A hook allows you to start your essay in an intriguing manner that keeps the reader glued. There are several types of hooks that you can choose to use to start your essay. However, the choice on which of these hooks to use depends on your preference as the writer. In this post, we will guide you on how to write a hook for your essay. Read on.
Tips On How To Write A Hook For Your Essay
What Is A Hook?
A hook refers to the first one or two sentences of your essay. You may want to look at a hook as the initial bit of your essay’s introduction. A hook’s job is to get the reader interested in the content of your essay. Hooks play a huge role in helping the reader decide whether to continue reading through your essay or not.
It is, therefore important to write a hook that sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Essay experts recommend that you write the hook last just as you would the introduction. Always ensure that the hook suits the audience that you are writing the essay for.
There are several types of hooks available for anyone who would like to write an essay. Below, we discuss some of the options you have and how to make the most of them.
Types Of Hooks To Help You Write Your Essay
- Dismantling a misconception
- Use a quote
- Ask a question
- Use a statistic
Dismantling A Misconception
Misconceptions are plenty in our society. For the most part, your reader may not know that something is a misconception until you state it is. If your essay’s purpose is to disapprove of a particular myth in society or in a certain field, you can choose to use this option.
When you choose to dismantle a misconception in your hook, you must follow it up with some truth. Ensure that you help your reader understand why the misconception formed in the first place and how the evidence you present in your essay will help change his or her mind.
Use A Quote
Quotes make for one of the most efficient ways to introduce a hook in your essay. Quotes welcome your reader to think deeply about a particular topic. Additionally, a reader will want to read your essay if the quote relates to an intimate part of his or her life.
Quotes vary, with significance and authorship as well. When writing a hook for your essay, decide on which would be the best quote for your essay. It is important to read what other authors have written about the topic you want to write.
Doing this will give you an idea of what you can quote and which specific person you can quote. Additionally, reading some of the materials written on the topic can allow you to quote some literature in the field.
Ask A Question
Another way of writing the hook for your essay is by asking a question. A question ignites the reader’s thoughts and allows him or her to have an interest in reading the answer in the essay. It is, therefore, essential to ask a question that makes the reader curious.
When it comes to using a question as a hook, it is important to avoid the YES/NO type of questions. If a reader can respond with a YES or a NO before reading your essay, there will be no interest in him or her to read more. Additionally, also avoid rhetorical questions that seem to mock the reader’s level of intelligence.
Use A Statistic
Statistics come in handy, especially if you are writing descriptive essays. When using a statistic as a way of introducing your essay, you need to be keen on truthfulness.
The source you quote your statistic from needs to be reputable. Additionally, ensure that your statistic is not prone to sudden changes, as this will easily make your essay null and void.
Final Thoughts
Using hooks to start your essay is a creative way of ensuring that the reader develops an interest in reading what you have to offer. It is therefore important to learn to write hooks that not only capture the attention of the reader but also offer as much information as possible. Before writing your essay, research who your target reader is and choose one of the options above to use as your essay’s hook.
An example of how to write a hook for an essay
What words can be used to start a sentence?
We advise you to use different words to start every sentence in a paragraph. This is how https://owlcation.com/academia/Words-to-Use-in-Starting-Sentences
How can I start a sentence with as?
We often advise students to avoid using adverbial conjunctions when starting a sentence unless they are advance to notice that you are using an independent clause.
