HOOKS

A hook is named for its ability to catch the reader’s attention and make the reader want to read on. It is essential that stories, news articles, and especially essays begin with good hooks because a writer is often judged within the first few sentences. Just as the news tries to stimulate our fears by announcing a “danger in our water supply,” a writer must try to bring the reader from his or her world into the world of the essay. This is done with a few choice words at the beginning of the essay: the infamous hook.

It is not easy to think of how to make someone want to read an essay about a novel. It’s not even easy to make them want to read some novels. The key is to say something that the reader can relate to by bringing the theme of the novel you are discussing to the forefront and applying it to current “fascinating” topics of discussion.

Types of hooks

1.      Startling Statement (good and evil theme)

Example:

All human beings are capable of the most gruesome crimes imaginable. It is only because of the customs and controls of civilization that we do not become brute savages.

2.      Quote from Literature (Utopia theme)

Example:

“But I like the inconveniences.”

“We don’t,” said the Controller. “We prefer to do things comfortably.”

“But I don’t want comfort. I want God, I want poetry, I want real danger, I want freedom, I want goodness. I want sin.” BNW

3.      Quote from Another Source (leadership or insecurity theme)

Example:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, which most frightens us.” Nelson Mandela

4.      Rhetorical Question (justice system theme)

Example:

How would you feel if you found out that the murderer of the person you loved most in the world was about to be set free after only two years in prison?

5.      Shocking Statistic (depression theme)

Example:

On a recent anonymous survey, over ninety percent of high school males admitted to secretly enjoying the music of 'N Sync and to practicing their "hot dance moves."

6.      Anecdote/Scenario (courage theme)

Example:

A close friend of mine was in the Vietnam War and he admitted to me that he was terrified every time he had to go into battle. Even so, I consider him one of the most courageous men I have ever known. It is not the absence of fear that defines courage, but the ability of one to force oneself to take action in spite of fear.

7.      Analogy (superficiality theme)

Example:

The models that grace the pages of magazines seem to be better than anyone we have ever met: they seem elegant, untouchable, and perfect. But, just as magazine covers are manipulated to hide imperfections, we, too, sometimes fool ourselves into ignoring the flaws of individuals whom we have built up to be perfect beings.

8.      Philosophical Musing (self-perception theme)

Example:

Why is it that, if a person were to have his or her navel suddenly disappear, we would think that their stomach looked weird? I mean, that darn navel thing is pretty weird just being there, don’t you think?

9.      Humorous Musing (conformity theme)

Example:

Why is it that, when I go to school with my underwear on my head, the world looks at me as if I were unusual? High school kids are so caught up in their little cliques that I feel like I’ve got to become one of those“underwear under the pants” types too. (Note: Humor is not appropriate for all classes and teachers. Use good judgment.)

Writing the Hook

Hook – Lead – Attention Grabber

Beginning an essay with an effective Hook is absolutely essential! The hook is what inspires the reader to continue on and really „want‟ to read the paper. There are many different methods for writing effective, engaging, and interesting hooks. Regardless of the chosen method, the hook must ALWAYS lead into the THESIS. The average length of a hook should be 3-7 sentences (depending on the topic of the paper, and the method that is chosen).

OPEN WITH A SERIES OF QUESTIONS	Have you ever wondered how you.d survive if you found yourself alone in the wilderness? Would you know how to create your own shelter? Find edible food or clean drinking water? Would you know how to track where you are going and where you have been?
OPEN WITH AN ANNOUNCEMENT	Caution! This is not a cookbook for the gourmet. You will find nothing fancy and exotic when you open this cover. These recipes are strictly for the cook on a tight budget.
OPEN WITH A BOLD AND CHALLENGING STATEMENT	Contrary to what many people think, most learning takes place after that final bell rings at 2:30 and students head out to meet their busses. Most learning takes place outside of school.
OPEN WITH A QUOTATION FROM SOMEBODY	I could still hear the nagging voice that told me, “You are going to regret this”. That’s what my best friend Liza said as I got on the roller coaster, without thinking about my low tolerance for extreme motions.
OPEN WITH A RIDDLE OR PUZZLE	What textbook has no pages, is miles wide, smells like a creek and has been around for millions of years? That’s right-Outdoor School.
OPEN WITH A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE	I‟m still glad I didn‟t cry at the funeral, although I did in my room later.
OPEN WITH HOW YOU FELT	My hands were sweaty! My teeth would not quit chattering. Prickly fingers ran up my spine. What would happen next?
GIVE SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION	I come from a family of six kids. In comparison to some, this is not many; but to most, six kids is an awful lot! As the middle child, and oldest girl, I was often responsible for my younger siblings. It is because of this, that to do this day, I feel incredibly over-protective of my siblings.