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2. Sensational Starts - Persuasive
Why do we use a sensational start at the beginning of our writing?
Well, we want to…
Start with a blast and catch our reader’s attention!
How can we do this?
We can…
Mention an interesting or unusual fact
Use sound words Ask rhetorical questions Include some dialogue
Describe things, don’t just say them List things with the rule of 3

3. What makes a fact interesting or unusual?
Readers do not want to hear the boring old facts, like ‘Sharks live in
oceans all around the world’. Let’s face it, most people will know that
already. That is what we would call a BORING fact.
Sensational Starts - Mention a Fact
HOW BORING!
So, a good writer might include an interesting or unusual fact,
something that not every single person in the whole world knows.
Sharks don’t have real bones, they have
skeleton made from cartilage.

4. What are sound words and why do we need to use them?
Sound words are words that tell the reader something about the topic
they are reading about. Sounds help readers to make connections with
the topic and to be drawn into the text.
Sensational Starts - Sound Words
Squark!!!
So, a good writer tries to get the reader to imagine the sounds being
made by particular topic. What sounds an animal might make. Sounds
associated with doing homework.
Sound words might include…
AHHH!!!! Woof! Meow! Splash
Scratch, scratch,
scratch …
Screech… Jingle… Ding! Click… Tap, tap, tap…

5. What is a rhetorical question?
A rhetorical question is a question that most people would already know
the answer to. Writers use these types of questions to try and connect
with their readers.
Sensational Starts - Rhetorical Questions
Is that really a good idea?
Why….
Who…
When….
What….
How……
Didn’t you know… Remember when… Can you imagine…
Using a rhetorical question can be a great strategy to get your readers
attention and connect them with the topic you are writing about. Don’t
forget to include the classic question starters in your rhetorical question.
Some useful question starters might include:

6. How can I use dialogue to catch my readers attention?
Dialogue really comes in handy when a writer is trying to get their
reader to image that they are a part of the text Just remember to include
speech marks around what is being said.
Imagine sitting down after a long day and hearing your child say,
Sensational Starts - Dialogue
“I don’t want to do my homework!”
You can hear him shout, “Get them!” “I can’t do it…” he whines.
Imagine if your teacher asked you, “Do you think you should have to do
homework?”
The ‘voice’ that the reader imagines can be supported by punctuation,
like exclamation marks, as well as descriptive language - he shouted, she
whispered, they laughed.
You can also join dialogue with a rhetorical question:

7. Can we really use description in a persuasive text?
Describing something, rather than just saying it, can make a huge
difference to the readers interest as well as helping the reader to paint a
mental image and make a connection with a text. Making your writing
interesting, not boring, will be sure to engage your readers!
Sensational Starts - Don’t Say It, Describe It
A good writer wants the reader to feel a part of things, to see and hear
and feel as they read. Just because you are writing a persuasive text
doesn’t mean you can’t use descriptive language. It is the best way to
help your reader connect with your topic.
Children need something more
exciting than a sandwich for
lunch.
He opened his hard plastic lunch box
as he sat on the cold concrete.
Another sandwich. How boring.
OR
Imagine your daughter standing at the door of the
kitchen as you quickly cut up some veggies for dinner,
her hands clenched and sweat running down her face -
“I don’t want to do homework!” she shouted.
Your child will be
not be happy
about having to do
homework.
OR

8. How can a list help?
Like describing something rather than saying it, listing things can often
help the reader understand and give extra persuasive information or
facts. Listing things in threes just seems to sound right every time.
Sensational Starts - List Things in Threes
Listing things in threes is usually done within a sentence, part of a fact
or piece of information and helps the reader to understand better or
visualise the writer's topic or fact.
You should visit Five Palms Hotel and try the relaxing, luxurious,
inviting spa.
oily, fatty and unhealthy
Don't forget that broccoli is a nutritious, healthy, versatile inclusion
in any meal!

9. Time to Have A Go!
Look at the picture below and write a sentence that might go into a
sensational start for a persuasive text.
Books or iPad?
Photo courtesy of reader of the pack, alex lang and Hades2k (@flickr.com) – granted under creative commons licence

10. Try Again and Build it Up!
Again, look at the picture below and write a different sentence, using a
different strategy you have learnt, that might go into a sensational start
for a persuasive text.
Books or iPad?
Photo courtesy of reader of the pack, alex lang and Hades2k (@flickr.com) – granted under creative commons licence

11. One Last Sentence…
Take one more look at the picture and write one last, different sentence
that might go into a sensational start, using a third strategy you have
learnt about.
Books or iPad?
Photo courtesy of reader of the pack, alex lang and Hades2k (@flickr.com) – granted under creative commons licence

12. Put It Together
Take your three sentences about the picture and put them together. You
might spend some time arranging them so that they sound amazing! The
first sentence you wrote doesn’t have to be the first sentence in your
paragraph… Try mixing them up and see how your paragraph changes.
Books or iPad?
Photo courtesy of reader of the pack, alex lang and Hades2k (@flickr.com) – granted under creative commons licence

13. Write a Second Sensational Start
You might like to choose a different strategy from your last paragraph.
This time, look at the picture below and write three sentences that use
three different strategies you have learnt about sensational starts.
Remember to mix up your three sentences until they sound perfect!
Homework or no homework?
Photo courtesy of reader of the pack, alex lang and Hades2k (@flickr.com) – granted under creative commons licence

14. Write a Second Sensational Start
You might like to choose a different strategy from your last paragraph.
This time, look at the picture below and write three sentences that use
three different strategies you have learnt about sensational starts.
Remember to mix up your three sentences until they sound perfect!
Homework or no homework?
Photo courtesy of reader of the pack, alex lang and Hades2k (@flickr.com) – granted under creative commons licence