Start your exam story with a BANG!
31.08.23
Remember the importance of an impressive first sentence if you have a writing exam. 
Take story writing - you only get one chance to start a story and hook the examiner.
But, finding that first sentence can be the hardest.
In an 11 Plus writing exam, there’s not much time to contemplate the benefits of various ways to start a story, so remembering your favourite is a surefire way to start the exam confidently!
So, to help, here are seven tried-and-tested ways to start a story:
1. 
Background information
Background informationExample:
The park always shuts its gates at 9 p.m. each night.
2. Character introduction
Character introductionExample:
Shaygar was the tallest person in the kingdom.
3. Action
ActionExample:
Crouching in the shadows, Samir reflected that this was probably a bad idea.
4. Dialogue
DialogueExample:
“What’s going on here?”
5. Questions
QuestionsWould you have done the same as me if you'd had the choice?
6. Mystery
MysteryExample:
The town changed forever on that wet Saturday in June.
7. Setting description
Setting descriptionExample:
The silent, shifting clouds cast an unfamiliar and unwelcome shadow on Sam’s house.
Video
Video
I just had a quick search on YouTube for a short and easy-to-remember video on story starts – here’s one from Twinkl that’s pretty good (it’s just over 2 minutes long):
These ideas will help you start confidently, and the rest will follow.
Anna