How to Write a Hook for Essays
- 1). Complete the first draft of your essay before beginning your essay hook. Make sure you have clearly defined your thesis and ensure that each paragraph further explains or defends your thesis. If you write your essay hook before completing a first draft, you risk developing a hook that does not flow into your essay topic.
- 2). Write down possible examples or anecdotes that illustrate your topic. If you've encountered surprising or interesting facts in your research, write these down as well. If you have trouble thinking of interesting facts, brainstorm reasons why your essay topic is significant. Who does your topic affect? What impact does it have on the world?
- 3). Read each potential hook into your introduction and determine which best leads into your thesis. Discard any which seem disconnected or irrelevant to your thesis. If you're not sure which hook is most interesting and relevant, ask a classmate or teacher for input.
- 4). Make sure your hook is specific to your essay. If your hook is a general statement that could lead into countless essays, such as "Conflict is an inevitable part of life" or "Love is blind," rewrite your hook to pertain to your exact topic. In addition, avoid common proverbs and clichés, since these will not draw in your reader.
- 5). Edit your hook so that it is approximately one to four sentences long. In addition, ensure that the tone of your hook matches the tone of your essay. For example, a very formal essay should not have a hook that includes slang or contractions, while an informal essay may succeed with a humorous hook.
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