Scribd
Upload
1K views2 pages

Writing A "Hook": 7 Types of Essay Hooks

This document discusses different types of essay hooks that can be used to engage readers at the beginning of an essay. There are 7 types of hooks: 1) interesting question, 2) strong statement, 3) fact or statistic, 4) metaphor or simile, 5) story or anecdote, 6) description, and 7) quotation. Each hook type is meant to spark the reader's curiosity and make them want to keep reading to find the answer to a question, learn more about an interesting statement or fact, understand a metaphor, follow a story, envision a description, or consider the relevance of a quotation. Effective hooks should relate to the overall thesis without directly stating it.

Uploaded by

Branchley Lefranc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
1K views2 pages

Writing A "Hook": 7 Types of Essay Hooks

This document discusses different types of essay hooks that can be used to engage readers at the beginning of an essay. There are 7 types of hooks: 1) interesting question, 2) strong statement, 3) fact or statistic, 4) metaphor or simile, 5) story or anecdote, 6) description, and 7) quotation. Each hook type is meant to spark the reader's curiosity and make them want to keep reading to find the answer to a question, learn more about an interesting statement or fact, understand a metaphor, follow a story, envision a description, or consider the relevance of a quotation. Effective hooks should relate to the overall thesis without directly stating it.

Uploaded by

Branchley Lefranc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Writing a “Hook”

So, what is a hook? A hook is a sentence, or group of sentences, that grab your reader’s attention. A
hook, (also known as a lead) sparks a person’s curiosity: it makes them wonder what will happen next.

7 Types of Essay Hooks:


1. Interesting Question
2. Strong Statement/ Declaration
3. Fact/ Statistic
4. Metaphor/Simile
5. Story/Anecdote
6. Description
7. Quotation

1. The Interesting Question Hook


You ask a question that relates to your essay. The only way to answer that question is by reading
your essay.

Example:
YAY hook: What is the difference between recent years immigrants and past immigrants?
NAY hook: Do you want to know about immigrants? If you answered yes, then read my essay.

2. Strong Statement/Declaration Hook


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.

Example:
YAY hook: Recent immigrants adjust to the new country faster than past years’ immigrants.
NAY hook: Read my essay if you want to know about immigrants.

3. The Fact/ Statistic Hook


Facts and statistics hook your reader because they give real information about a topic. You can
impress your reader with your knowledge and evidence from the very beginning of your essay.
However, you need to include facts that are accurate, interesting, and reliable. Evaluate your
information and make sure it comes from a credible source.

Example:
YAY hook: According to a survey 76% of immigrants think the United States is a unique country.
NAY hook: I think most immigrants like the United States.
4. The Metaphor / Simile Hook
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.

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. For example: Writing a research paper is like running a marathon
when it’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Example:
YAY hook: The United States is a magnet to many immigrants.
NAY hook: Let me tell you why the USA is like a magnet to immigrants.

5. The Story/Anecdote Hook


This is a hook where you begin with a short story or episode that relates to your topic.

Example:
YAY hook: In “My Favorite Chaperone”, Maya knew she wouldn’t be allowed to attend the
school dance.
NAY hook: Here is a story about Maya and her dance experience.

6. The Description Hook


This is a hook where a vivid description of a scene draws your readers into your writing. A good
description hook will make your reader want to know what comes next in your writing. It’s most
popular in narrative essays, but you can use a description hook with any type of writing (yes even
academic papers). But, like the story hook ask yourself, “Will this description hook be acceptable in
this course?”

Example:
The dog howled in pain and limped along the side of the road. His leg was cut and blood streamed
down his leg.

7. The Quotation Hook


This is a hook where you begin your essay with a quotation. The quotation could be from a famous
person, but it doesn’t have to be. You can quote anyone if it connects to what you’re writing about.

Example:
As George Washington once said “The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent
and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we
shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…”

You might also like