Hooks

The Hook The opening line or lines of an essay, article, or story. These lines should hook the reader’s attention and make him or her want to continue reading.

Hook: Figurative Language 1. Simile - compare two things using like or as. The band was as loud as all of the football fans cheering after their team won the Super Bowl. 2. Metaphor- is when you use two nouns and compare or contrast them to one another. The playroom was a loud screaming stadium of fanatic fans. 3. Onomatopoeia- a word that makes sounds. Whoosh, the ball went soaring into the net. “Buzz!” the alarm clock screamed. Honk, honk, screech! Ugh, we have been stuck in traffic for hours.

Hook: Vivid Description A vivid description is like a photo- a single snapshot. Unlike an anecdote, it has no plot or action. Ex) The sweet smell of cotton candy floats in the air. Bumper cars collide in the distance. There is nothing like the county fair.

Hook: Anecdote An anecdote is a short story that leads the reader into your topic. Ex) Imagine a small child crying at the county fair because they cannot ride the rides the big kids do. Despite their wailing, the parent does not budge. In a similar fashion…

Hook: Definition Define a term that is closely related to your topic. Provide a definition that your audience may not know. Ex) Webster’s dictionary defines sarcasm as, “a witty remark used to convey insult.”

Hook: Question Ask a question to draw your reader into your paper. Ex) Is it true that sometimes love is not enough to overcome difficult circumstances? In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet…

Hook: Dialogue Think of a quotation that makes a point and relates to what your story will be about. Write a brief introductory conversation between the main characters. Ex) “Shh, I have a secret to tell you. But, you have to promise not to tell,” my sister whispered to me.

Hook: Quote When using a quote, it can be a direct quotation from a book, TV show, movie, song, or from a famous person. Ex) “A penny saved is a penny earned.”- Ben Franklin. I really wanted to buy that new video game, but I was broke. How was I going to come up with the money I needed?

Feeling or emotion Hook: Feeling or emotion This emotional connection will make the reader want to read more. Ex) His face was beet red. His teeth were clenched, and his fists were sweaty. Brian had never been so furious!

Interjection Hook: Interjection Interjections express emotions. Ex) Stop! That pan is scalding hot. It was the first of many close calls all day long. Ex) Brrrr! The temperature was freezing. My teeth were chattering, and I could see my breath in the air.

Interesting or surprising fact Hook: Interesting or surprising fact If you know an intriguing or possibly shocking fact, chances are this fact will grab your reader’s attention too! Ex) One town in Indiana is called Santa Claus. Jingle bells also ring in a place called Santa, Idaho. Those places, just like my hometown, know what the true spirit of Christmas is all about.