How to Write a Hook for an Essay

An essay's "hook" is something in the first paragraph--usually the first sentence or two--that draws the reader in and makes him want to continue to read. The hook's tone should match that of your essay (serious, humorous, academic), and it should support your central argument or main point. You might want to wait to write a hook until the rest of the essay has been written, so you will know what you want the hook to say and how you want to say it.

Instructions

1. Write down the most interesting things about your essay. Is there something surprising in what you have written? Does a specific image come to mind?

2. Explain the most interesting aspect of your essay to someone else. If you're stuck, try completing these sentences:

   When I was thinking about this, I couldn't believe that______.

   It was amazing to me that ________.

   Imagine what it's like to_______.

   The image I can't get out of my head is ______.

3. Determine the aspect of your essay that would be the most interesting and compelling to someone who has no idea what you are going to say.

4. Write this "most interesting" fact or image in a sentence or two. Refine it. Read it out loud. It should match the tone of the rest of your essay.

5. Insert your hook into the opening paragraph of the essay. Read over the entire paragraph (or have someone else read it).

Tips & Warnings

• Some examples of bad hooks: quotations from a book of quotations; starting with the phrase "Did you ever wonder ...?"; and starting with a vague, general statement, such as "Change in inevitable."

• Always ask yourself, would you keep reading?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Essay Introductions