Hooks and Leads

A hook is 1-2 sentences designed to catch the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading.

WHAT IS A HOOK?

• ​An essay hook:
  is the attention-grabber
  sets the tone of your essay
  introduces the topic of your paper

​Did you uncover a shocking or interesting fact?

HOW TO BUILD A GOOD HOOK:

​ASK YOURSELF:

Have you stumbled upon a compelling anecdote?

Is there an appropriate quote you can use?

WHAT IS AN ANECDOTE?

An anecdote (an-eck-dis a short account of an experience, whether the writer’s own or not, that makes a statement about a topic. For example:

“Only one person comes to mind when presented with the image of a woman with the bushy uni-brow, flowers on her braided hair, and colorful dresses. That woman is world renowned artist Frida Kahlo.”

HOW TO USE AN ANECDOTE?

An anecdote is a short account of an experience, whether the writer’s own or not, that makes a statement about a topic. For example:

“Only one person comes to mind when presented with the image of a woman with the bushy uni-brow, flowers on her braided hair, and colorful dresses. That woman is world renowned artist Frida Kahlo.”

X Long and Rambling:
When Joan of Arc followed her calling to defeat the English for the French, she didn't know that her visions from God were going to lead her to become not only a martyr, but also a one of the greatest heroines of all time. Though some called her a religious heretic for dressing as a man, battling in war, and leading the charge for a large group of soldiers, she was a woman who followed her calling in a true belief that God would save them from the English.

HOW TO USE AN ANECDOTE:

O Direct and Concise:
Joan of Arc is hailed as a martyr and heroine for following her holy calling to help save the French people from the oppressive English during the 100 Years War.

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"Throughout history, it's been..."
"In today's fast-paced society..."
"Over the years, it's become..."
"In recent times, there..."
"As the saying goes..."
"In a world where..."
"Imagine a scenario where..."

HOOK SAMPLES FOR AN ESSAY

WHEN TO USE AN ANECDOTE?

• An anecdote is a short account of an experience, whether the writer’s own or not, that makes a statement about a topic.
  

• The anecdote typically already reflects the writer’s point of view, and thus thesis statement, about an issue.
  

• An anecdote could also touch the reader’s emotions.
  

• An anecdote as an essay hook could be used to persuade.