Possible ways to start an essay (Lead):

1. Tell a mini-story that shows your reader why the topic is important

2. Ask/Raise a question that people ask and show how this essay will answer it.

Story Lead

“Get down lower! That’s not a side split! You’re a yellow belt, you should know better!” My sensei (teacher) was shouting again. I thought I was as low as I could get, practically touching the floor, yet he was still demanding perfection. Over the years, I always thought he was too hard on me. I have realized that sensei always has my best interest in mind and wants me to be my personal best. With Sensei’s help and guidance, I have been able to reach my best by becoming a black belt.

Question Lead

Do you care about something so much that you are willing to put all of your effort into it? This is how I feel about the saxophone. I have been playing the saxophone for the past eight years and always try my absolute best. There have also been many other things that have helped me along the way to become a good player. With hard work and dedication, I have become an excellent saxophone player.

Question Lead

Is there a person in your life who has helped make you who you are today? Throughout my life, my father has been my most important teacher. He has helped me learn right from wrong, he has taught me to be my best in sports, and he has helped me solve problems on my own. I love my father because he helps me become a better person.

Writing a Strong Conclusion

1. (My thesis) is true. 2. I know this because of A,B, and C. (boxes)3. Choose 2-3 sentence starters:– Because this is true, don’t you think that…– I realize that….– This makes me think….– I realize that when I…., I feel…..– Other people should care about this because…– This is important because….

Closing

• I believe that being a dedicated person is important to me. This is true because of my dedication at home, in school, and my physical well-being. Because this is true, don’t you think that I am a dedicated person? I realize that dedication is a very valuable part of my life.

Using Prompts to Push Your thinking

• A few night’s ago my dad told me “When you hurt people’s feelings you are just hurting your own feelings.” That made me realize that when I hurt people’s feelings I feel hurt too. Also that I don’t want to be the person who hurts people’s feelings.