The Hook (introduction strategy)

General Hooks 

 The purpose of a hook is to draw your reader in to what you have to say. You don't want the hook to sound too broad and anonymous. You want to one of the general hooks below in a creative, but thesis-connected way: 

1. Relevant quote

• From the subject of your essay, such as
• from one of your sources!, or 
• from an expert on the subject matter
• from a discipline/field of study that helps you frame ideas in essay,
• or.... 

2. Personal anecdote with relevance to thesis

• Perhaps, you can use one you can come back to? One that relates to the subject matter--even the event

3. Provocative and relevant question

• A question that challenges ethics or morals
• A question that challenges legality
• A question that challenges cultural value 
• A question that challenges a cultural trend
• A question that challenges...  

4. Specific Example that fit your subject (perhaps one you will actually bring back and expand on later in your body)

• Perhaps a fact (#5) about the subject. What happened at the shooting, or in the poem you are analyzing? 
• An example of something else "gone viral."

5. Relevant fact: particularly one that sets the tone and allows you to explore the fact specifically as it relates to your thesis.

• Data -- a case study, or demographic study 
  
• Laws or Theories from a social science (sociology, psychology, anthropology)
• Relatable events in history (kairos) and their outcomes
• .... 

Drafting an Introduction

1. Have your thesis and subtopics at least drafted and outlined; these ideas are your map directions!

2. Decide which type of hook most interests you. Do some brainstorming that helps you (including, looking on the Internet for a relevant quote or fact to help you out)

3. Once you have the type of hook you want and have some content to work with, start drafting your introduction paragraph (

• Aim for around 6-8 solid sentences, or 1/3 of first page for 450 word essays

Once I find my hook, I can draft my introduction

• When using a quote or a fact, it is good to start your hook off with a phrase that introduces where that quote/fact is coming from:

• ________ once said (argued, asked, ...),  "..."

• According to ________, ...

• Or...try out your own introductory phrase that gives context to the quote/hook!