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How To Write An Essay

Hook Examples

200+ Creative Hook Examples: Ready, Set, Hook

27 min read

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Last updated on: Oct 25, 2024

Question Hook Examples

If you're stuck in the creative hook-writing process, a question hook can be a good way to start an essay .

Questions hook readers and make them think about what’s being asked. You can also use a fact statistic too.

They also immediately draw attention to the topic at hand and make readers more likely to continue reading.

Let's look at some examples :

"What if I told you that a single dream could change your life?"
"Who can inhabit a place where the past and the present intersect?"
"How would you respond if you had to choose between love and ambition?"
"Where does one draw the line between passion and obsession?"
"Can humanity survive in a world of conflicting values?"
"What if our dreams became reality?" - John Steinbeck
"How do you explain something that cannot be explained?"
"Is it possible to find true love in an imperfect world?"
"Do we control our destiny, or does fate have a hand in it?"
"How much can power corrupts us before we become monsters?"

Need an engaging hook? Let our experts write for you!

Statistic Hook Examples

Numbers don't lie, and sometimes they can be the most powerful way to make a point.

Here are some examples of statistic hooks that can grab your readers' attention:

"Did you know that over 50% of adults in the United States are single?"
"According to recent studies, over 70% of high school students report feeling overwhelmed and stressed on a daily basis."
"In the United States, the average household debt is over $90,000."
"Over 80% of Americans believe that climate change is a serious problem, but what are we doing to address it?"
"According to recent polls, only 20% of Americans trust the government to do what is right always or most of the time."
"In the last decade, the use of social media has skyrocketed, with over 3 billion users worldwide."
"Studies show that women still earn only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men in the United States."
"Over 40% of food produced in the United States is wasted each year, while millions of people go hungry."
"Recent research has found that over 90% of plastic waste in the ocean comes from just 10 rivers in Asia and Africa."
"Despite advances in medical technology, the United States has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in the developed world, with over 700 deaths per year."

Metaphor / Simile Hook Examples

Metaphors and similes can be powerful tools for engaging your reader and making your writing more vivid.

Here are ten examples to inspire your own metaphorical hooks.

"Like a beacon in the night, [topic] shines a light on our deepest hopes and fears."
"Metaphorically speaking, [topic] is a Pandora's box of complex emotions and ideas that challenge us to confront our own biases and assumptions."
"Just as a ship navigates treacherous waters, [topic] requires a steady hand and a clear sense of direction to navigate successfully."
"In many ways, [topic] is a mirror that reflects the beauty and complexity of the human experience."
"Like a puzzle with countless pieces, [topic] invites us to piece together disparate elements to uncover deeper truths and insights."
"Metaphorically speaking, [topic] is a garden that requires careful tending and nurturing to flourish."
"Just as a painter uses color and light to create a masterpiece, [topic] allows us to paint a vivid portrait of the world around us."
"In many ways, [topic] is a labyrinth that challenges us to explore its winding paths and discover hidden treasures along the way."
"Like a key that unlocks a door, [topic] gives us access to new worlds of knowledge and understanding."
"Metaphorically speaking, [topic] is a journey that takes us on a winding path through the highs and lows of the human experience."

Anecdote Hook Examples

If you want to hook your readers from the start with a narrative that's more fun and lighthearted, an anecdote hook is a way to go.

Let's look at some examples that can be used in your essay introduction :

"It all started when I decided to take a walk in the woods one summer day..."
"The night began as any other night out with my friends - until the police showed up..."
"The day I found out my grandmother had cancer was one of the saddest days of my life"
"It was a sunny Sunday afternoon when I decided to take a chance and go for a drive on an unfamiliar road"
"I never expected that one day I'd be standing in the World Cup final..."
"It was summertime, and all my friends were out at the beach while I was stuck inside baking cookies"
"I remember the day I finally decided to take a leap of faith and start my own business"
"My first day at university was filled with anxiety and excitement"
"That's when I realized I wanted to be a teacher - when I saw the look on my student's faces after they finally understood something"
"My first time walking into a yoga class was nerve-wracking, but it ended up being one of the best decisions of my life"

Quote Hook Examples

If you want to hook your readers right away with a strong introduction, using a quote hook can be an effective strategy.

Let's look at some examples of a quote from a famous person.

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars" - Oscar Wilde
"To infinity and beyond!" - Buzz Lightyear
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
"If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities" - J.K. Rowling
"You can't calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself" - Tim Berners-Lee
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do" - Steve Jobs
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" - Lao Tzu
"Life is what you make it" - Anonymous
"The best way to predict the future is to create it" - Abraham Lincoln

Story Hook Examples

If your main goal is to fully captivate and engage readers in an unforgettable story, then a well-crafted story hook is the way to go.

Let's look at some examples:

"It all started on a cold January night with a phone call that changed my life..."
"The moment I saw my best friend in that hospital bed, I knew everything would never be the same again..."
"I had been dreaming of this day for years - the day I'd finally get to explore the world outside of my small town..."
"The sun was just setting as we drove through the old neighborhood, remembering all the good times we had growing up..."
"I opened my front door to find a man standing in the hallway with a strange package - and that's how it all began..."
"The morning of my eighteenth birthday, I woke up feeling strangely different - like an adventure was about to begin..."
"I remember the day I decided to face my fears and take a leap of faith - that's when everything changed..."
"The night I saw the shooting stars were like nothing I had ever experienced before, and I knew it would stay with me forever..."
"It took one coincidence for me to realize that life was about to take me on a wild ride..."
"I had never felt so brave in my life when I decided to take a stand and fight for what I believed in..."

Want to hook readers instantly? Let us work for you!

Hook Examples For Essay

If you desire to seize your reader's attention and keep them enthralled in your essay, a persuasive hook is essential.

Check out these hooks for essays examples:

"The world we live in today has changed drastically since the introduction of technology"
"Every generation has had its own unique set of challenges - and the current generation is no exception"
"We can learn a lot from history and the mistakes that have been made in the past"
"Society often puts a label on things without really understanding them or giving them a chance"
"The power of technology can be both a blessing and a curse"
"Education is the key to success - and it's important for everyone to have access to it"
"What would life be like without our modern-day conveniences?"
"We all have our own unique perspectives, but sometimes we forget to look at the bigger picture"
"Not everything is as it seems - sometimes we have to dig deeper to understand the truth"
"Life is a journey, not a destination - and every step of the way holds valuable lessons to be learned"

Narrative Hook Examples

Narrative hook examples are a great way to engage your reader in your story. Here are some examples of hooks for a narrative essay :

"It was a dark and stormy night, and I heard something outside my window..."
"I had been waiting for this moment my whole life, and finally it was here..."
"I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I opened that door..."
"The air around me suddenly changed, and a chill ran down my spine as I realized how alone I was..."
"It had been years since we'd seen each other, and now I was standing face to face with my old enemy..."
"I followed the faint light until I stumbled upon a mysterious room with an unknown secret inside..."
"It began as a normal day, but by nightfall, it was like nothing I'd ever experienced before..."
"The cold wind was howling as I made my way across the deserted desert, searching for something greater..."
"As I stepped through the ruins of the long-abandoned castle, I could feel an eerie presence watching me..."
"The clock struck midnight and suddenly everything changed - it felt like a new world had been born..."

Argumentative Essay Hook Examples

Argumentative hook examples can be a great tool to draw readers in and engage them with an argumentative essay .

Let's look at some hook examples for argumentative essay:

"The world we live in today is drastically different from what it used to be - and much of this change has been caused by technology"
"Every generation has its own set of challenges, and the current generation is no exception"
"We should always be willing to learn from history and the mistakes that have been made in the past"
"Society often judges things without really understanding them or giving them a chance"
"The power of technology can be both a blessing and a curse - we must find the balance"
"Education is essential to success, but not everyone has access to it"
"We all have our own unique perspectives, but we must consider the greater good"
"Sometimes things are not as they seem - it's important to look at all sides of an issue"
"Life is full of lessons - and it's impossible to learn them all in one lifetime"

College Essay Hook Examples

Crafting an effective hook for a college essay is essential to grab your reader's attention and draw them into the story.

College hook examples can serve as invaluable guides when creating this crucial element of any composition.

Check out some examples:

"The journey of life has taken me down many paths, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine it would lead me here"
"My story is not a traditional one, but it's uniquely mine and I'm ready to make my mark"
"When I think back to the decisions that have shaped my life, this one stands out as the most important"
"I had no idea how much I could learn from taking a leap of faith and going outside my comfort zone"
"From the age of four, I knew that I wanted to be a doctor - and here I am on the brink of making it happen"
"I wasn't always the most successful student, but I never gave up and now I'm ready to prove what I can do"
"A person's future isn't predetermined - I'm determined to make mine a success"
"Education is power, and I'm ready to take hold of my own destiny"
"It's not about where you come from, but what you can achieve with hard work and dedication"
"Life is unpredictable, but I'm ready to face any challenge that comes my way"

Hook Examples For Speech

Speech hook examples provide a great way to hook your audience into your speech .

Here are some examples:

"We've all heard the phrase 'knowledge is power', but what does that really mean?"
"What would our lives be like if we weren't as connected to technology as we are today?"
"The world is a vast and mysterious place - let's explore how different cultures live and think"
"What can we learn from the mistakes of our ancestors? Let's find out!"
"We've heard about climate change, but what can we actually do to help?"
"We live in a world of opportunity - let's explore how we can make the most of it"
"Everyone has a story to tell - let's discover what makes us unique and wonderful"
"Hard work and dedication are key ingredients for success - let's learn how to make the most of them"
"Let's talk about what it means to make a difference in our world, and how we can do it!"
"We all have the potential to reach our goals - let's find out how!"

Hook Examples For Expository Essays

An expository essay provides a great way to engage your reader in your writing. Here are some examples:

"We often take for granted the little things in life - let's explore why they are so important."
"What lies beneath the surface of our world? Let's look deeper and find out!"
"Our environment is rapidly changing - let's see what we can do to protect it."
"What causes people to make bad decisions? Let's explore the psychology behind it."
"Without laws, society would be chaos - let's look at how laws keep us safe."
"What can we learn from history? Let's uncover the lessons of our past."
"Fear is an inevitable part of life - let's examine how to conquer it."
"Our minds are incredibly powerful - let's explore the potential of our thoughts."
"Life can be unpredictable, but how do we handle it? Let's discover some strategies."
"What is the meaning of success? Let's define it and work towards achieving it!"?

Hook Examples For Compare And Contrast Essay

When writing a compare and contrast essay, it's important to have strong hooks.

Here are some examples of hooks that you can use for your compare-and-contrast essay :

"They say that 'opposites attract,' but do they really?"
"If you think two things can't be more different, think again."
"You might be surprised to learn that two seemingly similar things can have vast differences."
"Have you ever wondered what makes two things that seem identical actually very different?"
"There are many similarities between X and Y, but there are also key differences that make them stand out."
"Are you struggling to choose between two options that seem equally appealing?"
"At first glance, it may seem like two things have nothing in common."
"They say that variety is the spice of life, but is it always better?"
"It's easy to get lost in the details, but sometimes all we need is a little comparison to see things clearly."
"They say that everything is relative, but is that really true?"

Struggling to grab attention? We have got you covered!

Hook Examples For Research Papers

Crafting an effective research hook can be a powerful way to draw your readers into the world of your paper.

Examples can provide excellent guidance when crafting this important part of any academic work!

Let's look at some hook examples in writing that can help you with your research paper :

"Many people believe that X is the answer, but what does the research say?"
"We've all heard about Y, but how does it actually work?"
"What can we learn from the mistakes of the past and how can we use that knowledge to move forward?"
"How has technology changed the way we do research and what ethical considerations do we need to take into account?"
"What are some of the implications of Z and what can we do to address them?"
"The debate around A is growing - let's explore both sides and see where the research takes us"
"We all have our own opinions on B, but what does the evidence tell us?"
"Let's take a look at C and uncover what it really means"
"What can we learn from examining the history of D and how can that help us in the present?"
"There are many theories surrounding E - let's explore them and draw our own conclusions"

Hook Examples For Literary Analysis

Literary hook examples provide a great way to hook your readers into a literary analysis essay .

Let's look at some examples of a great hook sentence here!

"What secrets do the characters in this story hold and what truths can we uncover?"
"What does this piece of literature tell us about the human condition?"
"What themes can we uncover by examining this text through a feminist lens?"
"What is the author trying to say about society and how can we interpret it?"
"How does this story stand out from others in its genre and what makes it unique?"
"Let's explore the symbolism and imagery used in this piece of literature"
"What message is the author trying to convey and how can that help us better understand the world we live in?"
"The setting of this story plays an important role - let's examine it more closely"
"How does the use of language in this text help to convey its themes and ideas?"
"What can we learn about human nature by analyzing the characters in this story?"

Paragraph Hook Examples

Writing can be challenging, especially when it comes to crafting engaging openings. Here are ten hook ideas that might inspire your next paragraph:

"We all have our guilty pleasures, whether it's binge-watching reality TV or devouring junk food."
"Technology has transformed every aspect of our lives, from how we work and communicate to how we entertain ourselves."
"History is full of fascinating stories and characters. Let's shine a light on the forgotten voices of the past."
"Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, but what can we do to address it?"
"Language is a powerful tool for communication, but it can also be a source of confusion and misunderstanding."
"The human brain is a mysterious and complex organ, capable of incredible feats of creativity and intelligence. Let's delve into the latest research on how our brains work."
"Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform us. But what is it about certain works of art that make them timeless and universal?"
"Identity is a complex and multifaceted concept, shaped by factors like race, gender, sexuality, and class."
"Philosophy has been a source of inquiry and debate for centuries, but how can it help us navigate the complexities of modern life?"
"Food is not just a source of sustenance, but a reflection of culture, history, and identity."

Query Letter Hook Examples

Query letter hook examples are a great way to engage your potential readers and agents.

"This story will make you question everything you thought you knew."
"Uncover an extraordinary tale of courage and determination."
"Discover the power of hope in this heartfelt journey of transformation."
"Follow a gripping story of passion and adventure."
"Journey with a character on a quest to find the truth."
"Experience an unforgettable tale of mystery and intrigue."
"Meet a remarkable cast of characters in this stirring journey of discovery."
"Go behind the scenes with a daring group of heroes."
"Explore a world of mystery and wonder with a captivating story."
"Be swept away in this thrilling adventure of courage and hope." ?

Hook Examples For Presentation

Presentation hooks are a remarkable way to captivate your audience and keep them engaged in your presentation. You can use interesting facts and statistic hooks as well!

With examples, you can create compelling stories or images that will make quite an impact!

"We all know that X is important, but why is it so crucial to our lives?"
"What can we learn from the successes and failures of Y?"
"Let's explore how technology has changed the way we do Z and how that affects our lives"
"What is the one thing we need to know about A in order to understand its significance?"
"We've all heard about B, but what does it really mean for us?"
"What are the implications of C and how can we use that knowledge to our advantage?"
"Let's take a look at the history and evolution of D"
"How does E affect our daily lives and what can we do about it?"
"What are some of the potential benefits of F and what risks do we need to consider?"
"What has been the impact of G on our society and how can we use it to make positive changes?"

Hook Examples For Introduction

Introduction hook examples provide a great way to make a strong statement.

"Welcome to the world of X - let's dive in and see what it has to offer"
"We all know Y, but why is it so important?"
"What can we learn from the successes and failures of Z?"
"Let's take a journey through the history of A and uncover its secrets"
"How has technology changed the way we do C and what ethical considerations do we need to take into account?"
"What are some of the implications of D and what can we do to address them?"
"The debate around E is growing - let's explore both sides and see where the research takes us"
"Let's examine the facts and uncover what F really means"
"What can we learn from exploring the history of G and how can that help us in the present?"

Concluding Hook Examples

Writing a strong conclusion can be just as challenging as crafting an engaging opening. Here are closing hook examples that might help inspire you.

"As we bring this discussion to a close, it's clear that [thesis statement]. But what are the implications of this insight for our lives and society as a whole?"
"In the end, the examples we've explored illustrate the complexity and nuance of [topic]. But what does this mean for us moving forward?"
"The evidence we've presented highlights the urgent need for [action or change]. So where do we go from here?"
"As we wrap up this conversation, let's remember that [key takeaway or lesson]. How can we apply this insight to our own lives?"
"The stories and characters we've examined offer a window into the human experience and our capacity for growth and transformation. What can we learn from their journeys?"
"As we conclude this discussion, let's reflect on what this means for us as individuals and as a society."
"The examples we've explored have shed light on the complexities and nuances of [topic]. But what are the broader implications of this understanding?"
"As we come to the end of this essay, it's clear that [thesis statement]. But how can we use this knowledge to make a positive difference in the world?"
"In conclusion, the evidence we've presented challenges us to rethink our assumptions about [topic]. Let's take this opportunity to broaden our perspectives and deepen our understanding."
"As we close out this conversation, let's remember the power of human connection to heal and transform."

Hook Examples For Personal Statement

Crafting an attention-grabbing hook for your personal statement can be a great way to increase engagement and draw readers in.

Utilizing examples of successful hooks is an excellent strategy to help you create one that stands out!

"How have my experience and values shaped who I am today?"
"What makes me unique from other applicants and how can that help me succeed?"
"How have my past experiences, both good and bad, helped me understand the importance of X?"
"What do I know about Y that makes me stand out from other applicants?"
"Let's explore how my skillset can help me achieve success in Z"
"What have I learned from the people around me and how has that shaped my goals?"
"In what ways can I use my knowledge of A to make a difference?"
"How will B help me grow as an individual and achieve my dreams?"
"What have I learned through C that has helped me become a better person?"
"What can I offer that makes me the ideal candidate for this role?"

Catchy Hook Examples

Captivating hook examples are an excellent way to grab your readers' attention and entice them into the content.

"Are you ready for X? It's time to find out!"
"Discover the shocking truth about Y"
"Let's uncover the hidden secrets of Z"
"Unlock the power of A - it will blow your mind"
"B will change your life - here's how to get started"
"What does C mean for us? Let's find out!"
"Are you ready to take on the challenge of D?"
"Can E really change your life? Let's find out"
"F can provide incredible opportunities - here's how to get started"
"Discover the hidden potential of G - it will amaze you!"

Hook Examples For Romeo and Juliet Essays

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most iconic love stories in literary history. But what is it about this tragic tale that continues to captivate audiences centuries after it was written?

Here are some hook ideas that might inspire your essay:

"What makes Romeo and Juliet one of the most enduring love stories of all time? Let's explore the themes and motifs that continue to captivate audiences today."
"From sword fights to sonnets, Romeo and Juliet has it all. But what is it about Shakespeare's language and imagery that makes the play so memorable?"
"Romeo and Juliet may seem like a straightforward story of love and tragedy, but what if there's more to it than meets the eye?"
"The feud between the Capulets and Montagues may seem like a typical Shakespearean conflict. But what does it reveal about the tensions and rivalries of Renaissance-era Italy?"
"What can Romeo and Juliet teach us about the power of passion and desire? Let's explore how the play challenges conventional morality and ethics."
"Romeo and Juliet has been adapted countless times in popular culture, but what can we learn from the original play? Let's examine how Shakespeare's work continues to influence modern storytelling."
"The tragic ending of Romeo and Juliet may seem predetermined, but what if the characters had made different choices? Let's explore the different paths the story could have taken."
"Romeo and Juliet is often seen as a story of youthful passion, but what about the older characters in the play? Let's analyze the roles of Friar Lawrence and the Nurse in shaping the course of events."
"Shakespeare's play may be set in Renaissance-era Italy, but its themes and motifs are universal. Let's examine how Romeo and Juliet speaks to contemporary issues and debates."
"The balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet is one of the most iconic moments in all of literature, but what is it about this scene that makes it so powerful? Let's explore the language, imagery, and symbolism at play."

Hook Examples For Social Media

Social media has become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with billions of users around the world. But what is it about social media that has captured our attention and kept us hooked?

Here are some social media hook examples for you:

"Social media is like a never-ending rabbit hole, with endless scrolling and new content to explore."
"With social media, we have the power to connect with people from all over the world, but at what cost to our privacy and mental health?"
"The rise of social media has transformed the way we communicate, but it has also created a new set of challenges for individuals and society as a whole."
"From Instagram influencers to TikTok trends, social media has given rise to a whole new world of digital fame and fortune."
"In the age of social media, we are more connected than ever before, but are we really communicating?"
"What happens when the platform becomes a battleground for toxic behavior and hate speech?"
"From Facebook to Twitter, social media has revolutionized the way we consume news and information."
"Social media has made it easier than ever to connect with people who share our interests and passions."
"With social media, we can curate the perfect image of ourselves and our lives. But is this curated image an accurate reflection of who we really are?"
"Social media has opened up new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs."

Tips for Writing A Good Hook

A hook is the first sentence or phrase in your essay writing that captures your reader's attention.

A good hook is essential for any successful piece of writing, whether it's a novel, an essay, or a blog post.

Here are some tips for writing a good hook that will engage your readers and keep them interested:

Start with an interesting fact or statistic: People love to learn new things. Starting with a surprising or little-known fact can be a great way to capture your reader's attention.
Ask a thought-provoking question: Asking a question that challenges your reader's assumptions or beliefs can be a powerful way to hook them to thinking.
Use descriptive language: Descriptive language can create a vivid picture in your reader's mind and draw them into your story or argument.
Create a sense of urgency: If your writing is about a timely or important topic, creating a sense of urgency in your hook can be an effective way to grab your reader's attention.
Start with a quote: A quote from a famous person or an expert in your field can lend credibility to your writing and pique your reader's interest.
Share a personal anecdote: Sharing a personal story or experience can make your writing feel more relatable and human, and can help to build a connection with your reader.

Writing a hook for your essay can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can create one that will capture your reader's attention.

If you're looking for some guidance to help you craft the perfect hook, CollegeEssay.org offers the best essay writing service to help you!

Stop wasting your time trying to craft the perfect hook and let CollegeEssay.org take care of it for you!

Enhance your writing skills by utilizing our essay writer AI . Take advantage of this valuable resource to improve your writing abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a hook example.

A hook example refers to an opening sentence of a piece of writing that is meant to grab the reader's attention and entice them to continue reading.

Good hooks may use descriptive words, strong verbs, vivid imagery, or engaging dialogue to draw readers in.

How can I come up with a good hook?

Coming up with a good hook requires that you know your audience and the purpose of your writing.

Consider what interests readers in this particular topic or area.Use that to create an engaging opening sentence that will pique their curiosity.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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7 Sensational Essay Hooks That Grab Readers’ Attention

by Suzanne Davis | Jul 14, 2022 | Writing Essays and Papers | 12 comments

Do you want people to feel excited when they read your essay?

The secret is to get them interested in reading your essay by making the first part of your introduction intriguing. The best way to do that is by using attention-grabbing essay hooks.

So, what is a hook? It’s a piece of writing at the beginning of your essay that engages your reading audience. Usually, a hook is a sentence or group of sentences that draw people into reading your essay or research paper. A hook sparks a person’s curiosity. You want whoever reads your essay to wonder what happens next. Hooks also make an introduction stand out (which raises your chance of getting a high grade on your essay).

If you want to see all the elements of great introductions for research papers check my post, How to Write a Strong Introduction to a Research Paper at https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/how-to-write-a-strong-introduction-to-a-research-paper/.

When you write essay hooks that make your rea ders curious, you’ve taken the first step toward making them fall in love with your writing. Let’s dive in and look at essay hooks that will elevate your writing style!

7 Types of Essay Hooks

Here are 7 writing hooks that make readers want to find out what you will say in the rest of your essay.

Interesting Question Hook
Strong Statement/Declaration Hook
Fact/Statistic Hook
Metaphor/ Simile Hook
Description Hook
Quotation Hook.

1. The Interesting Question Hook

An interesting question hook is when you ask a question that relates to your essay or paper. And the only way a person can know the answer to that question is by reading your writing.

People are inquisitive. When we hear or read a question we want to know the answer. If we don’t have an answer then we need to find out.

So, when you start your essay with a question hook, this signals to your readers that if they keep reading you’ll give them the answer.

Here’s an example of an interesting question hook on the topic of succeeding in college:

What is the difference between successful college students and unsuccessful college students?

The goal of this essay hook is to make you want to learn what students who succeed in college do, and what college students who don’t succeed in college do wrong.

2. The Strong Statement/Declaration Hook

A strong statement hook is a sentence that makes an assertive claim about your topic. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper.

A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn’t matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement. They will want to see how you support your statement.

This is an example of a strong statement on the topic of the vegan diet.

Vegans are the healthiest group of people in the world.

This statement either supports your point of view about the vegan diet, or it makes you want to argue against it (especially if you love meat). Either way, you are curious about what the writer says.

3. The Fact/ Statistic Hook

Facts and statistics hook your reader because they give real information about a topic. You can impress your reader with your knowledge and evidence from the very beginning of your essay. But, you need to include facts that are accurate, interesting, and reliable. Evaluate your information and make sure it comes from a credible source. Some places to visit for statistics are The Pew Research Center https://www.pewresearch.org/ , and The CIA World Fact Book, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/.

Here’s an example of a factual hook about an essay on gun ownership in the United States.

Almost two-thirds of American adults at some point in their life lived in a home with at least one gun.

The Pew Research Center, “America’s Relationship With Guns: An In-Depth Look at the Attitudes and Experiences of US Adults” http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2017/06/22/americas-complex-relationship-with-guns/

4. The Metaphor / Simile Hook

The metaphor/simile hook engages your readers because it makes them think about a topic in a different way. Your audience wonders what you mean and how you compare a topic to something that seems unconnected.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares one thing to another, but these two things seem unrelated. An example of a metaphor is: Her boyfriend is a rat. The boyfriend is not really a rat, but he behaves like one.

If your essay topic is on business blogging you could write the metaphor hook:

A business blog is a magnet pulling clients to a company.

A simile is like a metaphor. Both compare two unrelated things to each other, but a simile uses the words like or as to connect them. A simile is less strong than a comparison in a metaphor. An example of a simile is : Writing a research paper is like running a marathon when it’s 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

A simile hook for the essay about business blogging could be:

A business blog is like a magnet that pulls clients to a company.

5. The Story Hook

This is a hook where you begin with a short story or episode that relates to your topic. Readers love stories, especially a well-written story that is memorable. The key to a great story hook is making sure the story directly connects to your essay or paper topic. Your story can be personal or someone else’s story.

Here’s an example of a story hook for an essay about the differences between British and American English. I used my own story about a trip to England.

I got off the train and pulled my luggage behind me. A cab pulled up to the curb, and the driver got out. He lifted my luggage and said, “Miss, I’m just going to put your stuff in the boot.” I didn’t know what he meant until I saw him open the car’s trunk. Then I realized the boot means car trunk. I got in the cab, wondering how many other words would be different in England.

You’ll see this sto ry hook is longer than other types of essay hooks. That’s okay. Your hook can be longer, but it shouldn’t be a large part of your essay or paper. Compare the length of your hook to the length of the essay.

Also, consider your audience (especially an academic audience). Ask yourself, “Will a story hook be acceptable in this course?” If you’re unsure you can ask your teacher or professor or you could select a different type of hook.

6. The Description Hook

This is a hook where a vivid description of a scene draws your readers into your writing. A good description hook will make your reader want to know what comes next in your writing. It’s most popular in narrative essays, but you can use a description hook with any type of writing (yes even academic papers). But, like the story hook ask yourself, “Will this description hook be acceptable in this course?”

Here’s an example of a description hook for a personal narrative essay about saving a dog:

The dog howled in pain and limped along the side of the road. His leg was cut and blood streamed down his leg.

Doesn’t this scene make you curious about what will happen to the dog?

7. The Quotation Hook

This is a hook where you begin your essay with a quotation. The quotation could be from a famous person, but it doesn’t have to be. You can quote anyone if it connects to what you’re writing about.

If you write an essay on the topic of education you could start

Nelson Mandela said, “ Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world .”

If you want to use a quotation for a hook, make sure you quote the words exactly. Choose quotations where the words are striking, powerful, and/ or memorable.

Writing Challenge: Write 2 Essay Hooks

Essay hooks are a great way to intrigue all your readers. Select your favorite 2 types of essay hooks. Then write a hook for each kind you choose. Comment below and share your favorite one!

Have fun and be creative.

Photo by Bram Naus on Unsplash

I find that switching it up makes my content better. My favorite is to start with a question or a strong statement. I love this infographic. Well done!

Thanks Joanne! Question and strong statement hooks are great for getting readers to wonder what’s in your essay. I’m so glad you liked the infographic.

This is a great article, showing the variety of openings you can use in writing. Thank you for the tips!

I’m glad you liked it. I think hooks are great for writing.

[…] For more information about essay hooks see-https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/7-sensational-types-of-essay-hooks/ […]

Very good blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers? I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.

Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..

Any suggestions? Many thanks!

Hi Cindy, Those are great questions about blogging. I think the beginning point with starting a blog is determining your niche/focus, goals and your ideal readers. The next piece of advice is to really learn the style of writing blog posts. It’s a craft, so you should really start with a good grasp of the formatting, style, and techniques, etc. Since I don’t know your blog’s focus I can’t offer you more specific advice.

If you can afford it, I suggest paying for a domain name and hosting. There are free ones like WordPress.com etc. These will get you started, but if you want to use your blog for a business I really recommend starting with a paid option. I hope this helps you. Good luck blogging!

Thank you for this informative Eda’ya. My favorite hooks are question, strong statement and the fact. I think these are the best for an academic paper. Your infographic is excellent and memorable. Thank you! 👏🏻

Mehmet, Those are all great hooks! I think they would each be a great way to begin an academic paper too. I’m glad the infographic is useful to you. Thank you for the compliment.

These are great. I’ll have to file this away for my next writing student (and my next blog post!). For research papers, I used to use the fact/statistic hook a lot.

Beth, I’m glad you liked these essay hooks. I like the fact/statistic hook a lot too, and you’re right it is a great one for research papers.

I like question hooks & metaphoric ones…

I need to write to essays for tomorrow at English (preparing for Baccalaureate) & I’ll choose “success is not about luck” & “the importance of music in our lives” …

For the first one I’ll choose the first type of hook (for me it’s the easiest): “How can you be sure that when it comes to success, luck isn’t so important” or sth like this.

But for the second essay I’ll choose a metaphoric hook “music is the spot of light who makes shine in gray tones” or sth like this.

For the first one I was also thinking about sth statistically but idk not a kind of statistics about luck help in success or sth like this…

Ik, you can’t give me advices till tomorrow but I’ll be OK. Thx for this gorgeous inform. God bless you. All the best!

I think those are 2 great hooks to use with those essays. I love the metaphoric hook you came up with–it’s beautiful. I hope you do well with your essays. Good luck!