Level 4 • Lesson 5 — Write Effective Introductions

Objective

I can write an engaging introduction that includes a hook, brief context, and a clear focus for my paragraph.

Materials

Keyboard device (laptop/tablet) ⌨️
Writing Pad (below)
Optional: notebook for hook ideas

Three-part intro: Hook → Context → Focus (what the paragraph will explain).

Mini-lesson — Hook, Context, Focus

Hook: grab attention (question, bold fact, short story).
Context: give just enough background to orient readers.
Focus: state what the paragraph will explain or argue.
Keep it short: 2–3 sentences total for a single paragraph.
Avoid spoilers: don’t dump all details in the intro.

Guided Practice — Writing Pad (Keyboard)

Prompt: Write a 2–3 sentence introduction for “Why reading every day matters.”

Plan: Try a hook (question or surprising fact).
Draft: Add brief context and a clear focus.
Edit: Remove extra details better saved for the body.

0 words Saved

Drag & Drop — Build Strong Introductions

Drag a word and release it inside a slot to drop it. Chips stay within their own question. After several tries, the answer will be shown automatically.

Ahookgrabsattentionatthestart.

Contextgivesbackgroundsoreadersarenotconfused.

Aclearfocustellswhattheparagraphwillexplain.

Askaquestionorshareasurprisingfacttohookreaders.

Keeptheintroductionshortandsavedetailsforthebody.

Transitionslikeforexampleorbecausebelonginthebody.

AvoidstartingwithIthinkbecauseitsoundsweak.

Matchthehooktothetopicsothestartfeelsrelevant.

Stateaclearfocusthatguidestherestoftheparagraph.

Rereadtheintroductiontocutextrawordsandkeepittight.

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) Which set belongs in an introduction?

evidence, charts, citations hook, context, focus conclusion, summary, bibliography

2) Best hook for “Reading every day matters”:

How many new words did you learn this week? Books have pages. I will talk about reading.

3) Context should…

include all details be a long story give just enough background

4) The focus sentence should…

clearly state the main point list three quotes repeat the title

5) Which belongs in the body, not the intro?

a short question several facts and examples the main idea

6) A strong introduction is usually…

seven sentences one word two to three sentences

7) Which opening is weakest?

I think maybe reading helps. Reading helps us grow in many ways. Did you know reading can strengthen your brain?

8) A good hook should…

ignore the topic relate to the topic include a bibliography

9) The focus sentence helps the reader by…

adding a joke changing the topic setting expectations for the body

10) When revising your introduction, first…

remove extra words add five examples start with a conclusion

11) Which is a type of hook?

bibliography surprising fact full data table

12) A strong introduction fits…

any random topic the bibliography style the audience and purpose

13) Which mistake hurts an introduction?

revealing all supporting details starting with a question providing brief context

14) The sentence that states what will be explained is the…

conclusion focus citation

15) A hook fails if it…

is a short question relates to the topic distracts from the topic

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Opens with a relevant hook Provides brief, helpful context States a clear focus for the paragraph Keeps length concise (2–3 sentences)

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write a hook, context, and focus 🙂 I need to make hooks more relevant 😅 It was tricky to keep it short

I will practice…

Cutting extra words Matching the hook to my topic Stating a clear focus

Lesson 5: Write Effective Introductions