Hooking the Reader

Why do readers immediately think some books are interesting, and some books are boring?

Have you ever begun to read a book that failed to grab your attention, and you thought about putting it away after the first couple of sentences? In contrast, have you started reading a book and been immediately intrigued, unable to put it down? Why are some books so magnetic and others so boring? Part of the reason may be the narrative hook.

• the reader hasn't read the book long enough

• the reader doesn't understand the plot

• the hook isn't developed well enough

• the book isn't written using proper grammar

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

What is the most crucial question a writer must ask him/herself before writing?

Before authors begin writing they must ask themselves, 'Why is my book worth reading?' This question will assist them in understanding how to make their writing more appealing to their audience. Most authors know that many readers will decide whether or not they will continue reading their stories soon after picking them up, sometimes within the first minute or page.

• Why should I write this book or essay?

• Why is my book or essay worth reading?

• What should I write about?

• Why should I write?

Tags

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RI.1.1

What is a narrative hook?

A narrative hook is a way to engage (or hook) readers to continue reading. This is a critical component to writing. Authors are able to show their readers why their stories are worth reading by keeping them interested from the very beginning. The author can use this in a variety of ways.

• a way to engage or hook readers

• a way to trick readers to continue reading

• a way to write creatively

• a way to tell a story

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

What is using curiosity as a hook?

Use curiosity to keep the reader wondering. Creating the feeling of curiosity in your readers is a great way to get them engaged. You can do this by beginning your writing with a sentence or paragraph that makes the reader guess or question what is happening in the writing. If done correctly, the reader may wonder, 'What does the opening sentence mean?' or 'What will happen at the end of this paragraph/chapter?' This will keep the reader wanting more.

• creating feelings of interest by making a reader guess or question what is happening

• creating feelings of curiosity by making a reader want to put the book down

• creating feelings of interest by telling the reader what is going to happen

• creating feelings of certainty by revealing what will happen next

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

What is start with a critical moment?

Starting your writing with an important moment will draw the reader in. It works similar to a movie preview. Movie previews typically show some of the most important parts of a movie without giving away the full story. This strategy makes viewers want to see the movie, and it works the same way with your writing. You're giving readers a preview of events of what's going to happen, and this will make them want to discover how they happened.

• giving readers a summary of events that happened

• giving readers specific details of what is going to happen

• giving readers a preview of events of what is going to happen

• giving readers an analysis of what is going to happen

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

What is create a visual for the reader?

Simple description is best used for this strategy. You'll begin your writing by describing a scene minimally. You place readers in the scene by using simple words that they know but that allow them to visualize it in their own unique way. This leaves room for the readers to use their creativity and feel more connected to the story.

• create a visual for your reader to connect with

• use picture and graphs in your writing

• use complex words that elaborately describes a scene

• use simple words that minimally describes a scene leaving room for readers to use their creativity

Tags

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

What is introduce an out of the ordinary situation?

Thinking outside the box is always a great writing trait to have. This assists you in being original and allows your story to be different from anything else that is out there. Start your story off with a situation that does not occur often in daily life. This will spark an interest in readers, and they will be left wondering how the situation will be resolved.

• sparking interest by having a reader wonder

• being original and different from anything else that is out there

• being ordinary and similar to everything else that is out there

• being monotonous and similar to success writings

Tags

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

What is introduce an interesting character?

Character development is important for any story. Introducing a character at the beginning of your writing is a great way to draw your readers in. Readers are more inclined to read a story about a character they find interesting, especially if you use the main character.

• introduce a character immediately

• create or introduce a common character in your writing

• create or introduce an interesting character in your writing

• introduce several characters who have interesting conflicts

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.4.4

CCSS.RL.2.3

CCSS.RL.2.2

CCSS.RL.2.10

What is utilize the narrator?

Opening your writing with a strong narrator introduction can be a good draw-in. Narrators can come off as someone the reader can relate to or introduce things in a way that is appealing to readers. Readers will feel as though they are having a conversation with this person, and that will keep them interested.

• creating a connection with the reader so they feel they are having a conversation

• creating a connection with readers so they feel they are bing lectured

• creating dialogue between the reader and the antagonist

• creating dialogue between the reader and the protagonist

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.6.6

CCSS.RL.5.6

CCSS.RL.1.6

True or False: Narrative hooks are only useful in stories?

The use of a narrative hook does not need to be specifically for story writing. These strategies can be applied really anywhere, from political speeches to a blog about video games. The reason why narrative hooks are used so often is because they're so effective!

• True

• False

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.L.8.6