1. HOOKS MRS. ELIZABETH CELESTE COIMAN- LOPEZ, bat, ms.
Houston community college
Fall 2017
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

2. Hooks and Attention Grabbers
The first sentence of the 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.
It is important to consider who the reader or audience is before you decide which type of attention grabber you will use for your essay.
Writing a good hook isn’t always easy, but it is an important skill to learn if you want to write effectively.
Hooks and Attention Grabbers

3. 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.
There are several different ways to grab the attention of your reader:
While dictionary definitions are ok, most people find them to be quite dry. Try to paraphrase, or write your own unique take on a definition whenever you can.
Example:
“When we intentionally make false statements, we lie. Lies are regarded as sins, vices, transgressions, and immoral offences.”
“Business is more than just an exchange of funds for services or goods.”
1. A Definition

4. 2. A Quotation or Paraphrase:
If you use a quote, make sure that it is relevant to your topic, background information or your thesis in some way.
EXAMPLE:
Nora Roberts once said, “If you don’t go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.”
General Patton once said, “If a man does his best, what else is there?”
When Hillary Clinton said “we must stop thinking of the individual and start thinking about what is best for society,” she highlighted one of the biggest issues in American politics.
Goodreads.com/quotes Quoteland.com Quotelicious.com Quotationspage.com
2. A Quotation or Paraphrase:

5. Try to use interesting facts related to the topic.
Don’t forget to cite your research if possible.
EXAMPLE:
Of about 3 million youth that are injured every year playing sports or participating in recreational activities, only 25% are treated in hospital emergency rooms.
China is going to spend $850 billion to clean up its water supply over the next decade.
Ancient Egyptians used heavy eye makeup to keep evil spirits at bay and to protect their eyes from infection.
3. Facts and Statistics:

6. 4. An Interesting Incident or Anecdote Related to the Topic:
If you have observed or experienced something personally that can demonstrate why the topic interests you, then your reader will likely be interested as well.
EXAMPLE:
“I am Korean-Canadian; but the hyphen often snaps in two, obliging me to choose to act as either a Korean or a Canadian, depending on where I am and who I am with”
There was nothing more isolating than being alone in a foreign country, with no cell phone, no money, and no ability to speak the language.
It was Christmas of 1995 when my parents taught me a valuable lesson: always expect the unexpected.
4. An Interesting Incident or Anecdote Related to the Topic:

7. 5. A Question that will Catch the Reader’s Attention:
Questions can immediately call attention as long as the answer isn’t immediately obvious or too difficult
EXAMPLE:
“Have you ever stayed up all night to study for an exam, only to sleep through your exam the next morning?”
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you couldn’t fail?
What’s the one thing you can do to make the world a better place?
5. A Question that will Catch the Reader’s Attention: