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Engaging Narrative Introductions

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Engaging Narrative Introductions

Explore ways to hook a reader at the start of a story. Then create your own engaging openings, using different techniques and checking your writing carefully.

Read and explore

Read the openings below. Notice how each one draws the reader in.

1.“The old railway station was empty. It was dark, and people said strange things happened there.” What makes this opening less engaging than the others?

2.“Rain stitched silver lines across the platform. Beneath the flickering lamp, the station clock had stopped at 11:17.” Which details help the reader picture the scene?

3.“Harper heard a footstep behind her. She spun around, but the platform was empty. Then the station door clicked shut.” Which moment builds the most suspense, and why?

4.“Bodhi’s hands trembled as he reached for the cold brass handle. He wished he had listened when Grace warned him to stay away.” What emotion is Bodhi likely feeling? Name one clue.

5.“The station roof hunched over the tracks like a giant waiting to wake.” Which technique is used, and what does it suggest about the station?

6.“‘Don’t open that locker,’ Grace whispered. ‘I heard something breathing inside.’” How does the dialogue make the opening more intriguing?

7.“Would you step onto a train that had no driver and no destination?” What kind of hook is this, and how might it affect a reader?

8.“I marched into the haunted station bravely, right up until a possum sneezed. Then I set a new record for running backwards.” How does humour make this opening different?

Plan your hooks

Choose different techniques for your two openings. Use the prompts to plan, then write an original beginning for each one.

9.Write a new opening for a story set at an abandoned railway station. Use one technique, such as vivid imagery, suspense, emotion, simile, dialogue, a reader question or humour. Label your technique.

10.Write a second, different opening for the same abandoned railway station story. Choose a different hook technique from the one you used in your first opening, and label it.

11.Write a third opening for the abandoned railway station story. Combine two hook techniques and label both of them.

12.Choose a different mysterious setting. Name it, then write two short openings that use different hook techniques. Label each technique.

Writing check

Before you finish, check that you have written at least two openings, labelled the techniques, made your writing engaging, and checked spelling and punctuation.

3 printable pages

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More English Worksheets

Engaging Narrative Introductions

Engaging Narrative Introductions

Read and explore

Plan your hooks

Writing check

3 printable pages

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Print-Ready

AI-Generated

For Teachers & Parents

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

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