Hook Examples

Introduction

There are several hook types. Each has its own function in the essay. However, some hooks seem more significant than other hooks. They also play a good role in understanding the main argument. Here are some types of hooks, what purpose they serve, and their examples.

Hook Type	Purpose	Examples
Question Hook	Engages readers with thought-provoking questions.	“What if you could change the course of your destiny?”
		“Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the stars?”
Anecdotal Hook	Captures attention with relatable short stories.	“As a child, I believed trees held whispered secrets.”
		“I once got lost in a foreign city without a map.”
Statistical Hook	Intrigues with surprising or relevant statistics.	“90% of people underestimate the power of a smile.”
		“Every year, over a million plastic bottles are discarded.”
Quote Hook	Draws readers in using compelling quotes.	“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
		“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.”
Rhetorical Hook	Stimulates thought through powerful statements.	“Is it possible to find true happiness in a material world?”
		“What does it truly mean to live a life without regrets?”
Factual Hook	Intrigues with intriguing facts or information.	“Octopuses have three hearts and can change color at will.”
		“The average person spends six months of their life waiting for red lights to turn green.”
Contrast Hook	Engages by presenting stark contrasts or contradictions.	“In a world of constant noise, silence became my sanctuary.”
		“She was wealthy in possessions but impoverished in spirit.”
Emotional Hook	Evokes feelings through descriptions of emotional scenarios.	“Tears of joy glistened in her eyes as she crossed the finish line.”
		“The weight of loss hung heavy in the air as we said our goodbyes.”
Scenario Hook	Creates interest by setting up hypothetical scenarios.	“Imagine a world where dreams manifested as soon as you woke up.”
		“Picture yourself on a deserted island, surrounded by endless waves.”
Historical Hook	Fascinates with historical references or events.	“In the year 1969, humanity took its first steps on the moon.”
		“During the Renaissance, artists revolutionized the way we perceive beauty.”
Curiosity Hook	Piques interest by hinting at intriguing ideas.	“What if you stumbled upon a hidden door in your own home?”
		“Ever wondered how a single decision can alter the course of existence?”
Challenge Hook	Engages readers by presenting challenges or problems.	“Can you solve the puzzle that has stumped experts for decades?”
		“Embark on a journey to unlock your full potential.”
Personal Story Hook	Connects through sharing personal experiences.	“I’ll never forget the day I overcame my greatest fear.”
		“Growing up, I learned invaluable life lessons from my grandmother.”
Humor Hook	Captures attention through humor or wit.	“Why did the computer go to therapy? It had too many bytes.”
		“I asked the cat for a pun, but it was just a paw-ful joke.”
Provocative Statement Hook	Grabs readers with bold or controversial statements.	“Traditional education: Preparing minds or stifling creativity?”
		“Is privacy a fading concept in our hyper-connected world?”

Suggested Readings

1. Lunsford, Andrea A. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
2. Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
3. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
4. Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
5. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.
6. Swales, John M., and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. 3rd ed., University of Michigan Press, 2012.

More from Essay Writing:

• Expository Essay
• Compare and Contrast Essay