it with its stainless-steel counters and highly polished floor. 8. Statement There are thirteen houses on the dead end street. 9. Definition A time capsule is a receptacle containing documents or objects typical of a time period and is placed in the earth or in a cornerstone for purpose of its discovery in the future. 10. Facts No one in the town could deny that on nights like this one, with the moon at its fullest, pets and small farm animals went missing. 11. Incident A body lay at the foot of the stairs. 12. Point of View The position taken by the clan elders was for Sham to be cast out of the camp. 13. Preference Some people like dark chocolate; others enjoy milk chocolate more; but Sherry hates all chocolate, and has since the summer she turned seven. 14. Question Have you ever considered that a bowling alley, on a Tuesday night, would not be a very good place for a robbery? 15. Situation Mary knew she needed forty-three more dollars before she could pay the rent. 16. Steps Roger had figured out there were three things that needed to happen in order to help Alex: ten thousand dollars must be raised, Roger must take himself and Alex to Europe and they must secure a letter of introduction.