Hooks and Transitions

The hook, in fishing terms, is what snags a fish. It’s where to put the bait. Likewise, the hook in an
essay “baits” a reader, and hopefully “snags” that reader’s attention. There are several ways to get a
reader’s attention in an opening: provide an interesting statistic; share a little-known historical
insight; use a bold declarative statement or a pertinent quotation from some ancient luminary.
However, these strategies may involve research or knowledge not readily available. Therefore, I
recommend the use of the anecdote—a brief story that relates to the principle under discussion—to
open the essay and lead readers toward the thesis.
The transition has two jobs. First, it names the text and author to be discussed in the essay. Second,
it reinforces the principle introduced by the hook by connecting it to the text under discussion. To do
this, it requires a transition word such as “similarly” and benefits from the repetition of certain key
words from the final sentence of the hook.
Thesis or “Big Idea”: Impulsiveness often leads to tragedy.

Exceeds Expectations: Hook:

 2-3 sentences
When I was 14, I fell from the back of a speeding Triumph TR6, breaking
 Detailed/on topic
my collarbone. Sitting on my friend’s car seemed exhilarating beforehand, Transition:
but I regretted my decision immediately after I heard the snap within my  Names text/author
shoulder. I did not exercise enough forethought, the result being 6 weeks of  Repeats key
discomfort for me and aggravation for my mother. In comparison, many words/concepts
characters in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet act thoughtlessly,
resulting in pain and misery for the whole community.

Fully Meets Expectations: Hook: some detail/on topic; 2-3

sentences
I once fell from the back of a car because I was trying to impress my Transition: repetitive
friends. I ended up breaking my collarbone. I did not think ahead, and as a
result experienced a tragedy. Similarly, the characters in Romeo and Juliet,
by William Shakespeare, do not think ahead and as a result experience a
tragedy.

Minimally Meets Expectations: Hook: vague, general; mostly on

topic
People sometimes do stupid things. They think what they are doing might Transition: names text but not
be fun, but later they find out that it’s not. Similarly, in Romeo and Juliet, author; connection is
the characters do some pretty dumb stuff that gets them in trouble. weak/not obvious

Does Not Meet Expectations:

Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, is about kids doing foolish No hook at all
things without thinking.
I once knew a boy who used to steal from people at school. Eventually, he
Hook not connected.
was caught and charged with theft. Similarly, in the play people make Transition lacks title/author.
foolish choices that backfire.