1. Citizen Composer Essay Introduction using Funnel Technique
Hook
Avoid “imagine if” statements, rhetorical questions, or flowery descriptions
Make sure lead is relevant to rest of paper
Background
Broad overview of major topics (avoid specific facts or sub topics)
Provide reader with a brief background of your issue.
Thesis
Make sure introduction and thesis fit together
Relevant
Cohesive, strong thesis (revised)
Avoid journalistic style (No personal pronouns, contractions, or slang)

2. Types of Hooks
Strong statement- A startling or strong statement can attract people to join the conversation (purpose is to shock or provoke or intrigue reader)
Anecdote- Provides a scenario, a scene, or a narrative story example to act as an entryway into the issue at hand. Make sure the story is focused and doesn’t drag on too long.
Exaggeration- Grabs the reader’s attention by using an outrageous statement.
Quote/statistic/Fact- Provides a numerical piece of evidence that will interest or shock the reader into paying attention.
Question- When used sparingly, a question can get the reader participating in the opinions of the issue.

3. Directions: Circulate around the table to read all 7 example hooks.
Identify your two favorite.
Write an abbreviated draft of these two hook styles for your argumentative essay.
Share your two possible hooks with a partner. Together you will discuss the merits of each and decide which one you will develop for the introduction of your essay.
Draft your hook at the top of your word document essay draft!

4. Sample Hooks Core Assessment
Citizen Composer
Sample Hooks Core Assessment

5.  Sample #1
Studies have shown that proper learning cannot take place unless a student feels secure in his school environment. Yet, nearly every day there is a story on the local news about a child being bullied at school. Even worse, there are cases of violence and death associated with bullying. Though a school district may not be fully responsible for children’s behavior during the school day, they are able to take certain measures to make sure all students feel safe at school, receive their education, and be able to engage in nonthreatening relations.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

6. Sample #2
Imagine a school in which there is no violence or theft. It’s a place where students are able to perform to their maximum potential both in the classroom and outside of it. This school has little, if any, reports of bullying due to a decrease in peer pressure. It may seem unbelievable, but according to the Department of Education, when school uniforms are instituted, there is a decrease of bullying and theft, and students show an increase in academic performance. Let’s make this true of our district, too, and implement a policy of school uniforms throughout our district. Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (general)

7. Sample #3
Fifth grader Josh Evans comes home every evening to face hours of homework ahead of him. After his four o’clock snack and his favorite show, he sits down to contemplate math problems, practice his handwriting, complete his science questions, and read his independent book. If you factor in the half an hour for dinner, he will get to bed, on average, at ten o’clock at night. This, if he is allowed no other free time. While homework may be practical and even required for some districts, students like Josh should not be wasting their time and energy if it is not truly helping. Homework should be limited in order to stop unnecessary assignments, create more family time, and promote creativity and imagination in young children.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (specific)

8. Sample #4
Since the beginning of time man has dreamed about exploring the infinite space that surrounds Planet Earth. With the advanced technology developed by today’s top scientists, it has finally become possible. It all started on October 4, 1957 when the United States and the Soviet Union challenged each other on space exploration. Now all of this is being jeopardized by the problems and costs of NSSA’s program. Space exploration should continue in the United States because it could provide materials to help some sicknesses, could solve some unanswered questions about civilization’s creation, and can satisfy the human appetite for adventure.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Exaggeration

9. Sample #5
About three million people die from air pollution worldwide. That is an unacceptable death toll. Air pollution is not only bad for our health, but also for the environment. After all, air pollution is also getting even worse since there are more vehicles and factories polluting the air. Clearly, air pollution is a serious issue and should be noticed by the government. Congress should enforce a law or act that will improve air pollution throughout the country.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

10. Sample #6
According to one source, “Oil, coal, and natural gas supply nearly 88 percent of the world’s energy needs” (“Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy Resources”). According to Mirriam-Webster, a fossil fuel is coal, oil, or natural gas formed in the earth from plant or animal remains. The dependence on fossil fuels has negative consequences for our nation, including high pollution rates and the risk of depleting these sources. Where as, alternative energy sources, also called renewable energy sources, off the solution to the fossil fuel problem. Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that are unlimited. The United States should transfer to alternative energy sources rather than using fossil fuels because they are clean, abundant, and affordable.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Quote/statistic + fact

11. Sample #7
Why do millions of dollars each year go to paying professional baseball players’ salaries? Are these ridiculously high salaries fair and deserved? Baseball is considered to be the All-American sport--our national pastime. It is past time that fans continue to pay high ticket prices to fund the salaries of professional baseball players. Type of Hook Technique Used: question

12. Answer key Strong statement Anecdote (general) Anecdote (specific)
Exaggeration
Quote/statistic + fact
question

13. Citizen Composer Essay Conclusion using Reverse Funnel Technique
Thesis and Reasons
Call to Action
Use new words to review your thesis and reasons (a fresh look at the same message)
Now that you’ve persuaded your audience, call for “an authority” to make your desired change.
Concluding sentence; Clincher
Leave the reader with an enduring idea, message, or thought.
Bring your writing to a close.

14.  Sample #1
Studies have shown that proper learning cannot take place unless a student feels secure in his school environment. Yet, nearly every day there is a story on the local news about a child being bullied at school. Even worse, there are cases of violence and death associated with bullying. Though a school district may not be fully responsible for children’s behavior during the school day, they are able to take certain measures to make sure all students feel safe at school, receive their education, and be able to engage in nonthreatening relations.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

15. Sample #2
Imagine a school in which there is no violence or theft. It’s a place where students are able to perform to their maximum potential both in the classroom and outside of it. This school has little, if any, reports of bullying due to a decrease in peer pressure. It may seem unbelievable, but according to the Department of Education, when school uniforms are instituted, there is a decrease of bullying and theft, and students show an increase in academic performance. Let’s make this true of our district, too, and implement a policy of school uniforms throughout our district. Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (general)

16. Sample #3
Fifth grader Josh Evans comes home every evening to face hours of homework ahead of him. After his four o’clock snack and his favorite show, he sits down to contemplate math problems, practice his handwriting, complete his science questions, and read his independent book. If you factor in the half an hour for dinner, he will get to bed, on average, at ten o’clock at night. This, if he is allowed no other free time. While homework may be practical and even required for some districts, students like Josh should not be wasting their time and energy if it is not truly helping. Homework should be limited in order to stop unnecessary assignments, create more family time, and promote creativity and imagination in young children.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (specific)

17. Sample #4
Since the beginning of time man has dreamed about exploring the infinite space that surrounds Planet Earth. With the advanced technology developed by today’s top scientists, it has finally become possible. It all started on October 4, 1957 when the United States and the Soviet Union challenged each other on space exploration. Now all of this is being jeopardized by the problems and costs of NSSA’s program. Space exploration should continue in the United States because it could provide materials to help some sicknesses, could solve some unanswered questions about civilization’s creation, and can satisfy the human appetite for adventure.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Exaggeration

18. Sample #5
About three million people die from air pollution worldwide. That is an unacceptable death toll. Air pollution is not only bad for our health, but also for the environment. After all, air pollution is also getting even worse since there are more vehicles and factories polluting the air. Clearly, air pollution is a serious issue and should be noticed by the government. Congress should enforce a law or act that will improve air pollution throughout the country.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

19. Sample #6
According to one source, “Oil, coal, and natural gas supply nearly 88 percent of the world’s energy needs” (“Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy Resources”). According to Mirriam-Webster, a fossil fuel is coal, oil, or natural gas formed in the earth from plant or animal remains. The dependence on fossil fuels has negative consequences for our nation, including high pollution rates and the risk of depleting these sources. Where as, alternative energy sources, also called renewable energy sources, off the solution to the fossil fuel problem. Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that are unlimited. The United States should transfer to alternative energy sources rather than using fossil fuels because they are clean, abundant, and affordable.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Quote/statistic + fact

20. Sample #7
Why do millions of dollars each year go to paying professional baseball players’ salaries? Are these ridiculously high salaries fair and deserved? Baseball is considered to be the All-American sport--our national pastime. It is past time that fans continue to pay high ticket prices to fund the salaries of professional baseball players. Type of Hook Technique Used: question

21.  Sample #1
Studies have shown that proper learning cannot take place unless a student feels secure in his school environment. Yet, nearly every day there is a story on the local news about a child being bullied at school. Even worse, there are cases of violence and death associated with bullying. Though a school district may not be fully responsible for children’s behavior during the school day, they are able to take certain measures to make sure all students feel safe at school, receive their education, and be able to engage in nonthreatening relations.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

22. Sample #2
Imagine a school in which there is no violence or theft. It’s a place where students are able to perform to their maximum potential both in the classroom and outside of it. This school has little, if any, reports of bullying due to a decrease in peer pressure. It may seem unbelievable, but according to the Department of Education, when school uniforms are instituted, there is a decrease of bullying and theft, and students show an increase in academic performance. Let’s make this true of our district, too, and implement a policy of school uniforms throughout our district. Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (general)

23. Sample #3
Fifth grader Josh Evans comes home every evening to face hours of homework ahead of him. After his four o’clock snack and his favorite show, he sits down to contemplate math problems, practice his handwriting, complete his science questions, and read his independent book. If you factor in the half an hour for dinner, he will get to bed, on average, at ten o’clock at night. This, if he is allowed no other free time. While homework may be practical and even required for some districts, students like Josh should not be wasting their time and energy if it is not truly helping. Homework should be limited in order to stop unnecessary assignments, create more family time, and promote creativity and imagination in young children.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (specific)

24. Sample #4
Since the beginning of time man has dreamed about exploring the infinite space that surrounds Planet Earth. With the advanced technology developed by today’s top scientists, it has finally become possible. It all started on October 4, 1957 when the United States and the Soviet Union challenged each other on space exploration. Now all of this is being jeopardized by the problems and costs of NSSA’s program. Space exploration should continue in the United States because it could provide materials to help some sicknesses, could solve some unanswered questions about civilization’s creation, and can satisfy the human appetite for adventure.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Exaggeration

25. Sample #5
About three million people die from air pollution worldwide. That is an unacceptable death toll. Air pollution is not only bad for our health, but also for the environment. After all, air pollution is also getting even worse since there are more vehicles and factories polluting the air. Clearly, air pollution is a serious issue and should be noticed by the government. Congress should enforce a law or act that will improve air pollution throughout the country.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

26. Sample #6
According to one source, “Oil, coal, and natural gas supply nearly 88 percent of the world’s energy needs” (“Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy Resources”). According to Mirriam-Webster, a fossil fuel is coal, oil, or natural gas formed in the earth from plant or animal remains. The dependence on fossil fuels has negative consequences for our nation, including high pollution rates and the risk of depleting these sources. Where as, alternative energy sources, also called renewable energy sources, off the solution to the fossil fuel problem. Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that are unlimited. The United States should transfer to alternative energy sources rather than using fossil fuels because they are clean, abundant, and affordable.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Quote/statistic + fact

27. Sample #7
Why do millions of dollars each year go to paying professional baseball players’ salaries? Are these ridiculously high salaries fair and deserved? Baseball is considered to be the All-American sport--our national pastime. It is past time that fans continue to pay high ticket prices to fund the salaries of professional baseball players. Type of Hook Technique Used: question

28.  Sample #1
Studies have shown that proper learning cannot take place unless a student feels secure in his school environment. Yet, nearly every day there is a story on the local news about a child being bullied at school. Even worse, there are cases of violence and death associated with bullying. Though a school district may not be fully responsible for children’s behavior during the school day, they are able to take certain measures to make sure all students feel safe at school, receive their education, and be able to engage in nonthreatening relations.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

29. Sample #2
Imagine a school in which there is no violence or theft. It’s a place where students are able to perform to their maximum potential both in the classroom and outside of it. This school has little, if any, reports of bullying due to a decrease in peer pressure. It may seem unbelievable, but according to the Department of Education, when school uniforms are instituted, there is a decrease of bullying and theft, and students show an increase in academic performance. Let’s make this true of our district, too, and implement a policy of school uniforms throughout our district. Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (general)

30. Sample #3
Fifth grader Josh Evans comes home every evening to face hours of homework ahead of him. After his four o’clock snack and his favorite show, he sits down to contemplate math problems, practice his handwriting, complete his science questions, and read his independent book. If you factor in the half an hour for dinner, he will get to bed, on average, at ten o’clock at night. This, if he is allowed no other free time. While homework may be practical and even required for some districts, students like Josh should not be wasting their time and energy if it is not truly helping. Homework should be limited in order to stop unnecessary assignments, create more family time, and promote creativity and imagination in young children.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Anecdote (specific)

31. Sample #4
Since the beginning of time man has dreamed about exploring the infinite space that surrounds Planet Earth. With the advanced technology developed by today’s top scientists, it has finally become possible. It all started on October 4, 1957 when the United States and the Soviet Union challenged each other on space exploration. Now all of this is being jeopardized by the problems and costs of NSSA’s program. Space exploration should continue in the United States because it could provide materials to help some sicknesses, could solve some unanswered questions about civilization’s creation, and can satisfy the human appetite for adventure.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Exaggeration

32. Sample #5
About three million people die from air pollution worldwide. That is an unacceptable death toll. Air pollution is not only bad for our health, but also for the environment. After all, air pollution is also getting even worse since there are more vehicles and factories polluting the air. Clearly, air pollution is a serious issue and should be noticed by the government. Congress should enforce a law or act that will improve air pollution throughout the country.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Strong statement

33. Sample #6
According to one source, “Oil, coal, and natural gas supply nearly 88 percent of the world’s energy needs” (“Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy Resources”). According to Mirriam-Webster, a fossil fuel is coal, oil, or natural gas formed in the earth from plant or animal remains. The dependence on fossil fuels has negative consequences for our nation, including high pollution rates and the risk of depleting these sources. Where as, alternative energy sources, also called renewable energy sources, off the solution to the fossil fuel problem. Renewable energy sources are sources of energy that are unlimited. The United States should transfer to alternative energy sources rather than using fossil fuels because they are clean, abundant, and affordable.
Type of Hook Technique Used: Quote/statistic + fact

34. Sample #7
Why do millions of dollars each year go to paying professional baseball players’ salaries? Are these ridiculously high salaries fair and deserved? Baseball is considered to be the All-American sport--our national pastime. It is past time that fans continue to pay high ticket prices to fund the salaries of professional baseball players. Type of Hook Technique Used: question