Story Openings

Identify the types of story openings.

Choose the correct type of story opening.

The once calm, crystal-clear ocean was now murky and waves as big as skyscrapers surrounded the tiny sailing boat.

• setting

• action

• character

• dialogue

Mick clung to the edge of the boat which lurched from side to side with each violent wave. James groaned softly next to him.

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

“Help!” cried Mick.

“Is that a lifeboat in the distance?” yelled James.

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

Adam, the very naughty boy was walking over the bridge when he saw something moving underneath.

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

“I’m going shopping in the village,” George’s mother said to George on Saturday morning. “So be a good boy and don’t get up to mischief.”

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy.

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

BANG a plate hit the wall, CRASH a glass shattered on the floor, Cinderella sat on the stairs and sighed…her sisters were fighting again!

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of the town.

• setting

• character

• action

• dialogue

Identify and write the correct types of story openings in the box given.

Remember that stories can open in 4 different ways. Below are some openings of stories. Read them and decide which type of opening it is and write it on the blank.

“Be quiet!” shouted Jim. he was fed up of Sarah telling him to have a bath. He would have one when he wanted! ____________________

The door burst open, leaves swirled around the passage. Distant screams could be heard, as the misty night grew darker and darker. _________________________