Hook and Transition Words for Sentences

Hook sentences The first sentence of your introduction is the first chance a writer has to capture the attention of the reader. Some people call this a “hook” because it captures a reader’s attention with interesting statements and ideas just like a fisherman will use a shiny lure to get a fish on his or her hook. Just like a fisherman considers the kind of fish he wants to catch before he chooses a hook. It is important to consider who your reader or audience is before you decide which type of attention grabber you will use for your essay. Once you have an interesting opening for your introduction, you should be able to introduce your topic then lead your reader gradually towards your main point – your thesis.

Hook sentence Take a look at this example introduction paragraph: How can a writer expect to get a reader’s attention without a good hook? The first sentence of an essay is often overlooked by writers, but readers depend on it to set the tone for the whole essay. Writing a good hook isn’t always easy, but it is an important skill to learn if you want to write effectively. Attention Grabber Background Information Thesis Statement

There are several different ways to grab the attention of your reader: A statement of opinion that you intend to challenge: “Most people think that writing is something that only those with a born talent can ever do well.” An explanation of why the topic is worth writing/reading about. “Students face all kinds of problems when they start college. Some students struggle with…” “Students don’t always remember what they were told at orientation.” Leave it a mystery. Try something like, "It was so noisy in our classroom that the walls began to shake. We couldn’t have known what would happen next.

Additional Support or Evidence Transitions Exception/Contrast but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus Additional Support or Evidence additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

Transition-sentences bring out the logical relation between ideas Transition-sentences bring out the logical relation between ideas. You want your paper to read like a continuous argument which good transitions help to facilitate. Words like ‘however’, ‘so’, ‘additionally’ do indicate a logical relation between paragraphs, but they are weak. A strong transition makes the relation explicit. No transition: In some cultures sympathy plays a role in moral decision-making. Weaker transition: However, conflicts between principle and emotion more often occur when there is a conflict between the moral values of different cultures. Stronger transition: While conflict between morality and sympathy can occur in the context of a single cultural code, it more often arises in cross-cultural conflicts. You also want to avoid using pronouns like ‘this’ to refer to an entire idea, as it’s not always clear what idea you intend to refer to. It is always good to make things explicit. Weaker transition: Even if this is wrong, relativism does not necessarily promote human well-being and justice. Stronger transition: Even if a society is able to collectively define its culture and establish its own moral code, relativism does not necessarily promote human well-being and justice.