🎯 WALT & Success Criteria

WALT: Write engaging narrative introductions using a variety of techniques to hook our reader.

I can...

Identify different narrative introduction techniques.

Explain how each technique hooks the reader.

Rewrite a boring introduction using at least two different techniques.

Use descriptive language, punctuation, and vocabulary to improve my writing.

📖 Part 1: Read & Explore — The Haunted House Introductions

Read each version of the haunted house introduction below. Each one uses a different technique to hook the reader. As you read, think about how each one makes you feel.

1. 😴 Boring Introduction

"There was a haunted house. It was old and spooky. People said it was haunted."

2. 🌈 Vivid Imagery

"The decrepit mansion loomed in the moonlight, its shattered windows like dark eyes watching every move, while the wind whispered secrets through the gnarled trees surrounding it."

3. 😨 Suspense

"As the clock struck midnight, a chilling silence enveloped the neighborhood. Sarah's heart raced as she stood before the creaking door, unsure of what lay beyond."

4. ❤️ Strong Emotion

"Fear clawed at Jake's throat as he stepped closer to the house, memories of the ghost stories his grandmother told flooding back to him."

5. 🌀 Metaphor / Simile

"The haunted house was a dark abyss, ready to swallow anyone brave enough to enter its shadowy depths."

6. 💬 Dialogue

"'I dare you to go inside!' Mia taunted, her eyes sparkling with mischief as the wind howled around them."

7. ❓ Question

"Have you ever felt the icy grip of fear as you approached a place where no one dared to tread? That was exactly how I felt standing in front of the haunted house."

8. 😄 Humour

"I always thought the haunted house was just a clever marketing ploy. Turns out, it was just as terrifying as my mom's cooking!"

✏️ Part 2: Your Turn — Rewrite the Boring Introduction

Using what you have learned, rewrite the boring haunted house introduction at least twice, each time using a different technique. Try to make your reader desperate to keep reading!

Boring version: "There was a haunted house. It was old and spooky. People said it was haunted."

⭐ Extension Activity

For students who finish early or want an extra challenge:

Challenge 1: Write a third rewrite that combines two techniques in the one introduction (e.g. suspense + onomatopoeia). Label both techniques you used.

Challenge 2: Choose a completely different spooky setting (e.g. a graveyard, an abandoned asylum) and write two engaging introductions using techniques of your choice. Write these on the back of this sheet or in your workbook.

🌟 Differentiation Support

If you need extra help:

• Re-read the example introductions and copy the sentence structure, changing only the words to suit your story.

• Use this sentence starter for suspense: "The _______ had gone quiet. Something was very, very wrong..."

• Use this sentence starter for dialogue: "'_______!' _______ shouted, grabbing my arm. 'We have to go — now!'"

• Ask your teacher or a partner to help you choose which technique to try first.

✅ Self-Check Before You Finish

Tick each box when you are happy with your work:

I have written at least two rewrites.

I have labelled the technique I used for each rewrite.

My introductions are more interesting than the boring version.

I have checked my spelling and punctuation.

My writing would make a reader want to keep reading!