How to Write an Interesting HookHow to Write an Interesting Hook

Definition: A hook is the opening sentence of an essay or story.

Definition: A hook is the opening sentence of an essay or story.

What is the purpose of a hook?What is the purpose of a hook?• Just like a fish hook latches onto a

fish, a dazzling hook should grab a hold of the reader’s attention!

• There are four types of hooks we will focus on: statistics, rhetorical questions, quotations, and imagery.

• Just like a fish hook latches onto a fish, a dazzling hook should grab a hold of the reader’s attention!

• There are four types of hooks we will focus on: statistics, rhetorical questions, quotations, and imagery.

StatisticsStatistics

• Provide a startling statistic/fact that will get the reader’s attention.

• Example: Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. My grandmother may not be able to perform miracles, but her smile can warm the hearts of all around her. Only a special person with a caring soul can do that...

• Provide a startling statistic/fact that will get the reader’s attention.

• Example: Jesus fed 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. My grandmother may not be able to perform miracles, but her smile can warm the hearts of all around her. Only a special person with a caring soul can do that...

Rhetorical QuestionRhetorical Question

• Ask a question to make your reader think. Rhetorical Questions do not require an answer.

• Example: How many people truly put others before themselves? Not many do, but my friend Sam is one of them. Hardly a fair-weather friend, Sam has been there for me whenever I needed him...

• Ask a question to make your reader think. Rhetorical Questions do not require an answer.

• Example: How many people truly put others before themselves? Not many do, but my friend Sam is one of them. Hardly a fair-weather friend, Sam has been there for me whenever I needed him...

QuotationQuotation

• Adding a quotation makes a story or essay more realistic and entertaining.

• Example: "You can do anything you put your mind to," my teacher Mr. Johnson said. I kept those words close to me as I attempted the high dive in gym class. Without his motivation, my legs never would have reached the first step of the ladder...

• Adding a quotation makes a story or essay more realistic and entertaining.

• Example: "You can do anything you put your mind to," my teacher Mr. Johnson said. I kept those words close to me as I attempted the high dive in gym class. Without his motivation, my legs never would have reached the first step of the ladder...

ImageryImagery

• Imagery is always important in good writing. Starting an essay or story with imagery will create a life-like experience for the reader. Imagery should create an ‘image’ in the reader’s mind.

• Example: As unexpected as a new skateboard on Christmas morning, positive comments are always flying out of my mother's mouth when I make a mistake. Positivity is only one of her admirable qualities....

• Imagery is always important in good writing. Starting an essay or story with imagery will create a life-like experience for the reader. Imagery should create an ‘image’ in the reader’s mind.

• Example: As unexpected as a new skateboard on Christmas morning, positive comments are always flying out of my mother's mouth when I make a mistake. Positivity is only one of her admirable qualities....

Don’t overdo it!Don’t overdo it!

• You should only use one type of hook to begin your composition. Too many hooks will only distract the reader.

• Can you think of any more examples of hooks that could be used?

• You should only use one type of hook to begin your composition. Too many hooks will only distract the reader.

• Can you think of any more examples of hooks that could be used?