Level 3 • Lesson 2 — Use Strong Opening Sentences

Objective

I can write strong opening sentences that clearly introduce the topic, set the tone, and guide the reader into my paragraph.

Materials

Pencil ✏️ and eraser
Ruled paper or tablet
Tracing Pad (below)

Tip: Great openings can be a clear claim, a quick scene, a surprising fact, or a question—as long as they fit your topic.

Mini-lesson — What makes an opening sentence strong?

Clear topic: The reader should instantly know what the paragraph is about.
Tone & focus: Choose words that match your purpose (inform, explain, tell a story, persuade).
Hook: Grab attention with a quick scene, a question, or a bold statement.
Stay relevant: The opening must lead naturally to the details that follow.
Avoid fillers: Skip “This paragraph is about…”—say the idea directly.

Examples (topic: helping at home) — “Every evening, I set the table so dinner starts on time.” / “Do tiny habits make a big difference? At home, they do.”

Guided Practice — Trace on the Pad

Trace key words, then write three opening sentences for the topic “After-school activities”:

Key words: topic, tone, hook, because
Try three styles:
1. Bold fact: Start with a short statement.
2. Quick scene: Show a tiny moment.
3. Question: Ask something that leads into your ideas.

Tracing Pad

Lines Letter

Pen

Drag & Drop — Build Strong Opening Sentences

Drag the chips into the slots to create clear, engaging opening sentences that fit the topic.

EveryafternoonI helpathome bysettingthe table.

Dotinyhabits makeabig differenceathome ?

Practiceturnshard skillsintodaily routines.

Thegymdoors swingopenand theteamrushes intopractice .

Goodopenings guidethereader intothemain idea.

FirstIwill explainwhymorning routineshelpthe wholeday.

Strongopeningsskip fillersandstate theideadirectly .

TodayIwill showhowone smallhabitcan changetheafternoon .

Whatmakesa sentencepullyou inrightaway ?

Coldairrushed inasthe busdoorsopened atthepark .

Afocusedopening keepstheparagraph ononeidea .

NextIwill comparetwoopenings toseewhich oneworksbetter .

Quick Check (15 questions)

1) A strong opening should…

hide the topic until the end show the topic clearly start with a random joke

2) Which is a hook?

This paragraph is about chores. I will write three sentences. Cold air rushed in as I opened the door.

3) Which opening is strongest for “Helping at Home”?

Every evening, I set the table for my family. My favorite color is blue. This paragraph is about helping.

4) The opening must…

include three details lead into the next sentences ask two questions

5) Which avoids filler?

In this paragraph, I will talk about… The topic I chose is… Our class garden teaches patience.

6) A question hook works best when…

the question leads to your details it’s unrelated but funny it reveals the closing sentence

7) Which opening fits a how-to paragraph?

The clouds look fluffy today. First, gather your supplies on a clean table. Finally, we all clapped.

8) Best opening for a story paragraph?

My paragraph will be about skating. Skating is a thing that happens. The wheels hummed as I rolled onto the ramp.

9) Choose the clear topic opening.

Our class reads in the morning to start the day calm. Books are everywhere. I like sandwiches.

10) An opening sentence should NOT…

match the topic wander off topic set the tone

11) For a persuasive paragraph, a strong opening might…

make a clear claim tell the ending list five random facts

12) Which sentence best leads to reasons?

There are many ideas. I will say some stuff. School clubs help students learn beyond the classroom.

13) Which sentence needs revision?

After lunch, our class reads together. This paragraph is about reading time. After lunch, we read and talk about books.

14) Good openings often use…

precise verbs random capitals extra exclamations!!!

15) When revising your opening, you should…

add unrelated jokes remove the topic check that it matches the paragraph’s details

Assessment (parent/teacher)

Opening clearly introduces the topic Tone fits purpose (explain, tell, persuade) Opening leads into details that follow No filler phrases (“This paragraph is about…”)

Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can write openings that fit my topic 🙂 I need more practice with hooks 😅 It was tricky to match tone and purpose

I will practice…

Writing three opening styles for one topic Removing filler phrases Reading aloud to check focus

Lesson 2: Use Strong Opening Sentences