connects the hook to the thesis statement
summarizes the overall claim of the paper
» Opening with a Story (Anecdote)
A good way of catching your reader’s attention is by sharing a story that sets up your paper. Sharing a story gives a paper a more personal feel and helps make your reader comfortable.
This example was borrowed from Jack Gannon’s The Week the World Heard Gallaudet (1989):
Astrid Goodstein, a Gallaudet faculty member, entered the beauty salon for her regular appointment, proudly wearing her DPN button. (“I was married to that button that week!” she later confided.) When Sandy, her regular hairdresser, saw the button, he spoke and gestured, “Never! Never! Never!” Offended, Astrid turned around and headed for the door but stopped short of leaving. She decided to keep her appointment, confessing later that at that moment, her sense of principles had lost out to her vanity. Later she realized that her hairdresser had thought she was pushing for a deaf U.S. President. Hook: a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic.
Transition: connects the hook to the thesis statement
Thesis: summarizes the overall claim of the paper
» Specific Detail Opening
Giving specific details about your subject appeals to your reader’s curiosity and helps establish a visual picture of what your paper is about.
Hands flying, green eyes flashing, and spittle spraying, Jenny howled at her younger sister Emma. People walked by, gawking at the spectacle as Jenny’s grunts emanated through the mall. Emma sucked at her thumb, trying to appear nonchalant. Jenny’s blond hair stood almost on end. Her hands seemed to fly so fast that her signs could barely be understood. Jenny was angry. Very angry. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Open with a Quotation
Another method of writing an introduction is to open with a quotation. This method makes your introduction more interactive and more appealing to your reader.
“People paid more attention to the way I talked than what I said!” exclaimed the woman from Brooklyn, New York, in the movie American Tongues. This young woman’s home dialect interferes with people taking her seriously because they see her as a New Yorker’s cartoonish stereotype. The effects on this woman indicate the widespread judgment that occurs about nonstandard dialects. People around America judge those with nonstandard dialects because of _____________ and _____________. This type of judgment can even cause some to be ashamed of or try to change their language identity.* | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Open with an Interesting Statistic
Statistics that grab the reader help to make an effective introduction.
American Sign Language is the second most preferred foreign language in the United States. 50% of all deaf and hard of hearing people use American Sign Language (ASL).* ASL is beginning to be provided by the Foreign Language Departments of many universities and high schools around the nation. The statistics are not accurate. They were invented as an example. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Question Openings
Possibly the easiest opening is one that presents one or more questions to be answered in the paper. This is effective because questions are usually what the reader has in mind when he or she sees your topic.
Is ASL a language? Can ASL be written? Do you have to be born deaf to understand ASL completely? To answer these questions, one must first understand exactly what ASL is. In this paper, I attempt to explain this as well as answer my own questions. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
Source : *Writing an Introduction for a More Formal Essay. (2012). Retrieved April 25, 2012, from http://flightline.highline.edu/wswyt/Writing91/handouts/hook_trans_thesis.htm
The conclusion to any paper is the final impression that can be made. It is the last opportunity to get your point across to the reader and leave the reader feeling as if they learned something. Leaving a paper “dangling” without a proper conclusion can seriously devalue what was said in the body itself. Here are a few effective ways to conclude or close your paper. » Summary Closing Many times conclusions are simple re-statements of the thesis. Many times these conclusions are much like their introductions (see Thesis Statement Opening).
Because of a charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln and because of the work of two men, Amos Kendall and Edward Miner Gallaudet, Gallaudet University is what it is today – the place where people from all over the world can find information about deafness and deaf education. Gallaudet and the deaf community truly owe these three men for without them, we might still be “deaf and dumb.” |
» Close with a Logical Conclusion
This is a good closing for argumentative or opinion papers that present two or more sides of an issue. The conclusion drawn as a result of the research is presented here in the final paragraphs.
As one can see from reading the information presented, mainstreaming deaf students isn’t always as effective as educating them in a segregated classroom. Deaf students learn better on a more one-on-one basis like they can find in a school or program specially designed for them. Mainstreaming lacks such a design; deaf students get lost in the mainstream. |
» Real or Rhetorical Question Closings
This method of concluding a paper is one step short of giving a logical conclusion. Rather than handing the conclusion over, you can leave the reader with a question that causes him or her to draw his own conclusions.
Why, then, are schools for the deaf becoming a dying species? |
» Close with a Speculation or Opinion This is a good style for instances when the writer was unable to come up with an answer or a clear decision about whatever it was he or she was researching. For example:
Through all of my research, all of the people I interviewed, all of the institutions I visited, not one person could give me a clear-cut answer to my question. Can all deaf people be educated in the same manner? I couldn’t find the “right” answer. I hope you, the reader, will have better luck. |
» Close with a Recommendation
A good conclusion is when the writer suggests that the reader do something in the way of support for a cause or a plea for them to take action.
American Sign Language is a fast growing language in America. More and more universities and colleges are offering it as part of their curriculum and some are even requiring it as part of their program. This writer suggests that anyone who has a chance to learn this beautiful language should grab that opportunity. |
202-448-7036
Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Do you ever wish readers were more hooked on your phonics? I did. So I researched, practiced, and found a whole bunch of new ways to write a great hook for essays.
And guess what?
It works for me!
Well, most of the time anyway. Other times, not so much. Those are usually the occasions I free-write and don’t follow any proven tactics. And, as expected, those are the time the articles usually flop because they had no proper hook in writing. (But I enjoyed writing them nonetheless).
Table of Contents
A hook is the opening part of a work of writing that’s meant to capture a reader’s attention and make them want to continue reading.
As some say, the headline brings a reader in, the hook makes them stay. Think of great beginnings to essays where the author prompts you with a nugget of curiosity.
“In breaking news, scientists have discovered the cure to hunger — peanut butter tuna sandwiches.”
Surely, you’d want to read on. At least until the next paragraph, right? That’s the magic of a hook, it keeps the reader wanting more.
In essays, hooks typically are the first one to three sentences. In longer works, hooks can be more of a broader part of the introduction, but still, the earlier they can appear, often the better — people have short attention spans these days!
In this article, we’ll go over the meaning of a hook, why having a hook in an essay is important, how you can write a hook for an essay, and 20 hook examples in writing.
If you truly want to addict your reader into seeking out every delicious drop of your pen, here are 20 ways to place an awesome hook in writing, with just a tiny bit of extra effort.
If you’re writing an argumentative essay, your hook should directly state your position on the topic. Your thesis should be clear, concise, and arguable.
Boldness is your friend for this strategy, especially if you’re looking to challenge a common perception or force a point.
Example hook:
“The death penalty is a necessary evil that has been proven to deter crime in countries around the world.”
Did that trigger anyone even in the slightest? Good. That’s kind of the point of this strategy.
If you’re looking to hook your reader with a more fact-based approach, try starting off with a startling statistic or fact. This will help grab your reader’s attention while also giving them some context for the rest of your essay.
It’s also a cool way to show everyone how much of a (pleasant) know-it-all you are!
“Did you know that J.J. Pryor was scientifically proven to be the most handsome man on Earth for 0.0001 milliseconds on May 27th, 2008?”
Posing a question related to your subject helps engage them in the topic and encourages them to keep reading to find out the answer.
In case you have any doubts about this one, ever heard of a cliffhanger?
“Have you ever wondered if Jesus could microwave a burrito so hot that even he couldn’t eat it?”
If you’re writing an essay close to your heart, sharing an anecdote or personal story can be a great way to hook your reader. Connecting on a personal level is always a great way to spur interest in your writing.
Personal touches like these are often what helps build a writer’s voice in the first place, too.
“I’ll never forget the first time I went surfing. I was eight years old and it was the summer before my family moved from Hawaii to California. The waves were huge and I was terrified, but I paddled out anyway. After all, a mystical siren in the form of a peanut butter tuna sandwich beckoned me to the deep.”
If you’re writing a narrative essay, using descriptive language to set the scene helps lock a reader’s brain in the right mood. Picturing the setting literally changes the way a person thinks and immerses them in a story far quicker than other methods.
“It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning flashed and thunder roared as I walked down the street completely naked, much to my neighborhood’s chagrin.”
If you want to hook your reader with a more dramatic approach, try presenting your thesis as a recent discovery or revelation. This can help create a sense of suspense and encourage them to keep reading to find out more.
“Everyone knows the Earth revolves around the Sun. But after consulting with my astrologist/psychic, I realized everyone is completely, hopelessly, utterly wrong.”
Another great way to hook your reader is to use a famous quotation or person. This will help add some weight to your argument and make it more credible.
“As Aristotle once said, ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’ So, it is in this fashion, that the addition of peanut butter and tuna can form a masterpiece of culinary excellence.”
Bring the drama, mama, and try using historical present tense in a hook. This is when you jump back in the past and talk as if you’re still living it out.
For example:
“It is the first day of Earth. I haven’t created humanity, and yet, I find myself compelled to attach legs, a top hat, and something called a monocle to a hardened shelled nugget of deliciousness. I will call him Mr. Peanut. He pleases me.”
For a more direct approach to your opening, try describing what you plan to prove in your essay. This can help guide a better understanding of your argument and follow along with the rest of your essay.
It doesn’t have to be bold, but it does have to be clear. This is more suitable for more formal essays and articles.
“In this essay, I will be arguing that the death penalty is the legal societal equivalent to a ban on peanut butter.”
Posing your thesis in the form of a question is another great way to hook your reader. This isn’t too different from some of the other strategies, but it can help evoke a different, more inquisitive, mindset.
It can relax the reader slightly as compared to a more hostile, bold statement of opinion or fact.
“Do we really need any other sandwiches besides peanut butter tuna?”
Another option is using a narrative strategy of delay. This involves putting off identifying the subject until the moment is just right.
Think of it as describing everything about a subject but what it is, until the very last moment. It tweaks the reader’s brain to keep on venturing forward, just to discover what the hell the name of the person/place/thing is!
“He was the most influential figure in my young life, if not my entire life, too. Confident, poised, eternally prescient no matter the moment, Bartholomew Richard Fitzgerald-Smythe was truly the guiding light of my being.”
For a more inquisitive approach, try introducing your subject with two contrasting statistics. The juxtaposition of two conflating factors can often do more to spur further reading of an essay than many other methods.
It’s a puzzle, and most readers will want to solve it.
“Peanut butter is scientifically proven to be the tastiest nut, and yet, 99.5789% of people are disgusted by the idea of combining it with the scientifically tastiest fish, tuna.”
Another personal approach is to try recalling a moment that dramatizes your subject. This can help a reader see the importance of the issue and make them more invested in your argument — especially if it’s a subject they can relate to themselves, too.
“I’ll never forget the day my soul died. I was only eight years old, but the cold shivers running up my spine still quiver to this day from the moment the PB&T hit the floor.”
Asking questions is a great way to hook your reader and get them thinking about your argument, especially ones that are slightly combative, bold, or contrary to a portion of the audience’s expected thinking.
“Does this sound like a rhetorical question to you?”
For another suspenseful approach, try briefly describing a process that leads into your subject. This is a chance to be clever, descriptive, and perhaps delve into details not commonly known about a process or task.
“I first lather the bottom and then the top. Occasionally I toast it first. More crunch the better, of course. The slow crank of the opener reveals the sweet tasty scent of the juicy meat within. A slow clamped drain, a hard plop, and the PB&T is complete. Breakfast is served. Some guests might vomit profusely, beware.”
Another method is to try revealing a secret about yourself, a related narrative, or the subject itself.
“Most people don’t know this about me, but I once was a peanut myself.”
If you want to hook your reader with a more light-hearted approach, try opening with a riddle, joke, or humorous quotation. Everyone loves a good laugh or even a chuckle. Everyone loves peanuts even more. Some people like sighing too, I hear.
“Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side of these neverending peanut butter tuna jokes.”
Contrasting situations, much like contrasted statistics, can give a reader a sense of suspense, puzzlement, and desire to finding out the answer.
“Things have changed a lot since I was a peanut. I used to be afraid of being consumed, now I am the consumer. I have become Mr. Peanut, the destroyer of worlds.”
The last contrasting strategy involves simply comparing a proposed situation, or even imaginary, against what is actually experienced or true in real life. Think of it as a contrast between misconceptions and what you are proposing is the true, often hidden, reality.
“Everyone knows the simple peanut is a salty little occasional treat. And yet, for us gooberphiles, it is so much more. It is delicious. It is the sunrise, the sunset, perhaps it is even life itself.”
For a slightly more engaging offshoot of the question style hook, try asking one that can’t be answered simply with a yes or no. It can help evoke more deep thought, and hopefully, more intrigue to keep on reading.
“What would you do if you were stranded on a boat in the middle of the ocean with only with only bread and tuna?”
Writing a good hook isn’t easy, but it is easy to practice and get better. Knowing the different methods to write them is a great place to start.
The next step is up to you. After all, practice makes perfect.
So, as a suggestion, try looking through the above list and see which ones stick out in your head, jot them down somewhere, and try them out in your next articles and essays.
Hopefully, one or more of them will resonate with readers if you can get any of that precious feedback we all need.
So, the next time you’re stuck on how to start an essay, try one of these approaches and see where it takes you. Who knows, you may find yourself with a more engaging and successful essay than you ever thought possible.
Lastly, if you liked this, be sure to check out 90 of the Best Opening Hooks From Articles With Over 10,000 Claps Each for a bunch of uber-successful examples of hooks from mega-viral essays on the internet.
Sign up to Feedium or Pryor Thoughts for more fun stuff!
You might also be interested in learning about 100 famous metaphors .
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Essay Writing Guide
Hook Examples
Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024
By: Nova A.
15 min read
Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.
Published on: Feb 19, 2019
Tired of getting poor grades on your high school or college essays? Feeling lost when it comes to captivating your professor's attention?
Whether you're a high school or college student, the constant stream of essays, assignments, and projects can be overwhelming. But fear not!
There's a secret weapon at your disposal: hooks.
These attention-grabbing phrases are the key to keeping your reader hooked and eager for more. In this blog, we'll explore powerful essay hook examples that will solve all your essay writing concerns.
So let’s get started!
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An essay hook is the opening sentence or a few sentences in an essay that grab the reader's attention and engage them from the very beginning. It is called a " hook " because it is designed to reel in the reader and make them interested in reading the rest of the essay.
The purpose of an essay hook is to:
Check out our complete guide on how to start an essay here!
The opening lines of your essay serve as the hook, capturing your reader's attention right from the start. Remember, the hook is a part of your essay introduction and shouldn't replace it.
A well-crafted introduction consists of a hook followed by a thesis statement . While the hook attracts the reader, the thesis statement explains the main points of your essay.
To write an effective hook, consider the following aspects:
Keep in mind that the hook should be directly related to the main topic or idea of your writing piece. When it comes to essays or other academic papers, you can employ various types of hooks that align with your specific requirements.
Learn more about Hook Statements in this informative Video!
To give you a better understanding of the different types of essay hooks, we will be discussing essay hook examples.
Starting your essay by asking a thought-provoking question can be a good way to engage the reader. Ask your reader a question that they can visualize. However, make sure to keep your questions relevant to the reader's interest. Avoid generalized, and yes or no questions.
Rhetorical questions make up good hooks.
A quotation from a famous person is used to open an essay to attract the reader's attention. However, the quote needs to be relevant to your topic and must come from a credible source. To remove any confusion that the reader might have it is best to explain the meaning of the quote later.
Here are the quotes you can use to start your essay:
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Here you use statistical data such as numbers and figures, percentages, etc. to hook the reader. This is mostly used in informative writing to provide the reader with new and interesting facts. It is important to mention the source.
An anecdote is a short story relevant to the essay topic, illustrated to gain the reader’s attention. This story can be derived from a personal experience or your imagination. Mostly, an anecdote is humorous; it makes the reader laugh and leaves them wanting to read more.
It is mostly used when writing narrative or descriptive essays.
If you are a non-English speaker and call the support department or the helpline and hear:
Here are some more anecdotal hook examples:
Starting with a personal story is the right way to go when writing a personal narrative or admissions essay for College.
There is no such rule that the story has to be yours. You can share your friends' story or someone you know of.
Remember that such hooks aren't suitable when writing a more formal or argumentative piece of writing.
In the next section we will be discussing hook examples for different kinds of essays.
A surprising statement hook is a bold and unexpected statement that grabs the reader's attention and piques their curiosity. It challenges their assumptions and compels them to delve deeper into the topic. Example:
The opening paragraph of an argumentative essay should be similar to the opening statement of a trial. Just as a lawyer presents his point with a logical system, you must do the same in your essay.
For example, you are writing about the adverse effects of smoking, and arguing that all public places should be turned into no smoking zones. For such essays, good hook examples will be statistical such as:
“According to the World Health Organization consumption of tobacco kills about five million people every year, which makes it more than the death rate from HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria altogether.”
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The main idea or aim for writing a persuasive essay is to convince and persuade the reader to do something. It is also written to change their beliefs and agree with your point of view.
Hook sentences for such essays are a shocking revelation that the reader is curious to learn more about.
“On average each year, humans release 38.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide approximately. Due to this, the level of carbon dioxide has increased significantly, more than it has been in centuries. If you think climate change is nothing to worry about then you are highly mistaken.”
Simply put, a narrative essay is just like a story. In other types of essays you need to pick a side, argue and prove your point with the help of evidence. A narrative essay gives you a freehand to tell your story however you may please.
It can be a story inspired by your life, something you may have experienced. If you feel like it isn’t exciting enough you can always transform it using your imagination.
Examples of a hook sentence for a narrative essay can be something like:
“I was riding the bus to school; the other kids were making fun of me thinking I couldn’t understand them. “Why are his eyes like that?” “His face is funny.” A Chinese kid in America is probably like a zoo animal.”
Here are 20+ interesting hook examples across various subjects:
In conclusion, these were some catchy hook examples just to give you an idea. You can make use of any one of these types according to your paper and its requirements. Generate free essays through our AI essay writer , to see how it's done!
The key to making your essay stand out from the rest is to have a strong introduction. While it is the major part, there’s more that goes into writing a good essay.
If you are still unable to come up with an exciting hook, and searching “ who can write my essay ?”. The expert essay writers at 5StarEssays.com are just a click away. Reach out to our essay writer today and have an engaging opening for your essay.
What is a visual hook.
The visual hook is a scene that captures the audience's interest by encapsulating something about the movie. It usually occurs around 15 minutes into it, and can be found in marketing or reviews of movies.
As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
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Home ➔ Essay Structure ➔ Essay Hooks
Imagine starting your essay with a surprising statistic: “Over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety each year.” Or perhaps a captivating anecdote: “When I was in high school, I hated running, but one day, after a grueling run, I felt a surge of exhilaration and realized I had come to love it.” These examples illustrate what we call “hooks.”
What is a hook in an essay? A hook is a technique used to seize the reader’s attention, intriguing them and compelling them to read more. Created in myriad ways, a hook usually begins with something fascinating or shocking that prompts the reader to continue. The type of hook you choose often depends on your subject matter.
In this article, we’ll delve into when and why hooks are used and provide various examples to enhance your understanding of essay hooks.
The art of crafting a compelling hook isn’t just confined to academic essays. It permeates various realms of writing, each with its unique demand for attracting attention.
In advertising , a well-crafted hook—be it a catchy slogan or an unforgettable jingle—can be the key to imprinting a product or service in the consumer’s mind.
Example: “Picture this: a phone so intuitive, it seems to read your mind.”
In academic writing , a hook at the outset helps set the tone, guiding the reader’s expectations and maintaining their focus. It captivates the reader’s interest and steers them away from potential distractions.
Example: “While the theory of relativity is often associated with the genius of Einstein, few realize the groundbreaking contributions of women scientists to this revolutionary concept.”
Creative writing , with its storytelling essence, employs hooks predominantly. A well-conceived hook at the very beginning of a story can captivate the reader, keeping them engrossed and eager to unravel the narrative.
Example: “It was the kind of morning that made him wonder if God had created the color blue just for this one sky.”
Journalistic writing utilizes hooks to great effect. With readers often skimming headlines and opening lines, a compelling hook is crucial to entice the reader to delve deeper into the article.
Scientific writing , often commencing with the main argument or findings, might seem less inclined to utilize hooks. However, introducing a novel concept or theory through a well-framed hook can engage readers, making them more receptive to complex ideas.
Example: “Imagine a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a curable disease. Recent advancements in gene editing technology are bringing us closer to that reality.”
In sales writing , hooks are indispensable. They serve to grab the reader’s attention, arouse their curiosity, and lead them down the sales funnel, with the ultimate goal of converting them into buyers.
Example: “Tired of feeling drained at the end of your workday? Our ergonomic office chairs are scientifically designed to provide unparalleled comfort and support, boosting your productivity without compromising your health.”
In our exploration of essay hooks, we intentionally bypass mid-text hooks such as cliffhangers , often seen in longer prose and various visual methods that are less relevant to academic essays. Instead, we will delve into ten prevalent types of hooks that can be strategically used in academic writing:
The choice of an essay hook is contingent on your subject matter and the most effective method to capture your reader’s attention. These hooks are commonly employed across various essay types, including narrative, persuasive , expository , and argumentative writing .
How long should a hook be in an essay?
A hook in an essay should be concise, typically one to two sentences long. Its primary purpose is to pique interest and draw the reader into the main content of the essay, so it should be relevant to the topic and compelling enough to encourage continued reading.
An anecdote is a concise, engaging story often used to underscore a key point. Such a hook is ideal for a descriptive or narrative essay where formality is not a primary concern.
Consider an essay on the benefits of exercise. A personal story about your transformation from a reluctant to an avid runner can serve as an effective essay hook. Example:
“High school days saw me donning the track team captain’s armband, running every day not out of love but obligation. Yet one day, amidst the exhaustion, I experienced an unexpected surge of exhilaration. Suddenly, I realized that running wasn’t a chore but a passion.”
An analogy draws comparisons between two scenarios that share commonalities yet differ in other aspects. This thought-stirring hook can clarify complex concepts or emphasize points effectively.
An analogy for an argumentative essay discussing anxiety can help convey the feeling to the reader. Example:
“Living with anxiety can be akin to being trapped in a pitch-black room. The uncertainty, the isolation—it’s overwhelming. But just as one can fumble for a light switch in a dark room, so too can one navigate through the challenges of anxiety to find relief.”
A detailed description can transport your reader into the scene, making it an excellent hook, especially for descriptive essays .
For example, in an essay about a beach vacation, you could vividly imagine the tranquil setting with the following description hook:
“The waves croon a gentle lullaby, coaxing a sense of tranquility. The sun glistens on the water, and the sand, so brilliantly white, might as well be a blanket of snow.”
A captivating fact is a powerful tool to spark interest. For maximum impact, it can be paired with other hook types.
In an argumentative essay discussing anxiety, the use of a fact intertwined with a question and a statistic can engage the reader effectively. Example:
“Did it ever occur to you that anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults annually?”
Many literary devices can serve as engaging essay hooks. Let’s consider a few prominent ones, followed by corresponding hook examples.
A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses one thing to represent another. It can be used to grab the reader’s attention and make them think about what you are saying in a new way.
For instance, if your essay tackles the issues surrounding pollution, your metaphorical hook could be:
“Pollution is the invisible cancer slowly gnawing at the vitality of our earth.”
By juxtaposing two seemingly contradictory terms, an oxymoron prompts the reader to rethink their preconceived notions and engage with the text on a deeper level.
Suppose you are addressing the complex topic of gun control in your essay . In that case, you could start with an oxymoronic hook such as:
“The impassioned debate between pro-gun control and pro-gun rights advocates reflects a surprising truth – they both are right in their own ways.”
Foreshadowing is when the author gives a hint or clue about what will happen later in the story. It can grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
For example, while narrating a personal story in a narrative essay , you could foreshadow the story’s climax with:
“Little did I know that seemingly ordinary day was set to alter the course of my life forever.”
Humor is a great way to grab readers’ attention and make them want to keep reading. But, it should be used sparingly and only when it is appropriate for the tone of the essay.
For instance, in an essay emphasizing the importance of recycling, you could use humor as a hook:
“Do you know the catastrophic consequence of not recycling? Spoiler alert – absolutely nothing… at least not immediately.”
Irony, the twist of expectations, can be a good hook as it provokes readers to challenge their assumptions and encourages critical thinking.
For instance, if your essay discusses issues within the education system, you could start with an ironic statement:
“It’s an ironic paradox that the education system, designed to equip us for real-world challenges, often seems more like an obstacle course distracting us from them.”
A paradox, a seemingly contradictory statement that harbors an underlying truth, can be an intriguing hook, compelling the reader to unravel its hidden meaning.
For instance, in an essay discussing urban life’s trials and tribulations, you could initiate with a paradoxical hook:
“City life, often portrayed as a whirlwind of stress and haste, can paradoxically offer pockets of serenity and exhilaration.”
A musing is a reflective statement usually used to introduce the reader to the writer’s thoughts on a topic. It can be used as a strong essay hook to engage the reader and make them think about their own opinions on the topic.
For instance, in an essay on the significance of family, you might muse:
“Sometimes, I find myself questioning if we, as a society, overemphasize the importance of family ties.”
A well-placed question, either straightforward or rhetorical, can stimulate the reader’s curiosity and thought process. A question hook is often used in academic writing to make a point or start an argument.
For example, if you were writing an essay about the problems with pollution, you could start with a straightforward question such as:
“What are the causes of pollution?”
You could also use a rhetorical question, which is a question that doesn’t require an answer.
For example, if you were writing an essay about the importance of education, you could start with a rhetorical question such as:
“Can we genuinely hope to resolve the world’s dilemmas without prioritizing education for our youth?”
Incorporating a well-chosen quote from an influential figure or a pertinent literary passage can serve as a good hook to pique the reader’s curiosity. A quotation hook is often used in academic writing to make a point or provide evidence for an argument.
For example, if you were writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could start with a quote such as:
“Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose,” – an NHS statement.
Using a quote as a hook is considered a bit cliche , so make sure it fits well within the concept of your essay and avoid common inspirational fluff by famous people.
Note: If you want to learn more about using quotations in essays, you can read our guide: How to Introduce a Quote
You can use a surprising statistic hook to grab readers’ attention and make them want to know more. Or, you can try to find a hardly known statistic that sheds new light on the subject.
For example, if your essay is about the benefits of physical activity, you could start with a statistic like this:
“Did you know? Regular exercise can lower your risk of heart disease by as much as 50%.”
While a thesis statement is typically found at the end of an introduction, it can also make for a good hook if used as the opening sentence. Boldly stating your viewpoint can spark interest, encouraging your reader to either challenge your stance or continue reading to understand your argument better.
The primary purpose of a thesis statement is not to act as a hook, but it can certainly be crafted in an engaging way that catches the reader’s attention. For example, by making your thesis statement provocative, surprising, or counterintuitive, you can pique the reader’s interest.
For example, if you were writing a persuasive essay against capital punishment, you could start with a powerful assertion like:
“It’s time to admit it: The death penalty is a brutal, outdated method of punishment that has no place in our society.”
Successfully transitioning from the hook to the main part of your essay can be daunting for many students. However, it’s crucial for maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative. Here’s how you can effectively bridge your hook and the main body of your essay :
Let’s consider an essay on climate change:
The main part of your essay can then delve into the specific consequences of climate change, what actions are needed, and why there is an urgent need for these actions.
Remember, a hook is more than just a gimmick to grab the reader’s attention; it’s an integral part of your essay that sets the stage for what’s to come. Making sure there is a smooth transition from the hook to the main part of your essay will help establish a good flow, keep your reader engaged, and enhance the overall readability of your essay.
The process of choosing a good hook for your essay necessitates careful consideration of a few key factors:
Remember, the primary purpose of your hook is to capture your reader’s attention and entice them to read further. So, take the time to brainstorm and choose a good hook that aligns with your essay’s purpose and tone and piques your reader’s curiosity.
The optimal length of a hook can be elusive as it is largely influenced by the nature of your essay and the intended function of the hook. A reliable guideline is to aim for brevity—your hook should ideally be between one to three sentences. Although exceptions exist, it is generally advantageous to err on the side of conciseness. A short, impactful hook is always preferable to a drawn-out one that risks losing the reader’s interest.
While a hook is typically the first sentence (or sentences) of an essay, its placement is not strictly defined. The primary function of a hook is to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the essay, and this is often most effectively achieved at the very beginning.
However, in some cases, a hook may come after a brief introduction or background information. The hook can be a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a vivid description that comes after setting up some context.
For instance, in an essay discussing a historical event, you might start by providing some basic information about the event and then introduce a hook that presents an intriguing fact or perspective about that event to pique the reader’s interest.
Now here’s the clue.
If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.
Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.
For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.
We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.
The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.
The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.
But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.
An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.
The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.
Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:
Hook ideas | Where to use | Hook sentence examples |
---|---|---|
Elon Musk once said, “We are running the most dangerous experiment in history right now, which is to see how much carbon dioxide the atmosphere can handle before there is an environmental catastrophe.” | ||
Have you ever thought about how you can become happier? | ||
It had been all summer since we’d seen each other, and now I was standing face to face with my old enemy – my Math teacher, Mrs. Parker. | ||
According to the Annapolis Police Department, nearly 42% of teenagers have been bullied online, and almost one in four have had it happen more than once. | ||
Sunlight is clear and colorless until it reaches the earth’s atmosphere. Then, spread by air molecules, it paints the sky blue. |
Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.
Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.
⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️
Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy. And even the most developed and progressive countries are still struggling to get to that level of equality. It can be achieved by various methods, even though they might only work in certain countries.
"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.
It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.
Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:
And more in examples:
Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.
Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.
This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.
It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.
Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it?
Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.
The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.
The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.
Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.
Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!
Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.
Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).
Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.
Here it is:
– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.
With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.
– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.
A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.
Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.
Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!
Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.
Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:
If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.
Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.
Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.
Comparison Essay Hook Options:
Check out examples:
For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.
Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.
Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.
White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.
Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.
Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.
Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:
When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.
The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.
Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.
Here are the examples:
How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.
Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.
Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.
Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.
Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:
It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.
I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.
Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.
Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:
Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).
Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)
Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.
Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?
In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.
Here’s a simple plan you can follow.
Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.
⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.
Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.
That’s it 😊
Good luck with your work!
Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.
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July 17, 2024
Good Hooks for Essays with College Essay Examples — we begin with an example…
I felt a bead of sweat drip down my cheek as I stared at the blank document, ready to begin my first college essay. I wanted to type something, but my fingers sat still as though I’d forgotten how to use a keyboard. How do start?
Perhaps you can relate to this image. As it turns out, imagery itself could solve the problem for this writer.
As you write your college essays you should aim to engage your readers from the very first sentence. Why is this important? While college admissions officers may have already peered at your grades and activity lists, your essay is their first opportunity to get a sense of your unique personality. While you should avoid overloading your essay with complex metaphors and statistics (this could make you seem disorganized, insincere, or snobbish), a slightly unconventional or surprising start to the essay can work wonders.
We advise applicants to strengthen their college essays by beginning with hooks , or statements that pull in the attention of readers. Great hooks often come in the form of images, questions, strong declarations, and more. Continue reading for 7 types of great hooks for college essays, as well as college essay hook examples for each.
1) tell a story.
This one is a personal favorite. A story hook involves beginning with a short anecdote related to your essay topic. Connecting your topic to a story is a great way to make your essay more exciting and memorable overall. With this hook type, it’s important that your story connects to your essay topic. It’s also important that it doesn’t become too long or unwieldy (a strong story can often be told in 1-3 sentences). Regardless, a story hook will likely be a bit longer than the other hooks you might use.
Example 1: I would spend my Sundays strolling through the aisles of the fabric store, touching various laces and chiffons. I was fascinated by the colors and textures, inspired to create something, though I had no clue how to do so without some kind of unattainable expertise. One Sunday in early autumn, I met the woman who would teach me how to sew, leading me on the path to becoming a costume designer for our school plays.
(Through this story, the applicant appeals to the reader’s senses and successfully prepares for a discussion about their sewing and costume design experience).
Example 2: As we picked up trash along the trail, reaching for sharp bottle caps and sticky candy wrappers glimmering in the sunlight, I thought about how each one of these remnants could end up in the world’s oceans. My summer of volunteering at the state park confirmed my interest in pursuing environmental science.
(This story hook perfectly sets up a college essay about one’s community service experience and passion for environmental science).
2) describe something interesting.
Similar to the story hook, the description hook draws in readers by recounting a vivid scene, which may or may not feed into a longer story. Used frequently in many types of writing, the point of the description is to develop intrigue, making readers curious to know more.
Example 1: Rain poured down as I sat in the car, hearing only loud thumps against the windshield. The sky was darkening and my phone had almost completely lost signal. With nowhere to go and no one to call, I came to a realization.
(Playing off of the “ it was a dark and stormy night ” trope, this application writer develops intrigue by describing a lonely, rainy, and possibly frightening atmosphere).
Example 2: My grandmother’s homemade blintzes were always warm and cloud-like, with soft and sweet cheese oozing from their edges. Nobody in the family could make blintzes like she could. With each bite, I imagined her grandmother making them for her, and more generally, her life in Poland before she immigrated to the United States.
(Describing a familiar recipe or family tradition is a great way to lead into a discussion of one’s culture and identity).
You might also begin by asking a question related to your essay topic. Asking an interesting question, especially one that the reader may not have thought of, commonly leads to a desire to continue reading for the answer. This can be a rhetorical question (one that lends itself to an obvious answer, often used to make a point) or a genuine question (one you are sincerely asking yourself or someone else).
Example 1: Who wouldn’t want to be a Broadway star?
(This rhetorical question could begin an essay about an applicant who yearns to be onstage and pursue theater in college, or who once desired to act on stage but now wants to apply their theater background to a psychology major. Though of course not everyone wants to be a Broadway star, the rhetorical framing reveals the author’s perspective).
Example 2: When is it okay to eat animals?
(This genuine question could begin an essay about an applicant who grapples with the food industry, perhaps one who works or grew up on a farm or in the food service industry).
If you’re writing about a topic that you feel strongly about, you may start with a declarative statement. Perhaps this statement is widely agreed upon, or maybe it’s more of a “hot take” (a controversial opinion that your reader could disagree with). Either way, you should support this statement as the essay unfolds. This hook is strongest when short and concise.
Example 1: In most situations, it’s far better to listen than to speak.
(This declaration sets the stage for discussing the skill of listening, perhaps a situation in which listening skills came in handy for the college applicant).
Example 2: Reality TV offers crucial life lessons.
(This is an example of a more surprising “hot take,” since readers may not expect to hear that important life lessons can be learned from seemingly-frivolous reality TV. If supported thoughtfully, this hook can demonstrate the applicant’s confidence and humor).
Similar to declarations, quotes are often used because they are powerful, succinct, and eye-catching. Additionally, their familiarity or trustworthiness can add credibility to a college essay. Strong quotes can come from a variety of sources, from famous scientists, to politicians, to favorite high school teachers, to a book or film characters. Quotes can be moving, inspirational, thought-provoking, or funny, so long as they connect clearly to your essay topic.
Example 1: Author, poet, and Civil Rights Movement activist Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
(This famous quote by an important literary figure is perfect for setting up a discussion on the importance of doing good deeds or treating others with kindness).
Example 2: “The road to success is always under construction,” stated actress and comedian Lily Tomlin .
(If you’d like to give your essay a humorous edge, why not quote a comedian? This quote hook might introduce an essay that describes some bumps in the road along the way to success).
Especially if your essay discusses scientific issues, social phenomena, or current events, it can be interesting to begin with a fact that the reader may not already know. Whether or not your fact contains statistics, it’s important to make sure the information comes from a credible source (which you should cite). You might visit The Pew Research Center , or a reputable newspaper or magazine such as The New York Times , The Guardian , or National Geographic . As with other types of hooks, make sure your fact connects to the rest of your essay and your life (your college essay should primarily be about your own identity and interests, as much as you might find it interesting to discuss a current event or political issue).
Example 1: Though women outnumber men in the U.S. college-educated workforce, they only make up about a third of workers in the country’s 10 highest-paying jobs ( Pew Research Center ).
(An applicant using this hook might continue on to discuss how they have dedicated themselves to feminist issues and plan to continue doing so in college).
Example 2: More than 40% of plastic is only used once, before being tossed ( National Geographic ).
(An applicant might be introducing an essay about starting an initiative at school to reduce plastic waste).
The common misconception hook challenges readers to rethink an assumption, or something commonly taken for granted. This can be an intriguing start to a college essay, while also demonstrating the writer’s capacity to reflect and think critically.
Example 1: Many believe that meditation is about emptying the mind, getting rid of all thoughts in order to find an ultimate state of calm. However, I’ve come to understand that it’s actually about focusing on the present.
(This would be a great way to begin an essay about how and why someone began meditating, and what the practice has taught them over the years).
Example 2: While people commonly associate “being intelligent” with having a wealth of facts memorized, being able to quickly complete math problems or memorize SAT words, a theory demonstrates that humans actually have 8 types of intelligence, including spatial intelligence and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence ( CNBC ).
(This applicant might go on to discuss spatial and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, and what they have learned from practicing volleyball and modern dance).
If you are in fact sitting in front of the computer, having difficulty with the start of your college essays, hopefully these 7 types of essay hooks have offered some inspiration. While they are great ways to begin your Common App essay, tools such as quotes, facts, and stories can be useful in your body paragraphs and conclusions. They can also apply to your supplemental essays, including those on diversity and community .
For more advice to ease your college essay writing process, check out the following articles:
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The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.
What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an essay introduction paragraph with paperpal – step -by -step, how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .
Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .
An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.
The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:
Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:
Unsure of how to start your essay introduction? Leverage Paperpal’s Generative AI templates to provide a base for your essay introduction. Here’s an example of an essay outline generated by Paperpal.
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This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.
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Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:
A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:
Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:
Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”
Topic: The benefits of regular exercise
“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”
Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”
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Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3
The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.
An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.
An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.
The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”
Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.
To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.
References
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A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.
“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”
Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate
Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons
“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”
Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay
Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate
“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”
Best For: Persuasive Essay
Read More: What is the American Dream?
“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”
Best For: Expository Essay
Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media
“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”
Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons
“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”
Read More: Learn about Urbanization
“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”
Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons
“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”
Best For: Argumentative Essay
Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity
“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”
Best For: Research Paper
“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”
“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”
“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”
Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience
“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”
Read More: Do we have Free Will?
“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”
Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?
“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”
Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples
“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”
Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare
“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”
Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage
“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”
Best For: Reflective Essay
Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned
“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”
Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools
“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”
Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet
“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”
Best For: Essay
Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons
“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”
Read More: Soft Skills Examples
“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”
Read More: Moral Panic Examples
“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”
Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples
“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”
Best For: Critical Analysis
Read More: Mass Media Examples
✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.
One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:
💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.
💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.
💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
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Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .
Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.
You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:
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What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.
The best thesis statements are:
Discover proofreading & editing
The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.
You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?
For example, you might ask:
After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .
Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.
In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.
In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.
The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.
A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:
The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.
These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.
Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
College essays
(AI) Tools
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :
The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, August 15). How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 28, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/thesis-statement/
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4-minute read
Never underestimate the power of an essay hook . This opening statement is meant to grab the reader’s attention and convince them to keep reading. But how do you write one that’ll pack a punch? In this article, we’ll break this down.
An essay hook is the first thing your audience will read. If it doesn’t hook them right off the bat, they might decide not to keep reading. It’s important that your opening statement is impactful while not being too wordy or presumptuous.
It’s also crucial that it clearly relates to your topic. You don’t want to mislead your readers into thinking your essay is about something it’s not. So, what kind of essay hook should you write? Here are seven ideas to choose from:
Everyone likes a good story. If an interesting story or anecdote relates to your essay topic, the hook is a great place to include it. For example:
The key to a good story hook is keeping it short and sweet. You’re not writing a novel in addition to an essay!
Another great essay hook idea is to lay out a compelling fact or statistic. For example:
There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this. Make sure it’s relevant to your topic, accurate, and something your audience will care about. And, of course, be sure to cite your sources properly.
If you want to get a little more creative with your essay hook, try using a metaphor or simile . A metaphor states that something is something else in a figurative sense, while a simile states that something is like something else.
Metaphors and similes are effective because they provide a visual for your readers, making them think about a concept in a different way. However, be careful not to make them too far-fetched or overly exaggerated.
Asking your audience a question is a great way to hook them. Not only does it make them think, but they’ll also want to keep reading because you will have sparked their curiosity. For example:
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Try to avoid using questions that start with something along the lines of “Have you ever wondered…?” Instead, try to think of a question they may never have wondered about. And be sure not to answer it right away, at least not fully. Use your essay to do that!
Making a bold statement or declaring a strong opinion can immediately catch people’s attention. For example:
Regardless of whether your reader agrees with you, they’ll probably want to keep reading to find out how you will back up your claim. Just make sure your declaration isn’t too controversial, or you might scare readers away!
Laying out a common misconception is another useful way to hook your reader. For example:
If your readers don’t know that a common belief is actually a misconception, they’ll likely be interested in learning more. And if they are already aware, it’s probably a topic they’re interested in, so they’ll want to read more.
You can put your descriptive powers into action with your essay hook. Creating interesting or compelling imagery places your reader into a scene, making the words come alive.
A description can be something beautiful and appealing or emotionally charged and provoking. Either way, descriptive writing is a powerful way to immerse your audience and keep them reading.
When writing an essay, don’t skimp on the essay hook! The opening statement has the potential to convince your audience to hear what you have to say or to let them walk away. We hope our ideas have given you some inspiration.
And once you finish writing your essay, make sure to send it to our editors. We’ll check it for grammar, spelling, word choice, references, and more. Try it out for free today with a 500-word sample !
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WRITING TIPS
Writing the introductory paragraph
By PresenterMedia.com
Why are they important???
Four points it must accomplish…
THE HOOK SENTENCE - A writer may begin with…
THE LEAD OR HOOK SENTENCE
A literary quote
Such a hook for essay�may be perfect when you write about some particular author, story, literary�phenomenon, book, etc. Even if your essay is not fictional in nature, a�literary quote will make it sound more “alive” and “fresh” .
“So we beat on, boats�against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” These words of Nick�Carraway perfectly describe…”
“Not all those who�wander are lost.” And yes, indeed, every person is so…”
“When we love, we always�strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we�are, everything around us becomes better too.” Agree or not, but these words�from The Alchemist determine…”
Quotes of famous people
A person whom everybody knows may be more authoritative and influential than others; that is why writing a quote from his/her speech can be a really good essay hook.
“John Wooden once said, ‘Never mistake activity for achievement.'”
“Learn to laugh” is something my kindergarten teacher told me after Ralph Thorsen spilled paint on my daffodil picture.
Anecdote (for informal essays)
Do not be afraid of spoiling your essay with such an unusual hook. Even if you start writing with some humorous hook, it does not mean your essay will become a funny absurd at once. Some humor can help you grab readers’ attention and awake their interest to the topic.
“As my cousin and I pedaled our new bikes to the beach, 6 years old, suntanned and young, we met an old, shaggy-haired man weaving unsteadily on a battered old bike.”
“When I was a young boy, my father worked at a coal mine. For 27 years, he made it his occupation to scrape and claw and grunt his way into the bowels of the earth, searching for fuel. On April 19, 2004, the bowels of the earth clawed back.”
But remember, that in most cases it is not allowed to use the first person in essays, that is why check everything twice before using “I” in your paper.
Some fact or definition
Such types of hooks for essays serve to surprise your reader. Give the interesting fact about something you are going to describe and discuss in your essay’s body, and you will grab the attention of your audience at once.
“Spain, though hardly a literary juggernaut, translates more books in one year than the entire Arab world has in the past one thousand years.”
“Amiable is the best way to describe Elizabeth’s personality: she was friendly and caring.”
It’s not the worst essay hooks idea as well. By giving some proven facts at the very beginning of you paper, you will interest your readers and make them want to read more details about the fact provided.
“The average iceberg weighs over 100,000 metric tons.”
“70% of all jobs found today were got through different networking strategies”
In thesis statements, you should avoid using
statements like, “This essay will discuss…” or
“I’m going to write about…” Try to write a
thesis statement that captures your reader’s
attention without announcing your main topic
and stating the obvious. Look at the examples
In the next slide.
Key Features
Don’t State the Obvious
Identify the specific topic …
In this essay, I am going to discuss the effects of long-term drug abuse.
Long-term drug use can have disastrous effects on one’s marriage, career, and health.
Write a clear thesis statement
Explain how your paper is organized
The Thesis Statement
A Road Map for Your Essay
Introduction
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #2
Body Paragraph #3
After you have brainstormed and you have some main
ideas of what you would like to write in your essay, you can
begin thinking about writing a thesis statement .
Thesis Statements
What’s a thesis statement ????
A thesis statement is a complete sentence
that contains one main idea. This idea controls
the content of the entire essay. A thesis
statement that contains subpoints also helps a
reader know how the essay will be organized.
Look at the introductory paragraph below. See
if you can identify the thesis statement and
subpoints .
Thesis Statement: The Essay’s main idea
Since the thesis statement is the main idea for the entire essay, it should express a complete thought and be a complete sentence. The thesis statement is asserting an opinion or idea, so it should not be a question. The writer of the essay then uses the body paragraphs to prove his or her opinion . Look at the next examples to see how they can be made into thesis statements.
More about thesis statements…
For most of my life I have lived with bad health, smelly clothes, and a chronic cough. My children and husband begged me to stop the habit that caused these conditions, but I couldn’t. The habit of smoking had wrapped its addicting arms around me and was slowly strangling me until one day I realized I had to stop. This realization came after three terrifying events occurred in my family.
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introductory paragraph. This sentence tells the reader that he/she can expect to read about the events that caused the author to stop smoking in the rest of the essay.
When I was young, I always knew that I wanted to become a teacher someday. When I played, I would often gather my dolls together and pretend to teach them how to do math problems or how to read a book. As I grew older, my desire to become an ESL teacher became clearer as I did some volunteer teaching overseas and in the United States. As I look back on my reasons for becoming a teacher, there are three reasons that stand out. These are: my love for the English language, my innate interest in how people learn, and my desire to help other people .
Thesis Statements and Subpoints (This is a personal essay.)
The thesis statement contains the main idea that controls the content of the essay.
Subpoints in the thesis or nearby help the reader know how the essay will be organized
Psychologists have argued for decades about how a person’s character is formed. Numerous psychologists believe that one’s birth order (i.e. place in the family as the youngest, oldest, or middle child) has the greatest influence. B irth order can have a significant impact in the formation of a child’s character . Birth order can strongly affect one’s relationship with parents, relationships with others, and how one views responsibility as an adult.
Another Example: Written in third person… more formal.
Non-examples and Examples
How to revise weak thesis statements
The sport of cross-country running.
Why do I want to be a teacher?
This is not a complete sentence.
The sport of cross-country running has allowed me
to get in better shape and meet some interesting people.
Being a teacher is a great profession because it allows me to work with students and be creative.
This is a question, not a statement.
I learned to play many musical instruments when I was young.
This would not be considered a good thesis statement because it is only expressing a fact. It doesn’t give the writer’s opinion or attitude on playing musical instruments. This thesis statement doesn’t give the writer very much to explain or prove in his/her essay.
Learning to play many musical instruments when I was young helped me to become a more intelligent and well-rounded person.
This thesis statement is much better because it expresses how the writer feels about the experience of learning to play musical instruments. This thesis statement requires the writer to explain how and why playing a musical instrument made him/her a better person.
How to revise weak thesis statements by adding the opinion element
Thesis Statement Review
You can make your thesis statement more
specific by including subtopics or supporting
ideas. By doing this, you give your reader a
clear idea of what will follow in the body
paragraphs of your essay.
Adding Subtopics to your Thesis
Adding Subtopics
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the state.
No subtopics are named in this thesis statement.
The large influx of people to California has had major effects on the ability of the state to provide housing, electricity, and jobs for all residents.
This statement names three subtopics. Can you find all of the subtopics?
subtopic #1
subtopic #2
subtopic #3
Key Features of the Thesis
1. states the main idea of the essay in a complete sentence, not in a question.
3. states an opinion or attitude on a topic. ( doesn’t just state the topic, itself)
2. is usually at the end of an introduction.
4. often lists subtopics.
5. does not directly announce your main topic.
How To Write An Essay
Hook Examples
27 min read
Published on: Mar 22, 2023
Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024
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Explore the Different Types of Sentences with Examples
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As a student, you know how important it is to grab your reader’s attention right away.
Stories without strong starts can leave readers feeling uninspired and bored—and that's not what we want! After all, compelling stories require creative hooks to seal the deal.
That's why we're here!
To avoid a bland start, it's important to craft a clever and memorable hook. With the use of effective hooks, you can leave a lasting impression on even the most discerning of readers.
Join us now as we jump into different types of hooks, from intriguing questions to vivid imagery – let's get started!
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If you're stuck in the creative hook-writing process, a question hook can be your go-to.
Questions hook readers and make them think about whatâs being asked. You can also use a fact statistic too.
They also immediately draw attention to the topic at hand and make readers more likely to continue reading.
Let's look at some examples :
Numbers don't lie, and sometimes they can be the most powerful way to make a point.
Here are some examples of statistic hooks that can grab your readers' attention:
Metaphors and similes can be powerful tools for engaging your reader and making your writing more vivid.
Here are ten examples to inspire your own metaphorical hooks.
If you want to hook your readers from the start with a narrative that's more fun and lighthearted, an anecdote hook is a way to go.
Let's look at some examples:
If you want to hook your readers right away with a strong introduction, using a quote hook can be an effective strategy.
Let's look at some examples of a quote from a famous person.
If your main goal is to fully captivate and engage readers in an unforgettable story, then a well-crafted story hook is the way to go.
If you desire to seize your reader's attention and keep them enthralled in your essay, a persuasive hook is essential.
Check out these hooks for essays examples:
Narrative hook examples are a great way to engage your reader in your story. Here are some examples of hooks for a narrative essay :
Argumentative hook examples can be a great tool to draw readers in and engage them with an argumentative essay .
Let's look at some hook examples for argumentative essay:
Crafting an effective hook for a college essay is essential to grab your reader's attention and draw them into the story.
College hook examples can serve as invaluable guides when creating this crucial element of any composition.
Check out some examples:
Speech hook examples provide a great way to hook your audience into your speech .
Here are some examples:
An expository essay provides a great way to engage your reader in your writing. Here are some examples:
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When writing a compare and contrast essay, it's important to have strong hooks.
Here are some examples of hooks that you can use for your compare-and-contrast essay :
Crafting an effective research hook can be a powerful way to draw your readers into the world of your paper.
Examples can provide excellent guidance when crafting this important part of any academic work!
Let's look at some hook examples in writing that can help you with your research paper :
Literary hook examples provide a great way to hook your readers into a literary analysis essay .
Let's look at some examples of a great hook sentence here!
Writing can be challenging, especially when it comes to crafting engaging openings. Here are ten hook ideas that might inspire your next paragraph:
Query letter hook examples are a great way to engage your potential readers and agents.
Presentation hooks are a remarkable way to captivate your audience and keep them engaged in your presentation. You can use interesting facts and statistic hooks as well!
With examples, you can create compelling stories or images that will make quite an impact!
Introduction hook examples provide a great way to make a strong statement.
Writing a strong conclusion can be just as challenging as crafting an engaging opening. Here are closing hook examples that might help inspire you.
Crafting an attention-grabbing hook for your personal statement can be a great way to increase engagement and draw readers in.
Utilizing examples of successful hooks is an excellent strategy to help you create one that stands out!
Captivating hook examples are an excellent way to grab your readers' attention and entice them into the content.
Romeo and Juliet is one of the most iconic love stories in literary history. But what is it about this tragic tale that continues to captivate audiences centuries after it was written?
Here are some hook ideas that might inspire your essay:
Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with billions of users around the world. But what is it about social media that has captured our attention and kept us hooked?
Here are some social media hook examples for you:
A hook is the first sentence or phrase in your writing that captures your reader's attention.
A good hook is essential for any successful piece of writing, whether it's a novel, an essay, or a blog post.
Here are some tips for writing a good hook that will engage your readers and keep them interested:
Writing a hook for your essay can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can create one that will capture your reader's attention.
If you're looking for some guidance to help you craft the perfect hook, CollegeEssay.org offers the best essay writing service to help you!
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What is a hook example.
A hook example refers to an opening sentence of a piece of writing that is meant to grab the reader's attention and entice them to continue reading.
Good hooks may use descriptive words, strong verbs, vivid imagery, or engaging dialogue to draw readers in.
Coming up with a good hook requires that you know your audience and the purpose of your writing.
Consider what interests readers in this particular topic or area.Use that to create an engaging opening sentence that will pique their curiosity.
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You can think of the first sentence of your essay as you would a fishing hook. It grabs your reader and allows you reel the person into your essay and your train of thought. The hook for your essay can be an interesting sentence that captures a person's attention, it can be thought-provoking, or even, entertaining.
The hook for your essay often appears in the first sentence . The opening paragraph includes a thesis sentence . Some popular hook choices can include using an interesting quote, a little-known fact, famous last words, or a statistic .
A quote hook is best used when you are composing an essay based on an author, story, or book. It helps establish your authority on the topic and by using someone else's quote, you can strengthen your thesis if the quote supports it.
The following is an example of a quote hook: "A man's errors are his portals of discovery." In the next sentence or two, give a reason for this quote or current example. As for the last sentence (the thesis) : Students grow more confident and self-sufficient when parents allow them to make mistakes and experience failure.
By setting the tone in the opening sentence with a uniquely written general statement of your thesis, the beauty is that you get right to the point. Most readers appreciate that approach.
For example, you can start with the following statement: Many studies show that the biological sleep pattern for teens shifts a few hours, which means teens naturally stay up later and feel alert later in the morning. The next sentence, set up the body of your essay, perhaps by introducing the concept that school days should be adjusted so that they are more in sync with the teenager's natural sleep or wake cycle. As for the last sentence (the thesis) : If every school day started at ten o'clock, many students would find it easier to stay focused.
By listing a proven fact or entertaining an interesting statistic that might even sound implausible to the reader, you can excite a reader to want to know more.
Like this hook: According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics , teens and young adults experience the highest rates of violent crime. Your next sentence can set up the argument that it's dangerous for teenagers to be on the streets at late hours. A fitting thesis statement might read: Parents are justified in implementing a strict curfew, regardless of a student's academic performance.
The good news about finding a hook? You can find a quote, fact, or another type of hook after you determine your thesis. You can accomplish this with a simple online search about your topic after you've developed your essay .
You can nearly have the essay finished before you revisit the opening paragraph. Many writers polish up the first paragraph after the essay is completed.
Here's an example of the steps you can follow that help you outline your essay.
Obviously, the first step is to determine your thesis. You need to research your topic and know what you plan to write about. Develop a starting statement. Leave this as your first paragraph for now.
The next paragraphs become the supporting evidence for your thesis. This is where you include the statistics, opinions of experts, and anecdotal information.
Compose a closing paragraph that is basically a reiteration of your thesis statement with new assertions or conclusive findings you find during with your research.
Lastly, go back to your introductory hook paragraph. Can you use a quote, shocking fact, or paint a picture of the thesis statement using an anecdote? This is how you sink your hooks into a reader.
The best part is if you are not loving what you come up with at first, then you can play around with the introduction. Find several facts or quotes that might work for you. Try out a few different starting sentences and determine which of your choices makes the most interesting beginning to your essay.
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These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that's perfect for your own essay. 1. For an Essay About Yourself. An essay about yourself can be personal, use "I" statements, and include memories or ...
Hook vs lead-in transition to the thesis. As you can tell, writing a hook for an essay can be challenging enough on its own. However, it can be extra challenging when you confuse the hook with other important parts of your intro. For example, some writers confuse the hook with the lead-in transition to the thesis itself.
1) Hook: Description, illustration, narration or dialogue that pulls the reader into your paper topic. This should be interesting and specific. 2) Transition: Sentence that connects the hook with the thesis. 3) Thesis: Sentence (or two) that summarizes the overall main point of the paper.
4 Anecdote. Anecdotes are often used as hooks in personal essays. A personal story makes the essay relatable, creating familiarity with the reader that makes them want to read more. An example of an anecdote hook is a persuasive essay about rerouting traffic on campus that starts with a personal story of a vehicular close call.
20 Proven Strategies to Write a Hook in Essays. #1: State Your Thesis Directly and Concisely. #2: Use a Startling Fact or Statistic. #3: Ask a Related Question. #4: Share an Anecdote or Personal Story. #5: Use Descriptive Language to Set the Scene. #6: Display Your Idea as a Recent Revelation. #7: Use a Famous Quotation or Person.
Here are the quotes you can use to start your essay: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.". If your topic is related to hard work and making your own destiny, you can start by quoting Michael Jordan. "Some people want it to happen; some wish it would happen; others make it happen.".
Startling Statistic. Thesis Statement. The choice of an essay hook is contingent on your subject matter and the most effective method to capture your reader's attention. These hooks are commonly employed across various essay types, including narrative, persuasive, expository, and argumentative writing.
Then, spread by air molecules, it paints the sky blue. Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We'll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.
Example 2: Reality TV offers crucial life lessons. (This is an example of a more surprising "hot take," since readers may not expect to hear that important life lessons can be learned from seemingly-frivolous reality TV. If supported thoughtfully, this hook can demonstrate the applicant's confidence and humor).
Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3. Hook the Reader: Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader's attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. Provide Background: Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
Strong Thesis Statement Examples. 1. School Uniforms. "Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.". Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate. Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons.
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
Here are seven ideas to choose from: 1. Story. Everyone likes a good story. If an interesting story or anecdote relates to your essay topic, the hook is a great place to include it. For example: In January 2023, two children were playing outside in a Los Angeles neighborhood.
If that's the case, then you're hooked! You have read an introduction that has a good "hook.". The "hook" is the writer's way to attract your attention. It's not an empty hook. It is something that pulls you around to follow what the author wants you to follow closely, i.e., without you consciously knowing that you were ...
"The Scarlet Ibis" Introductory Paragraph Example Your Assignment: Hook Summary Thesis Use a short sentence or even just a quick phrase (as the writer's done here) to link the hook idea to the specific literary work you'll discuss in the essay. Without this bridge, your introductory paragraph will feel choppy.
A thesis statement is a concise (brief, not wordy) sentence or two that states what the essay is about. gives direction to the essay. usually placed at the end of the introductory paragraph. Explain how your paper is organized. This sentence may be part of the thesis or a separate sentence after the thesis.
Make sure that your hook is directly related to your essay's main argument or thesis. A relevant hook sets the stage for your discussion and prepares the reader for the points you will make. Also, it should seamlessly transition into your introduction. This is done by providing a clear connection between the hook and the essay's content.
200+ Creative Hook Examples: Ready, Set, Hook. As a student, you know how important it is to grab your reader's attention right away. Stories without strong starts can leave readers feeling uninspired and bored—and that's not what we want! After all, compelling stories require creative hooks to seal the deal.
examples or sentence starters, use page 2 to help you! 1) Introduction/Claim (One paragraph) • Start with a hook or attention getting sentence. • Briefly summarize the texts • State your claim. Make sure you are restating the prompt. 2) Body Paragraph: Evidence/Support/Warrant • Include a topic sentence that restates your claim and your ...
The hook is designed to grab the reader's attention while the bridge serves to transition to the thesis using summary or background information. The thesis statement is the central point or ...
Here's an example of the steps you can follow that help you outline your essay. First paragraph: Establish the thesis. Body paragraphs: Supporting evidence. Last paragraph: Conclusion with a restatement of the thesis. Revisit the first paragraph: Find the best hook. Obviously, the first step is to determine your thesis.
Strong Bridge: Connects Hook to Thesis. According to the Dalai Lama, "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others.". Yet in Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Greg believes that his prime purpose is to take care of himself. Though he is occasionally friendly to his classmates, Greg only helps others when it benefits him. By ...
Hook - An engaging opening sentence that hooks the reader in. Background - Basic details that give necessary background context to your essay. Thesis - The main idea or central point your article will explain. Body paragraphs (3-5) A clearly defined point. Evidence to support the point. Explanation of the evidence provided.
Hooks are attention-grabbing statements that writers use to start their essays. A hook can be a claim that connects to the essay's thesis statement and theme, or big idea, through disagreement. Example