1. Hooks- Expository Essay
English I RRHS

2. The HOOK…
…grabs your reader’s attention and makes him or her want to read what comes next;
…begins your introductory paragraph; these are the first sentences your reader will see!
…is one of your few opportunities for creativity in the essay!

3. A great hook leads to an effective intro… the seed is planted for a successful essay!

4. EXPOSITORY ESSAY: EXPLAINS, INFORMS, DEFINES, INSTRUCTS, DESCRIBES
Types of Hooks
EXPOSITORY ESSAY: EXPLAINS, INFORMS, DEFINES, INSTRUCTS, DESCRIBES

5. 1. Dialogue
Begin with a conversation or something someone said out loud. This should be related to one of the anecdotes of personal experience to come later in your essay.
MODEL: “What? We’re moving to Pennsylvania?” I couldn’t believe my ears, and suddenly I was bombarded information that would change my life.

6. 2. Definition
Play with your own definition of the abstract noun that is driving your essay. Try a one- word, fragment hook. Then follow with a “real world” meaning.
MODEL: Fear. It doesn’t have to be the kind of emotion provoked by zombies or Freddy Kruger chasing us in our nightmares. It doesn’t have to be an emotion resulting from the enormous threat of destructive tornadoes or hurricanes. Sometimes, fear can be caused by something personal, such as losing a safety net of friends we’ve had our entire lives. Fears can be large and small, realistic and absurd, but to each person who holds it, it takes courage and determination to overcome.

7. 3. Quote
Use a quote to lead into your thesis statement. Consider famous or well know people, especially authors. You will need to decide how many sentences to add for explanation of your quote; be sure to provide a connection to your essay.
Model: Maya Angelou once wrote, “Life loves the liver of it.” It is the one who is not afraid to experience both the joyful and painful sides of a life lived authentically that realizes true happiness. When I was younger, I had to learn to face my fears in order to find true happiness.

8. 4. Mosaic
Also known as a “snapshot” hook, this lead is loaded with detail and imagery, and it truly paints a picture for the reader.
The warmth of the sun hit my back as I walked to the car, lugging an over- stuffed, worn leather backpack. Blades of still-bright green grass were slowly being taken over by brown winter grass. A cool front loomed, said the grey clouds on the horizon. The crisp smell of fall lingered, almost begging the night to be filled with the sounds of Friday night football.

9. Now you try…
Practice 3 different types of hooks
Body Paragraphs

10. Now you are ready… Introductory Paragraph Layout: HAT
H= HOOK
A= Address/Answer the Prompt
T= Thesis Statement

11. Consider a few different closings as well…
Address your thesis! Do not just repeat it!
Reflect on real world connections. What has been the overall lesson you learned?
Include long term and short term consequences/ outcome/ effects/ connections not already mentioned.
Create “bookends” with your intro.