Writing a Hook for an Introduction

Most introductions have three basic parts: an attention grabbing lead, a bridge or
transition to the thesis, and a thesis statement.

A lead (or hook) is important to an introduction. It captures the attention of the reader.
People will determine is three or four sentences whether or not they will read the essay,
so we need to hook them in. Sometimes it seems the hook doesn’t pertain to the essay,
so a bridge or transition guides it to the thesis.

There are several types of hooks.

1. Facts: Give interest fact or trivia (doesn’t need to be cited in this case).
2. Personal story: anecdotes or opinions make great starters.
3. Metaphor: Unrelated items which will be compared to the topic.
4. Surprise Statements: The writer gives a surprising opinion or startling idea.
5. Description: The author paints a picture of a scene or event to put the reader
in a setting.

Example:

There is a student who walks past the library every day. I don’t know why, but I
despise this young man. I despise him with a loathing reserved for people who kick
dogs or fight old ladies. I, unequivocally, would throat punch him, given the chance. The
problem? I don’t know him. Have no idea what he’s like, at all. However, before
judgement is passed, think about Quentin and Margo. He loves her right? Wrong. He
doesn’t even know her. He travels across the eastern seaboard of the United States for
a girl, a girl he doesn’t even know.

PRACTICE TIME!

Write two hooks for each of the following scenarios (use the back of the page if you
need space):

1. School uniforms should be mandatory:

a. Hook 1

b. Hook 2

2. Grades in school should be abolished:

a. Hook 1

b. Hook 2