This document defines and provides examples of different types of hooks that can be used at the beginning of an introductory paragraph, including a definition, example, quick exchange, interesting fact, quote, and overstated statement. It notes that the hook must relate to the essay topic and smoothly lead into the topic statement. An example is provided of using a statistic as a hook that directly leads into stating what the essay will be about.

1. The Hook

2. • This sentence or sentences is at the very beginning
of the introductory paragraph. It’s job is to grab the
reader’s attention.
• There are different types of hooks…

3. • Definition –
• A short, interesting or amusing story. It must be very quick
and to the point, only a few sentences long.
• Example –
• Sally is a home school student who got to do the best activities
to study science. She went to the Space and Air Museum, built
a rocket and interviewed a pilot. She loves to be in home
school.
• (the essay prompt is “Why is home school a good choice for your
education?”)

4. • Definition –
• A quick exchange between two people.
• Example –
• “Where do you go to school?” a boy asked his friend. “I
am in home school and it is awesome!” replied the boy’s
friend.

5. • Definition –
• Interesting information that supports your opinion in the
essay. Be sure that it is accurate!
• Example-
• There were 1.1 million homeschool students in the US in
2003 according to the National Center for Education
Statistics.

6. • Definition
• A phrase said by someone else (usually a famous person or
an expert) in support of your position.
• Example –
• George Santayana, a philosopher, and poet said, “A child
educated only at school is an uneducated child.”

7. • Definition –
• A statement that is overstated for effect.
• Example –
• Homeschool is by far the best schooling option for
everyone. If you are not in homeschool you will not learn
anything!

8. • Example –
• Have you ever wanted to be in charge of your own
education?

9. • The hook must relate to the essay topic
• The hook should lead into the topic statement smoothly
• For example – In the fact or statistic example the fact leads
directly to the sentence where you tell what your essay is
about:
• There were 1.1 million homeschool students in the US in 2003 according
to the National Center for Education Statistics. Homeschooling is
something that many students are choosing to do to better
their education.

10. • The hook must relate to the essay topic
• The hook should lead into the topic statement smoothly
• For example – In the fact or statistic example the fact leads
directly to the sentence where you tell what your essay is
about:
• There were 1.1 million homeschool students in the US in 2003 according
to the National Center for Education Statistics. Homeschooling is
something that many students are choosing to do to better
their education.