A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader’s attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.
Question Hook
Ask the reader something they can visualize and try to think of in their own minds. Then, the writer answers the question.
- Example: “Have you ever watched the high-flying, jump-shooting, slam dunking, ankle breaking players that play in the NBA?”
Anecdotal Hook
When a writer uses a short story to relate to the topic and gain the reader’s attention, they are using an anecdote.
- This story can be a short, personal story or one that is a figment of your imagination. Make sure that it relates to the main idea of the paper.
Quotation Hook
When a quote is used and explained that has relevance to the topic at hand
- Make sure this quote comes from a credible source
- Talk about the quote’s meaning afterwards to ensure that the reader isn’t confused
- Example: “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen”
Statistic Hook
Writer uses a quote from a source that relates to the main idea of the paper, but the quote must have some type of statistics, such as numbers, decimals, or and/or percentages
- The meaning and relationship of the quote to the paper needs to be explained afterwards
