Creating a Good Hook
A Good Hook Good writing starts with a good hook, or an opening that grabs the reader’s attention. Whether it is a narrative, a response to literature, or a research paper, there is no excuse to bore your reader! Besides, if you can’t prove to your reader that you can write an interesting hook, why would they want to read on?
You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. (Remember that?)
What kind of hook should I use? Each type of writing requires a different type of hook. On the NJASK, you may be asked to write one of the following: Narrative Persuasive Essay Expository Essay
Kind of Hooks There are many kind of hooks, but here is list of some that can be used on the NJASK: Fact/Statistic Tone/Mood Simile/Metaphor In the middle of the action Definition Dialogue/Monologue Onomatopoeia 3 Word Lead Theme
Fact/Statistic Example Nearly thirty percent of the population of Europe was killed by the plague.
Tone/Mood Example The bodies piled up in the streets of London, untouched, uncared for, mourned by the frightened masses that were left behind wondering when it was going to be their turn to die.
Simile/Metaphor Example The Black Death swept across the land like a broom brushing away people as it would dirt.
In the Middle of the Action Example The trebuchet cranked back slowly, then released suddenly, launching the stone up and over the walls of the city.
Definition Example The Black Death was an unstoppable disease caused by the fleas carried by the rats that co-habitated with the people of Medieval Europe.
Dialogue/Monologue Example “I see there’s been no improvement,” the apothecary sadly admitted, looking at the small girl trembling and sweating with fever before him.
Onomatopoeia Example Sssssss. Sizzle. The fever burned through the victim’s body.
Three Word Lead Example Rats. Sewers. Filth. London was not a city of great cleanliness.
Theme Example Some people believed that the Plague was sent to punish the evil on Earth, but they would soon learn that the disease knew no such ethics. It did not distinguish its victims.
Activity I’m going to show you a photograph. Fact/Statistic Tone/Mood Simile/Metaphor In the middle of the action Definition Dialogue Onomatopoeia 3 Word Lead Theme I’m going to show you a photograph. You are going to imagine that you are writing a story about it. You are going to prewrite first. Then, you are going to write 5 different hooks.
Fact/Statistic Tone/Mood Simile/Metaphor In the middle of the action Definition Dialogue/Monologue Onomatopoeia 3 Word Lead Theme