Writing Hooks

How to write an essay hook!

You will be able to create an essay hook to get your reader's attention.

​What is a writing hook?

• Used only in the introduction paragraph. ​

• 1-2 sentences.​

• Start at the beginning of the essay.

• Grabs the reader's attention. ​

• Makes your essay interesting.

• Helps to introduce your essay topic. ​

​Writing Hooks are NOT:

• Restating the main idea

• Boring data or information

• Contradictory statements

• Advice​

Multiple Choice

True or False: I can use a essay hook in every paragraph.

• True

• False

​Interesting Question: Sentence Starters

​Did you know _____ ?

Have you ever wondered ____? ​

​Interesting Question: Examples

Did you know that Disneyland was not the first California theme park, but Knotts Berry Farm was? Knotts Berry Farm found its beginnings in a small California community of Buena Park in 1920?

​What do you notice in this example?

Multiple Choice

Which is example of using an interesting question:

• Did you know that guessing is okay to do, because you might have a chance of answering the question correctly?

• BOOM! Suddenly the lights went dark and silence filled the air.

• “Nothing is particularly too hard if you break it down into small jobs.” - Henry Ford  

• Picture this, you are getting in line to ride your favorite roller coaster. How do you feel, sick or stoked?

Imagine a scene: Sentence Starters

​Picture this ______ .

Imagine ______ . ​

​Imagine: Examples

Imagine you are in line at Disneyland to grab a churro. What do you smell, you smell the sweet smell of cinnamon, flavored with hot fried dough.

​What do you notice in this example?

Multiple Choice

Which is example of using an imagine statement:

• Daylight savings time is confusing and unnecessary.

• BOOM! Suddenly the lights went dark and silence filled the air.

• “Nothing is particularly too hard if you break it down into small jobs.” - Henry Ford  

• Picture this, you are getting in line to ride your favorite roller coaster. How do you feel, sick or stoked?

​Figurative Language: Examples

Use the sound word to introduce an imagine or picture this statement. ​

​

Sizzle, crackle... Now imagine you were taking in the smell of a roasting hot dogs over a barbaque. ​

Multiple Choice

Which is example of using Figurative Language:

• Daylight savings time is confusing and unnecessary.

• BOOM! Suddenly the lights went dark and silence filled the air.

• “Nothing is particularly too hard if you break it down into small jobs.” - Henry Ford  

• Picture this, you are getting in line to ride your favorite roller coaster. How do you feel, sick or stoked?

Multiple Choice

Which is example of using an Quote statement:

• Daylight savings time is confusing and unnecessary.

• BOOM! Suddenly the lights went dark and silence filled the air.

• “Nothing is particularly too hard if you break it down into small jobs.” - Henry Ford  

• Picture this, you are getting in line to ride your favorite roller coaster. How do you feel, sick or stoked?

Open Ended

Select one of the four "writing hooks" we covered and create your own writing hook to share with the class.