Types of Hooks for Essays Hook An essay

Types of Hooks for Essays Hook An essay hook is a writing device that is meant to catch the reader’s attention. TYPE DEFINITION EXAMPLE Surprising/ Startling Fact State something relevant for your readers to chew on. A cockroach can carry more than 40 different pathogens that could spread to humans. Anecdote/ Scenario Tell of an experience or a short story and use it to kick off your essay’s main thesis. A close friend of my family was in the war in Iraq. He admitted to my dad that he was terrified every time he had to go into battle. Even so, I consider him one of the most courageous men I have known. It is not the absence of fear that defines courage, but the ability of one to force oneself to take action in spite of fear. Quote Recite a line spoken Nelson Mandela once said, "Our deepest fear is by a famous person, not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our book, or movie. Fact – Anecdote – Quote – Statistic - Question Information Provide background or define the topic light, not our darkness, which most frightens us. " Shocking Statistic Use a real or made up A recent survey of middle school students found that the largest percentage fear disappointing the statistic to grab adults in their lives. attention. Rhetorical Question How would you feel if you found out that the Ask a rhetorical question when you’re murderer of the person you loved most in the making a point, not world was about to be set free after only two looking for answers. years in prison? Thesis Power Sentence I Thesis Statement (Topic + Big Idea #1, Big Idea #2, and Big Idea #3. ) A powerful sentence that directly and specifically answers the prompt by including the subject and your opinion providing three reasons/arguments. Prompt: Many teachers assign group projects. Sometimes, however, an uncooperative member can affect the entire group. Argue for or against the use of group projects using specific details and examples. Thesis Statement: Group projects are beneficial to students because they provide them the opportunity to work collaboratively with their peers. When students work with their peers, they gain skills in teamwork, group projects allow for student to hear the ideas and opinions of a variety of people, and they help minimize the work load for students. Thesis statements DO NOT • Announce your thesis – “This paper is about…” • Announce yourself – “I’m going to tell you about…” • Leave your reading asking questions • Ask a question

Body 1 Topic Sentence Each individual reason/argument deserves its own paragraph. Paragraph 2 A. Topic sentence about Big Idea #1 B. Argument that supports this topic using Ethos, Pathos, Logos C. Elaboration using FREDA (Facts – Reasons – Examples – Details – Anecdote) D. Transition into next argument FREDA & EPL Transition 2 Topic Sentence FREDA & EPL Paragraph 3 A. Topic sentence about Big Idea #2 B. Argument that supports this topic using Ethos, Pathos, Logos C. Elaboration using FREDA (Facts – Reasons – Examples – Details – Anecdote) D. Transition into next argument Transition 3 Paragraph 4 or Counter Claim A. Topic sentence about Big Idea #3 B. Argument that supports this topic C. using Ethos, Pathos, Logos D. Elaboration using FREDA (Facts – Reasons – Examples – Details – Anecdote) Topic Sentence or Counter Claim Statement Many people think that people should not … CC However, … FREDA & EPL Transition

Flip the Thesis C Restate thesis from your introductory paragraph. Options: Because of (Body #1), (Body #2), and (Body #3), people should … Thesis When one considers (Body #1) and (Body #2), it’s clear that … Prompt: Many teachers assign group projects. Sometimes, however, an uncooperative member can affect the entire group. Argue for or against the use of group projects using specific details and examples. Flipped Thesis Statement: Because group projects allow students to work with their peers, give them chances to share ideas and opinions, and minimize the work load, it’s clear that group projects are a great benefit to helping students succeed academically. Closure/Clincher The last sentence should leave the reader nodding in agreement. Ideas: • Make a prediction • Pose a question • Make recommendations • End with your own quote • Demand change with a “Call to Action” Flip thesis Information Summarize the background or review the information Closure “Mic Drop!” or Call to Action