Hook, Line, and Sinker

1. Start with Simile / Metaphor Peddling like an angry tornado, , I tried to build up speed, meanwhile fighting back the grip of death fear had on my heart. Could I really do this? Could I really learn to ride a bike by myself? Labor Day weekend, and my whole neighborhood was having a block party—a Hawaiian luau to be exact. Beach music blasted happily on SUV sized speakers as the grown-ups shook like rag dolls , swallowed a plethora of refreshments, and gobbled kabobs wolfishly. My father never liked these social events, so he dragged me away to see if I wanted to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. I had waited… Hook, Line, and Sinker Your “hook” is the beginning of your story, designed to “reel in” the reader. Make it interesting, so the reader will want to read on. Don’t be afraid to start in the middle of your story in the hook. You can always go back in the 2nd paragraph and explain how you got there. Start with Sensory Details— Sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch. Thump! Thump! Thump! The footsteps were right behind me as I peddled furiously. My father was running beside my bike, holding me up so I wouldn’t fall over. It was Labor Day weekend, and my whole neighborhood was having a block party—a Hawaiian luau to be exact. Beach music played on loud speakers as the grown-ups danced, drank their beer, and ate kabobs. My father never liked these social events, so he dragged me away to see if I wanted to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. I had waited… Start with a quote I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, “Will work for gas.” Although this may be funny to some, it’s message is loud and clear; gas prices are too high. In this economy many people are finding innovative means by which to travel because of the high cost of gas. Carpooling is one of the most effective cost-saving and pollution eliminating strategies. Find a friend, and let’s save money. Start with Statistics Over 75% of bike riders learned to ride a bike when they were younger than 5 years old. I was one of the 25% who did not. I had been wanting to learn to ride a bike without training wheels all summer! It was the last weekend of summer and the humidity was making me sweat as my dad and I snuck home from the Labor Day block party. We were still in our Hawaiian luau costumes—my dad in his Hawaiian shirt and shorts and me in my bathing suit and grass skirt. My sisters and mom were still… Start with your Thoughts or Emotions: An Anecdote. My heart thumped in my chest as I wondered what in the world I was doing. Fear coursed through my veins at the thought of falling over. Even as my father ran beside me, I couldn’t believe I was doing this—about to ride my bike on my own! It was Labor Day weekend, and my whole neighborhood was having a block party—a Hawaiian luau to be exact. Beach music played on loud speakers as the grown-ups danced, drank their beer, and ate kabobs. My father never liked these social events, so he dragged me away to see if I wanted to learn how to ride a bike without training wheels. I had waited…

2. Hook, Line, and Sinker Now, try it own your own! In the three boxes below, write three DIFFERENT beginnings for your Expository Essay.