What is a hook and
why do I need one?
A hook is typically the first one or two sentences of an essay or article that is designed to grab the reader’s attention. Much like a fish gets literally hooked by bait, the hook of an essay should captivate your audience and make them want to read more. They are important because it can be challenging to compete for readers’ attention. Many people get distracted easily, and if you don’t hook them quickly, you might lose thier intrest before you even get to explain your position, or story!
Do you want some examples?
You DOOOOOO?
WELL THEN!!!!!
Keeeeep scrolling......
Let's begin with on of the very easiest hooks, The question... A question hook is a method in which you ask the reader something interesting that they can visualize and try to think of in their own minds. Then, you, the writer answers the question. Also, there is the element of guilt. It is rude to turn away from someone when they are asking you a question.
Here are some examples.....
Have you ever watched the high-flying, jump shooting, slam dunking, ankle breaking players that play in the NBA? I sure have!
Did you realize that women the busiest members of most families are two times more likely to experience clinical depression than men? Neither did I!
What? You don't like chocolate covered caterpillars? Many people around the world eat them!
Have you ever wanted to do something really badly, but you knew it was wrong? Not me!
What did you notice about the examples?
Good questioning hooks will immediately capture the reader's attention and make them want to read your writing.
Good questioning hooks are open-ended, not yes or no questions.
Good questioning hooks use visual words that help the reader paint a picture about what you are talking about, and make the reader relate personally to the question.
Good questioning hooks use descriptive language.
Good questioning hooks leave a mystery to be solved.
Make a strong statement!
Kicking off your essay with solid statement of your argument or position is another smart way to hook the reader. Even if the reader doesn't agree fully with your statement, they will be intrigued to see how you support your pronouncement. Statement hooks often make the reader either want to argue against your view or follow along as you develop your claim. This statement either supports your point of view about online classes, or it makes you want to argue against it. Either way, you are curious about what the writer says. A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn’t matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement. They will want to see how you support your statement.
Here are some examples...
If you have never left the country then you are missing unique insights on cultural differences and a deep appreciation for ways of life other than their own.
Technology is making it easier, faster, and cheaper to have a good time, but this doesn't mean we’re actually enjoying life more.
If you use your phone a lot you have a constant spy that is watching your every move, knows what you are interested in, and who is in your life.
I am shocked about how much people gossip when they think someone is interested!
Getting inspired to do good things can come from doing bad things.
A strong statement hook is a sentence that makes an assertive claim about your topic. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper.
It is a great technique because it doesn’t matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement. They will want to see how you support your statement.
The metaphor/simile hook engages your readers because it makes them think about a topic in a different way. Your audience wonders what you mean and how you compare a topic to something that seems unconnected.
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares one thing to another, but these two things seem unrelated. An example of a metaphor is: Her boyfriend is a rat. The boyfriend is not really a rat, but he behaves like one.
“Like a soaring eagle, you can reach the highest peaks of success.”
“Life's a thrilling roller coaster ride.”
“Time slips through our fingers like a stealthy thief.”
A simile is like a metaphor. Both compare two unrelated things to each other, but a simile uses the words like or as to connect them. A simile is less strong than a comparison in a metaphor.
An example of a simile is: Writing a research paper is like running a marathon when it’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes we have the power to reinvent our lives at any time.
“Doggy eyes are like big magnets pulling at children's souls.”