Essay Introductions: Hooks

What type of hook example is "When I was seven years old, I met my best friend on the playground"?

• Anecdote

• Rhetorical question

• Description

• Fact/Statistic

Answer explanation

The statement "When I was seven, I met my best friend on the playground" is a personal story that illustrates a specific moment in time, making it an anecdote. Anecdotes are brief narratives used to engage readers.

Which of the following examples of a hook is a rhetorical question?

• "Have you ever wondered why some friendships last forever?"

• "The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, but I stayed alone, not knowing where to go."

• "Studies reveal that only 25% of childhood friendships last into adulthood."

• "According to research, the average person loses half of their close friends every seven years."

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "Have you ever wondered why some friendships last forever?", is a rhetorical question as it prompts the reader to think without expecting a direct answer, engaging them in reflection.

What type of hook example is "The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, but I stayed alone, not knowing where to go"?

• Anecdote

• Rhetorical question

• Description

• Fact/Statistic

Answer explanation

The sentence paints a vivid picture of a moment, focusing on the feelings of uncertainty and isolation. This use of imagery and emotional context classifies it as a description, making 'Description' the correct choice.

Which example of a hook is a Fact/Statistic?

• "Research shows that the average person will change their circle of friends five times in their lifetime."

• "Why do some friendships fade while others endure?"

• "In high school, I found that making new friends wasn't as easy as it used to be."

• "The sound of laughter from the next table reminded me of the fun we used to have together."

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Research shows that the average person will change their circle of friends five times in life,' presents a specific fact/statistic, unlike the other options which are more subjective or anecdotal.

What type of hook example is "Good friends are like stars; you don't always see them, but you know they are always there"?

• Anecdote

• Rhetorical question

• Description

• Quote

Answer explanation

The statement "Good friends are like stars; you don't always see them, but you know they're always there" is a quote. It expresses a thought or idea using figurative language, making it a clear example of a quote.

Which example of a hook is a common misconception?

• "Friendships never change, but in reality, we often grow apart as we grow older."

• "Why do some friendships fade while others endure?"

• "Statistics show that 80% of friendships change during the first year of high school."

• "A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself."

Answer explanation

The statement "Friendships never change, but in reality, we often grow apart as we grow up" is a misconception because it contradicts the reality that friendships do evolve and can fade over time.

What type of hook example is "In 5th grade, we promised to be best friends forever, but by 8th grade, we were in different worlds"?

• Anecdote

• Rhetorical question

• Description

• Fact/Statistic

Answer explanation

The statement describes a personal experience, illustrating a change in friendship over time. This narrative style is characteristic of an anecdote, making it the correct choice.

Which example of a hook is a Description?

• "The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, but I stayed behind, not knowing where to go."

• "Have you ever wondered why some friendships last forever?"

• "Studies reveal that only 25% of childhood friendships last into adulthood."

• "Good friends are like stars; you don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

Answer explanation

The correct choice, "The bell rang, signaling the end of recess, but I stood alone, unsure where to go," provides a vivid description of a moment, setting a scene and evoking emotions, making it a strong descriptive hook.

What type of hook example is "Statistics show that 80% of friendships change during the first year of high school"?

• Anecdote

• Rhetorical question

• Description

• Fact/Statistic

Answer explanation

The statement "Statistics show that 80% of friendships change within the first year of middle school" presents a numerical fact, making it a clear example of a Fact/Statistic. This type of hook provides concrete evidence to support a claim.

Which example of a hook is a quote?

• "Good friends are like stars; you don't always see them, but you know they are always there."

• "Why do some friendships fade while others endure?"

• "Friendships never change, but in reality, we often drift apart as we grow."

• "In high school, I found that making new friends wasn't as easy as it used to be."

Answer explanation

The correct choice is a quote because it expresses a profound thought about friendship in a metaphorical way. The other options are questions or statements, not quotes.