1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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….

6. 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.

7. 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.