argumentative essay hook ideas

73 Essay Hook Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

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An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

• Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
• Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
• Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
• Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
• Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

• Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
• Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
• Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
• Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
• Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
• Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
• Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
• Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
• Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

• Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
• Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
• Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
• Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
• Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
• Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
• Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
• Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
• Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

• Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
• Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
• Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
• Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
• Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
• Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
• Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
• Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
• Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
• Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
• Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
• Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
• Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

• Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
• Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
• Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
• Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
• Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
• Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
• Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
• Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
• Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
• Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
• Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
• Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
• Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
• Philosophical Question : “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

• Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
• Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
• Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
• Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
• Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
• Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

• Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
• Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
• Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
• Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
• Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
• Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

• Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
• Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
• Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
• Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
• Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
• Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
• Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
• Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
• Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
• Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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50+ Hook Examples: The Opening Lines That Make Your Essay Successful

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Writing a good paper starts with brainstorming a brilliant hook, which keeps your audience engaged with the text. There are many ways to formulate hooks, which will help your writing sound more original and compelling. Looking at some essay hook examples and tips on writing them is the first step to creating one of your own!

In this article:

What is a Hook?

Tips for creating a great hook, question hook examples, strong statement examples, fact/statistic hook examples, metaphor/simile hook examples, anecdotal hook examples.

A “hook” is a sentence that grabs the reader’s attention and keeps them interested in the outcome of your academic text or research paper. The hook is found in the first sentence or two in the opening paragraph in an academic text and serves both as an introduction and an attention grabber.

In literature, such sentences are often found in novels. A great personal favorite of mine is Christmas Carol’s first sentence: “Marley was dead: to begin with. ” This invites tons of interesting questions and piques your curiosity, making you want to read along.

We come across hook examples in our day-to-day lives, scrolling through YouTube video titles and website links. Clickbait can be considered the hook of the modern world, and there are tons of techniques to learn from it.

However, this article will focus on essay hooks for academic papers specifically. In the section below, we’ll be discussing tips on writing hook sentences and engaging your reader’s interest through a single opening sentence.

There are different types of hook sentences in an essay introduction. We’ll take a look at each type, and a few tips, so later on, you can start formulating your own essay hooks based on these few examples.

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• Question Hook: If you’re writing an art essay, philosophy paper, or business coursework, choosing a compelling and interesting question will leave the readers pondering throughout your text. The reader will automatically try to look for the answer within your research paper.
• Strong Statement: The opening lines can be controversial, a bold claim – the best hooks for argumentative essays are. This method can shock your audience, and they’ll be curious to learn how you defend your argument.
• Fact/Statistic Hook: These hook examples are used for scientific and academic assignments, allowing you to use a lesser-known fact or statistic which will grab the reader’s attention.
• Metaphor/Simile Hook: You can set up a scene by telling a short story for your readers to imagine before getting to your essay’s core. This metaphor hook can be highly compelling and relatable to your audience.
• Anecdotal Hook: The trickiest essay hook used to diffuse the tension surrounding a heavy topic. This tricky opening line should be carefully thought out and guaranteed to make the reader laugh and only used in the right circumstances.

If you’re using the fact/statistic hook, always make sure you quote a credible source. The same goes for the interesting facts hook type. Include those sources in the body of your essay.

It also helps to think of a hook you came across recently that made an impression on you. Was it a controversial blog post? A captivating personal story? A thesis statement that made you ponder?

Once you finish reading our article, it’s helpful to test your hook and introductory paragraph out to an audience. Have another student, tutor, or parent read it. See if it’s doing its purpose – is the reader engaged? What did they understand from your hook? Is the essay topic clear?

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Writing is a long process and requires a lot of rewriting. Take a small break and give it another go.

How to Write a Great Hook + Examples

There are two crucial points to follow when you write a hook:

• Keep your sentences short – don’t overstuff your sentences or let them run longer than two rows.
• Use simple, comprehensive language – the ultimate essay can be read and understood by anyone, even people outside your academic course.

It’s time to get to the examples!

• What if I told you the world has an unlimited energy resource?
• How much screen time is too much for elementary school children?
• Is online education the best way to learn in the middle of a pandemic?
• Did you know women are twice as likely to experience clinical depression than men?
• Are your evening habits keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep?
• Do jobs that require degrees have a higher earning potential?
• How important is it for YouTubers to use search engine optimization strategies?
• Will the consumption of meat products become a luxury in the year 2050?
• Has reading become more challenging due to our short attention span?
• Have you ever wondered why traffic builds up on no-stop roads?
• Why we should feel sorry for high achievers?
• Why you don’t need to be exceptional?
• How much sugar do you think you consume?
• The effects of global warming are irreversible, so what can we do to optimize our living now?
• Should fireworks be banned due to noise pollution and its effect on animals?
• Has television died in place for streaming services?
• Is our hatred of certain foods and flavors a direct result of our genetic heritage?
• Android app development will die out in the next twenty years.
• You’ll always marry the wrong person.
• Why is ordinary life not good enough anymore?
• Why are romantics ruining love?
• “The wicked tend to win” Machiavelli
• The hardest person in the world to break up with.
• Some imaginary friends can cultivate independence in a child.
• Did you know that space smells like seared steak?
• The human body houses 10 times more bacteria than it does cells.
• The longest war in the world is between the Netherlands and Sicily and here’s what happened.
• “A country that demands moral perfection in its foreign policy will achieve neither perfection nor security” H. Kissinger
• Cat purring can be beneficial to your health.
• There is a scientific explanation behind boredom.
• The average drunk driver drives under the influence more than 80 times before they get arrested for the first time.
• 1/3 of adults still sleep with a comfort toy in bed.
• The average American generates nearly 4.5 pounds of trash each day.
• The global rate for keeping good hygiene after using the toilet is 20%.
• Americans read for pleasure for less than 10 minutes every day.
• The average American eats around 13 pounds of ice cream each year.
• More than 1/2 million people experience homelessness each night.
• Approximately 90% of people who experience a cardiac arrest outside of hospitals die.
• Farmers and ranchers make up less than 2% of Americans.
• Approximately half of Americans will experience a mental illness during their lifetime.
• My cousin Joanna went to a party with red lipstick all over her teeth. I couldn’t help myself to tell her.
• I dressed up as a werewolf last Halloween. That’s when everything started.
• As a child my grandfather gave my grandma her favorite flower- a rose on every holiday. Does this kind of love still exist?
• Last year my parents dragged me to Paris six times. I had the most dreadful time – I just couldn’t understand how such a historic city can be so dirty, or why.
• The cause and effect example – when talking about the importance of safety, tell a story with an important moral.
• Imagine sitting by the fire with the love of your life…
• I have a four-year old baby – my publishing business I started in 2018.
• The picture of… brought back memories of…
• It’s difficult to talk about… because…
• If you were a famous person, would you…
• When I was 6, I was given a pet hamster for Christmas. Needless to say, little Zach is gone now, but I wonder how long he could have lived if I had been given it at 12?
• One reason I decided to switch to a healthy diet is… well it’s cheaper than buying a whole new set of clothes!
• I like talking to myself. Sometimes I have these seemingly clever and long conversations. I hardly have a clue what I’m talking about.

Mastering the hook sentence is something you might end up using in your day-to-day life, especially if you go into academia, publishing, or journalism as a career choice. But that’s not it – we use hooks to communicate on social media. The title of our blog post or recent youtube video are examples of well-formulated hooks. The quicker you start practicing them the easier they’ll become to use.

If you’re having any other academic trouble, like coming up with essay topics , or you want to learn the outlines of the different essay types, we can help you with that! You’ll become an essay writing pro in no time! We’ve got some good and interesting research paper topics we’re proud of, as well as demonstration speech topics ! Hook sentence examples are just the start!

We hope this article has helped you master the art of essay writing, and you now find the reader agrees with your point of view! Let us know of any good hook examples you came up with!

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How to Write A Hook for an argumentative essay

• February 21, 2023
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In this article, we will explore how to write an effective hook for an argumentative essay in the introduction paragraph of your paper. We will also explore various argumentative essay hook examples and what makes them effective and compelling hooks.

What is the purpose of a hook in an argumentative essay?

When writing an argumentative essay for an assignment, it is important to include a hook in an essay introduction to capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to continue reading. The hook should be related to the topic of the essay and aim to pique the reader’s interest, especially since the essay will be submitted to an instructor for grading.

A hook in an argumentative essay interests the reader in the topic being discussed and invests in the writer’s argument. This is especially important when the essay is being submitted for an academic paper, as the writer’s goal is to persuade the instructor to accept their position on a controversial issue. A strong hook sentence can also help establish the writer’s credibility and expertise, which is important for persuasive arguments .

Types of Hooks for an Argumentative Essay

Here are some types of essay hooks for argumentative essays

Rhetorical Question

This type of hook poses a question to the reader that does not necessarily require an answer but is intended to spark their interest in the topic being discussed. It effectively engages the reader and encourages them to think more deeply about the issue.

Example: “Did you know that more than 60% of teenagers report feeling stressed out by their daily lives? What if there was a way to reduce that stress and help them succeed in school?”

Strong Statement Hook

This hook makes a bold statement or assertion that captures the reader’s attention and draws them into the essay. It is often used to make a clear and direct argument that sets the tone for the rest of the essay.

Example: “The death penalty is a barbaric practice that has no place in modern society. It is an affront to human rights and a stain on the justice system.”

Common Misconception

This hook challenges a common assumption or belief many people have about the discussed topic. By highlighting this misconception, the writer can make the reader more interested in the topic and more receptive to the writer’s argument.

Example: “Many people believe that video games are a waste of time and have no educational value, but recent studies have shown that playing video games can actually improve cognitive function and problem-solving skills.”

Statistics-Related Hooks

This argumentative essay hook uses statistics or data to capture the reader’s attention and support the writer’s argument. Statistics can be a powerful tool for making an argument, as they can provide evidence to back up the writer’s claims.

Example: “Did you know that in the United States, more than 75% of people arrested for drug offenses are black or Latino, even though these groups make up only a small percentage of the population?”

Question Hook

This hook asks a question intended to get the reader thinking about the topic and considering the writer’s argument. It can be an effective way to engage the reader and encourage them to keep reading.

Example: “What would happen if we stopped treating mental illness as taboo and started talking about it openly and honestly?”

Quote or Anecdote Hook

This hook uses a quote or anecdote to capture the reader’s attention and provide context for the writer’s argument. It can effectively create an emotional connection with the reader and make them more invested in the discussed topic.

Example: “As Mahatma Gandhi once said, ‘The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by how its animals are treated.’ It is time for us to start treating animals with the respect and compassion they deserve.”

How to brainstorm and draft potential hooks for an argumentative essay

As a student with an argumentative essay assignment, it’s important to brainstorm and draft potential hooks for your essay to engage your reader and make a strong impression. Here are some steps you can take to brainstorm and draft potential hooks:

• Start by reviewing your topic and thesis statement. Ensure you clearly understand the issue you are discussing and your position in your essay.
• Consider your audience. Think about who will be reading your argument essay and what types of hooks might be most effective in capturing their attention and engaging them in your argument.
• Brainstorm a list of potential hooks. Consider using rhetorical questions, strong statements, statistics, quotes, anecdotes, or other hooks. Don’t worry about making them perfect at this stage – just focus on generating a range of ideas.
• Evaluate your hooks. Once you have a list of potential hooks, evaluate each to see which is the most effective. Consider whether the hook is relevant to your argument, whether it is attention-grabbing, and whether it sets the right tone for your essay.
• Choose your hook. Based on your evaluation, choose the most effective hook in introducing your argument and engaging your reader. Remember that a strong hook can distinguish between a reader continuing to read or losing interest, so choose carefully.
• Draft your hook. Write your chosen hook as the opening sentence or sentences of your essay. Ensure it is clear, concise, engaging, and leads smoothly into the rest of your argument.

How to write a hook for an argumentative essay

We have looked at how to brainstorm and draft potential hooks. Now let’s dive into writing the actual hook. 

Your hook should be relevant to the topic at hand and your thesis statement

Your hook should be relevant to the topic at hand and your thesis statement : The hook should be related to the topic of the essay and should lead into the thesis statement of the essay. It should be a clear and direct statement that sets the tone for the essay and gives the reader an idea of what to expect. The hook’s relevance to the thesis statement helps to make a strong and effective argument.

Use Simple and direct language

The language in the hook should be clear and easy to understand, using simple words and avoiding jargon or technical terms that the reader may not be familiar with. The aim is to make the hook accessible and interesting to a wide range of readers, not just those who are already knowledgeable about the topic.

Your hook should arouse interest and curiosity

The hook should capture the reader’s attention and make them curious about the topic. It should be attention-grabbing, memorable and thought-provoking so the reader is intrigued and motivated to continue reading. Arousal of interest and curiosity makes the reader invested in the topic and more receptive to the writer’s argument.

Refining your hook for an argumentative essay

Refining your hook is an important step in the writing process, as it ensures that your hook is engaging and effective. To refine your hook, you should read it over several times, making any necessary changes or revisions to make it more attention-grabbing and interesting. Consider how your hook relates to your thesis statement and whether it is a clear and direct statement that sets the tone for the essay. Get feedback from others and make any necessary changes to refine your hook and make it more compelling.

Examples of effective hooks for an argumentative essay

Here are some essay hook examples in different argumentative essay topics and what makes them effective

Hook: “In the age of misinformation and ‘fake news,’ can we really trust the media to give us an accurate picture of political events?”

This hook is effective because it challenges a common assumption about the role of the media in politics and encourages the reader to think more deeply about the issue.

Hook: “What would you do if you discovered that your favorite clothing brand used child labor to make their products?”

This hook is effective because it appeals to the reader’s sense of morality and encourages them to consider a real-world issue relevant to their lives.

Society & culture

Hook: “In a world becoming increasingly diverse and multicultural, how can we promote understanding and respect for different cultures?”

This hook is effective because it addresses an important issue and encourages the reader to consider how they can make a positive difference in their community.

Hook: “The saying goes, ‘History is written by the victors.’ But what about the voices and experiences of oppressed or marginalized?”

This hook is effective because it challenges a common assumption about the nature of history and encourages the reader to consider the importance of including diverse perspectives in studying history.

Social Media

Hook: “Is social media really bringing us closer, or is it driving us further apart?”

This hook is effective because it addresses a current and relevant issue and encourages the reader to consider the impact of social media on their own lives and relationships.

Hook: “As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, are we losing touch with our humanity?”

This hook is effective because it challenges the reader to consider the potential negative consequences of technological progress and encourages them to think critically about the role of technology in our lives.

Hook: “In a society that values thinness and ‘perfect’ bodies, how can we promote positivity and acceptance for all?”

This hook is effective because it addresses an important issue affecting many people and encourages the reader to consider how they can make a positive difference in their lives and communities.

Hook: “In a world where technology is changing how we learn, do traditional classrooms still have a place in education?”

This hook is effective because it addresses a current and relevant issue and encourages the reader to consider the potential impact of technology on the future of education.

Hook: “Is winning really everything in sports, or is there more to the game than just the final score?”

This hook is effective because it challenges a common assumption about the purpose of sports and encourages the reader to consider the role of sports in our lives beyond just competition and winning.

Crafting an effective hook for your argumentative essay is crucial for engaging your reader and making a strong impression. The hook should be relevant to the topic and your thesis statement, use simple and direct language, and arouse interest and curiosity. It’s important to brainstorm and draft potential hooks that will capture the target audience’s attention and set the tone for your argument.

Consider your audience, the topic you are discussing, and the purpose of your argument, and choose a relevant and engaging hook. Refine your hook to ensure it is clear, concise, and effective and leads smoothly into the rest of your argument. By crafting a strong and effective hook, you can set the stage for a persuasive and well-supported argument in your essay.

To start a good hook for an argumentative essay, you should brainstorm and draft potential hooks relevant to the topic and your thesis statement. Consider using rhetorical questions, strong statements, statistics, quotes, anecdotes, or other types of hooks that will capture your reader’s attention and make a strong impression from the beginning of your essay.

Good openers for an argumentative essay include using a strong and attention-grabbing hook, introducing the topic and providing background information, and stating your thesis statement clearly and concisely. Depending on the topic and purpose of your essay, you may also choose to include a brief overview of your main points or arguments.

A hook sentence for an argumentative essay is a statement or question that captures the reader’s attention and introduces the topic and argument of the essay. It is the opening sentence or sentence of the essay and sets the tone for the rest of the argument. A hook sentence can be a strong statement, a provocative question, a relevant statistic, or an engaging anecdote, among other types of hooks.

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Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

Now here’s the clue.

If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.

Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.

For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.

• 💎 What Exactly Is a Hook & How to Write a Good One
• 📜 Examples of Classical Essay Hooks
• 💡 Try Some Informative Essay Hooks
• 🦄 Here are the Most Uncommon Essay Hooks

✅ Good Hooks for Essays: Bonus Tips

• 🔗 References for More Information

We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.

💎 How to Write a Hook That Will Work for Your Essay?

The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.

The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.

But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.

The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.

Why Do You Need a Good Essay Hook?

Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:

• It heats up your readers’ interest. If you did it right, they read the whole piece.
• It shows off your skills . A right hook presents you as an expert in your field.
• It attracts target audience. Only the readers you want will keep reading.
• It keeps the tension on the right level. Use an intriguing question, and a reader dies to find out the answer.
• It makes a good introduction. Starting your essay off a boring fact is simply not a good idea.

How to Write a Good Hook: Ideas and Examples

Wondering how to grab your readers’ attention from the first sentence? Let’s look at good hooks for essays that you can use for different assignment types!

• Narrative essay
• Argumentative essay
• Analytical essay
• Persuasive speech
• Expository essay
• Research paper
• Informative & persuasive speech
• Personal essay

Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.

💬 The Famous Quote Hook

Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.

⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️

Quote Hook Example: Political Science

Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy.

Social Sciences

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.

And excellent sources of quotes for you:

• Brainyquote.com – you can search quotes by topic or by author.
• Goodreads.com is not only a great collection of e-books but also quotes.
• Quotationspage.com – more than 30,000 quotations for unique essay hooks.

❓Rhetorical Question Essay Hooks

It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.

Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:

• What could be more important than…?
• What if there was only one… (chance/day/hour)?
• Who wouldn’t like to… (be a cat/turn visitors into clients)?
• Why bother about… (inequality/imperfect education system)?
• Which is more important: … (making money or realizing potential)?

And more in examples:

Example of a Question Hook on Education

Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.

Question Hook Example: Health

Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.

😂 Anecdotal Essay Hooks

This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.

It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.

Literature (personal story)

Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it? 

📈 Fact or Statistic Hook

Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.

Business/social sciences

The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.

Statistic Hook Example in Economics

The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.

Some good sources for statistics

• Finance.yahoo.com is perfect for business papers.
• Usa.gov/statistics is an easy-to-use governmental engine for searching data and stats.
• Unstats.un.org provides a massive collection of statistics published by UN organizations
• Oecd-ilibrary.org is the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), featuring its books, papers, and statistics and is a gateway to the OECD’s analysis and data.

🤯 Shocking Facts are Very Good Hooks for Essays

Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.

Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!

Fact Hook Example in Economics

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.

Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).

Sources to look for reliable facts:

• Buzzfeed.com – news, videos, quizzes.
• Cracked.com – a website full of funny stuff, like articles, videos, pictures, etc.
• Webmd.com – an incredible collection of medical facts you will love.
• Livescience.com – discoveries hitting on a broad range of fields.
• National Geographic – needs no introduction.
• Mental Floss answers life’s big questions, a compilation of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

🗣️ Dialogue as a Catchy Hook for Essays

Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.

Here it is:

Dialogue Hook Example in Literature

– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.

With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.

Dialogue Hook for History Essay

– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.

🔮 A Story Looks Like an Extremely Good Essay Hook

A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.

Story Hook Example for an Essay on Business

Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.

🦚 Contradictory Statement – Queen of Good Hooks

Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!

Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.

Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:

If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.

Social sciences

Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.

🔁 Vivid Comparison Essay Hook

Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.

Comparison Essay Hook Options:

• Comparison with daily chores (e.g., Proofreading your essays is like cleaning your teeth.)
• Comparison with something everyone hates (e.g., Learning grammar is like going to the dentist.)
• Comparison with something everyone loves (e.g., John was happy like a child eating a free vanilla ice cream.)
• Comparison of modern and old-school phenomena (e.g., Modern email has much in common with pigeon post.)
• Funny comparison (e.g., Justin Bieber is the Michael Jackson of his time)

Check out examples:

Environment

For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.

Social sciences/psychology

Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.

📄 Definitions = Easy & Good Hooks for Essays

Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.

Business Ethics

White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.

📚 Metaphor Hook for Essays

Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.

Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:

When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.

The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.

🧩 Puzzle? Yes! Amazing Hook for Your Essay

Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.

Here are the examples:

How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.

Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.

📢 Announcement Is Also a Good Essay Hook Option

Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.

Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.

Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:

It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.

I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.

ℹ️ Background Information Essay Hook

Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.

Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:

Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)

Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.

Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?

In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.

Here’s a simple plan you can follow.

• First, write a basic version of your thesis statement.
• Then, provide supporting evidence for your thesis in every body paragraph.
• After that, reword your thesis statement and write your concluding paragraph.
• Finally, search for an attention-grabbing fact, statistic, or anything from the list above to serve as an engaging essay hook.

Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.

⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.

Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.

That’s it 😊

Good luck with your work!

🔗 References

• Hook – Examples and Definition of Hook
• How to Engage the Reader in the Opening Paragraph – BBC
• Hooks and Attention Grabbers; George Brown College Writing Centre
• Hook Examples and Definition; Literary Devices
• What Is a Narrative Hook? Video
• How to: Writing Hooks or Attention-Getting Openings-YouTube

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

How to Write Argumentative Essay Hook [With Examples]

The best argumentative essay is one that has a hook good enough to draw a professor’s attention to a written work.

Your intention should be to immerse them into an “aha” moment that naturally gets them to read the rest of the paper. And if you can do this even for topics that evoke controversial debate, you’re more than likely to bump up your grades. 

While writing a solid hook isn’t rocket science, it isn’t as easy either. You might find yourself writing and rewriting your the introduction paragraph before you come up with the most fascinating hook. But the process should be smooth if you have the right lead.

In this guide, we give you some pointers that you can use to get this done fast. So continue reading to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• You can start with a quote that fits in your argument or a misconception often confused with a fact.
• Write a story your audience can relate with or use statistics to raise their curiosity.
• You can ask a rhetorical question to get your reader guessing what it is that’s in the rest of your essay.

What is a Hook in an Argumentative Essay?

A hook is an opening statement that introducesthe focus of your topic in one or two sentences, and its purpose is to grab the attention of your reader so that they read the next consecutive paragraphs.

It’s important to understand that a hook is not an introduction of the essay. It’s a part of it, and it comes immediately after the title of your argument .

You don’t necessarily have to present yourself as a formal writer to an audience when writing a hook although doing so is important. Your goal should be to write in a way guaranteed to grab your reader’s attention. So you might have to wear a creativity hat for your topic.

6 Different Ways to Hook a Reader to Your Argumentative Essay

Below are six different ways to write a hook that can grab the attention of your teacher to your argumentative essay:

1. Start with a Quote

We hardly ever recommend starting an essay with a quote, and for good reasons.

• Quotes are not your work. Because they present someone else’s thoughts, they’re likely to keep you from presenting your original ideas.  
• Quotes can make it difficult for you to express yourself. The result may be a weak introduction that shows less engagement and creativity.

However, you can still use the quote in your work if it’s unique and if it falls within the context of your argument. Also, the quote you choose to include in your essay should be relevant to the topic and to the thesis statement.

2. Share a Common Misconception

One of the best ways to grab a reader’s attention to a written work is to present a common misconception. This technique works well even for an argumentative essay.

A common misconception is a lie that many people believe to be true. It can be anything from a person and an event to a person and anything in between.

Misconceptions make great hooks because they first startle and then intrigue a reader, resulting in their urge to read the rest of the essay to learn more about what you intend to say.

3. Tell a Story

Stories are hard to write. However, if you can tell yours in one or two sentence, it can be a good hook for your paper.

We understand that stories tend to work well for descriptive essays and narrative topics . Still, they can fit well in an argument if you know exactly how to incorporate them.

It should be clear that you don’t have much room to create the first great impression with your story. So make it short and direct to the point.

A good story is one to which you can relate, but it must be free from personal feelings because arguments require objectivity, reason, and strong evidence to make a point. It’s unlikely your teacher will ask you to use personal pronouns in your arguments, so your story shouldn’t have personalization. Another important point is that your story must relate to the thesis statement of your essay. 

4. Use Statistics

Statistics have the power to pique curiosity, welcome readers to unfamiliar facts and information, and draw their interest to the rest of the essay.

To ensure accuracy, conduct preliminary research to validate statistics before incorporating them into your essay. Additionally, ensure you provide proper attribution by including the source of the data for reference.

5. Ask a Question

Starting an argument with a question has the potential to captivate readers and generate interest in the topic.

However, the effectiveness of questions hinges on their specificity rather than being overly general or apparent.

For example:

• Are smartphones bad?

The question above lacks depth and fails to engage readers because it’s too familiar and require yes or no answers, leaving zero room for debate. 

The best approach is to use employ rhetorical questions as a strategic tool.

• Should kids own smartphones before going to college?

The question not only sparks interest from the start but also invites readers to engage in critical thinking and fosters room for debate.

6. Hire a Professional Writer

You can hire someone on this website if you would like to have a professional writer do the work for you. The purpose of this service is to save you time, which you can spend on other school projects, particularly those that need your urgent attention.

We have a highly responsive, flexible, and professional team of writers who’re ready to get you the writing help you need to complete your paper on time.  It doesn’t matter if already have a topic or haven’t selected one yet. We’ll take you from a completely blank page to a comprehensive essay on any topic.

Our writers can also write same-day essays as well as last minute essays . So if you don’t have enough time left and you need urgent help, we can have an essay written for you at $12.99 per page and have it delivered within 24 hours.

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How to Write a Hook for An Argumentative Essay in 5 Minutes

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by  Antony W

October 23, 2022

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write a hook for an argumentative essay without trying so hard.

At Help for Assessment, we understand that introducing an argument isn’t as easy. You might find yourself writing and rewriting the introduction more than you can count.

However, if you can write a solid hook for your argument, the rest of the essay will be easy to write even if you’re already running out of time.

Key Takeaways

Writing a strong hook for your essay doesn’t have to be difficult. You can:

• Grab a reader’s attention with a common misconception.
• Share a unique story your audience have never read anywhere else.
• Start the essay with a quote provided the quote within the context of your argument.
• Use statistics as a means to raise curiosity.
• Ask questions to grab reader’s attention and draw their interest in the topic.
• If everything else fails, buy an argumentative essay online from our team of creative custom writers.

What is a Hook in an Argumentative Essay?

In an argumentative essay, a hook is an opening statement that introduces the focus topic to the target audience. The hook can be one or two sentence long, and it serves the purpose of drawing in the attention of a target to read the next consecutive paragraphs.

To be abundantly clear:

A hook is not an introduction of the essay. It’s a part of the introduction, and it makes the starting point just immediately after the argumentative essay topic .

When it comes to writing a solid hook for an argument, the goal isn’t to present oneself as a formal writer to an audience.

Don’t hesitate to wear your creativity hat and write the hook in a way that piques your audience’s interest. That way, they’ll want to read the rest of the essay to learn more about your argument.

How to Write a Hook for an Argumentative Essay and Grab Readers’ Attention

Here are five ways to write a hook for an argumentative essay and grab your reader’s attention:

1. Use a Common Misconception

The purpose of a hook is to grab the attention of a reader instantly, and one of the best way to do that in an argumentative essay is to use a common misconception.

A common misconception is a statement, event, person, or something many people accept to be true but is actually false.

Starting the essay with such a misconception will startle and intrigue your reader, giving them the urge to read the rest of the essay because they want to know more about what you have to say. 

2. Share a Short Story

Can you tell a whole story in a sentence or two? If you can, don’t hesitate to use an anecdote to illustrate your points.

Stories mostly work well for narrative topics and descriptive essays . They can also fit well in your argumentative essay if you know how to incorporate them.

To be clear, you have a very small chance to impress your readers with your story. To impress your audience, make your story short, clear, and direct to the point.

In addition to being something that you can relate to, the story you share should be free from personal feelings. In other words, unless your instructor allows you to incorporate personal pronouns in your argument , your essay shouldn’t reflect personalization.

Also, you must ensure that the story you share relate to the essay’s main idea.

3. Start with a Quote

We never recommend starting an essay with a quote .

Quite too often, professors discourage the use of quotes in an essay for two reasons:

• A quote reflect another author’s thoughts and hiders the presentation of your ideas.
• Quotes can limit your ability to express yourself, hence crippling your creativity.

However, if the quote falls within the context of an argument, it could make a solid hook for your assignment.

For a quote to fit in your work, it must be relevant to the topic and agree with your argument’s thesis statement. Also, ensure the quote you use in your hook is neither general nor insanely overused.

4. Use Statistics

Statistics raise curiosity. They can hook readers to facts and information they didn’t even know existed, thus sparking their interest in reading the rest of the essay.

Academic writing requires clarity and authenticity.

With this respect, do some preliminary research to validate the statistics before including them in your essay. Also, you must include the source where you collected the data for reference.

5. Ask a Rhetorical Question 

Starting an argument with a question can grab a reader’s attention and draw their interest in a topic so much that they develop the urge to keep reading.

However, the case of questions is only viable if the question isn’t too general or already obvious.

Let’s say you’re writing about phones.

A question such as “are smartphones bad?” is vague and obvious. Everyone is familiar with the details. Such a question will do very little to capture anyone’s attention.

You must refrain from questions that require Yes or No answers and come up with interesting questions that engage your audience in critical thinking.

Rhetoric should be your secret weapon.

For example, “ should kids own smartphones before going to college?” is a question that, in addition to being argumentative, draws a reader’s attention from the get go. Also, such a question leaves room for debate. 

6. Get Essay Writing Help

Even if you can write a strong hook for an argumentative essay yourself, you still might find the assignment challenging to compete.

If that’s the case, you can contract our writers to help you write your argumentative essay for you.

If there’s one thing you should learn from this guide, it’s that writing a hook for an argumentative essay doesn’t have to be difficult.

We’ve shown you six ways to grab your audience’s attention. Pick an option that best suits you. Then utilize it to write a solid hook that can draw your readers’ attention on the spot.

If that’s the case, and you feel like you need a helping hand, our writers can help you write great argumentative essays in a short time. Simply click the button on the right and talk to us about your assignment.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

How to Write a Hook for an Argumentative Essay

You have less than 30 seconds to catch and keep a reader's interest — that’s the challenge when writing the first line of your argumentative essay. 

A hook for an argumentative essay is the first sentence or question that captures attention, drawing readers into the argument you’re making. It helps you lay the groundwork and primes readers for the discussion ahead. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to write an impactful opener. We'll cover different hook ideas for argumentative essays, from surprising statistics to provocative questions, and how to choose the right one for your topic. Plus, we'll give you tips on making sure your hook resonates with your readers.

If you're still finding it hard to create that perfect hook, don’t stress. DoMyEssay is here to help. We’ll put together punchy, engaging first sentences that make your argumentative essay stand out from the start.

Argumentative Essay Hook Types

Each type of hook sets the tone for your essay, helping you grab your reader’s attention from the very beginning. 

Here’s a breakdown of some common hooks and how they can make your writing more engaging:

• ❓Question Hook: Asking a question is a great (and simple!) way to get your readers thinking. For example, in an argumentative essay on the use of technology in education, you might ask, "Are we preparing students for the future, or are we just teaching them to pass tests?" This kind of question makes readers consider their own views before exploring yours.
• 💬Quotation Hook: A quote from a well-known source that perfectly matches your point can give your essay a strong start. It connects your ideas with someone respected, making your argument more credible. For example, when discussing climate change, you could start with Greta Thunberg’s words: "Our house is on fire." It makes readers feel the urgency of the issue.
• 📊 Statistic Hook: Leading with a surprising or impressive statistic can grab attention fast. It gives your readers something to think about, making them more interested in what you have to say next. You could open an essay on fast fashion with this: "The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of all global carbon emissions—more than all international flights."  
• 📖 Anecdotal Hook: Telling a short story can make your essay feel more relatable. For example, when writing about mental health, you could start with: "When I started college, anxiety hit me hard, and it wasn’t until I asked for help that things started to get better." This kind of hook brings a human touch to your writing, helping your readers connect with your argument. 
• ⚡Declaration Hook: Sometimes, it’s best to just say what you mean from the get-go. A bold statement hook is direct and confident, letting your readers know exactly where you stand from the start. For example, in an argumentative essay about renewable energy, you could start with: "Fossil fuels are a ticking time bomb for our planet." Make it clear where you stand.
• 🌳Descriptive Hook: Painting a picture with words can draw your readers into your essay from the first line. A descriptive hook uses vivid language to create a scene, helping your readers visualize your argument. For instance, if you’re writing about the Amazon rainforest, start with: "Imagine walking through a forest where the air is thick with smoke, and the ground is littered with fallen trees, once alive but now lifeless." 

Remember, the best argumentative essay hook depends on your topic and your own writing style . The engaging hook not only grabs attention but also sets the stage for the rest of your essay. Using effective transition words can also ensure your ideas flow smoothly from one to the next.

Up next, we’ll walk you through how to choose and write a hook that fits perfectly with your argument.

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How to Write a Good Hook for an Argumentative Essay?

This process is all about understanding your target audience, aligning your hook with the purpose of your argumentative essay, and refining your hook until it’s just right. Let’s break it down step by step:

1. Understand Your Audience

Before you even start writing, think about the person who will be reading your essay. What are their interests? What concerns them? What type of language will resonate with them? Knowing your audience helps you craft a hook that speaks directly to them, making them more likely to stay engaged with your argument.

For example, if you’re writing for a group of college students, consider what’s currently relevant to them. Are they concerned about job prospects? Social issues? If your audience is more academic, they might be interested in data and research-based arguments. 

2. Identify Your Argumentative Essay's Purpose

What’s the main point you want to make in your essay? Your hook should tie into this central argument. It doesn’t need to give everything away, but it should provide a hint or preview of what’s to come. This way, your hook sets the stage for the rest of your argumentative essay.

3. Choose the Right Type of Hook

Refer back to the different types of hooks we discussed. Depending on your topic and audience, some hooks will be more effective than others. For instance, if your essay topic is serious and data-driven, a statistic hook might be your best bet. If your essay is more personal, an anecdotal hook could be more effective.

4. Write Your Hook

Keep your hook concise, engaging, and relevant to your argument. It should lead naturally into your introduction, giving your readers a reason to continue. Don’t overthink it — sometimes, the simplest hooks are the most powerful weapon.

5. Revise and Refine

First drafts are rarely perfect. Once you’ve written your hook, read it out loud. Does it flow? Does it capture attention? Get feedback from others and make adjustments as needed. The goal is to have a compelling hook that not only grabs attention but also fits seamlessly into your introduction.

With these steps in mind, you’re ready to craft a hook that will make your argumentative essay stand out. In the next section, we’ll put this theory of good hooks into practice with real-life examples that show different types of essay hooks in action.

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Hook Sentence Examples for Argumentative Essay

Whether you’re tackling social issues, technology, education, or environmental topics, a well-chosen hook can set the stage for a compelling argument. Below, you’ll find specific hook examples for argumentative essays, tailored to various topics, so you can see how each one works to draw readers in from the start.

❓ Question Hook

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Youth "Is social media connecting us more than ever, or is it pulling us apart, one post at a time?" This rhetorical question hook makes readers think about the double-edged sword of social media, setting up a discussion on its effects on youth.

💬 Quotation Hook

Topic: Climate Change and Environmental Responsibility "Albert Einstein once said, 'The environment is everything that isn’t me.' But what happens when everything we rely on is at risk?" Starting with a quote like this brings some extra credibility to your argument and gets readers thinking about the bigger picture when it comes to taking care of our planet.

📊 Statistic Hook

Topic: The Obesity Epidemic in America "Did you know that over 42% of American adults are classified as obese, making it a leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.?" This statistic hook grabs attention by presenting a stark fact, compelling readers to consider the seriousness of the obesity issue.

📖 Anecdotal Hook

Topic: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness "When I was in high school, I watched a close friend struggle in silence with depression, unsure of how to ask for help. It wasn’t until much later that she found the support she needed." Sharing a personal story like this makes the topic feel more real, helping readers emotionally connect with the need for better mental health awareness.

⚡ Declaration Hook

Topic: The Death Penalty as a Deterrent "The death penalty is not a deterrent to crime—it’s an outdated and inhumane practice that has no place in modern society." This bold declaration sets a strong tone from the start, leaving no doubt about where the essay stands on this controversial issue.

🌳 Descriptive Hook

Topic: Deforestation and Its Global Impact "Imagine a world where the lush green forests that once covered our planet are replaced by barren landscapes, where wildlife struggles to survive." A descriptive hook like this pulls the reader in by creating a clear image, making the issue of deforestation feel much more urgent and real.

Crafting a strong argumentative and persuasive essay hook starts with understanding your audience. Once you have a clear sense of your readers, the next step is to identify the purpose of your essay, which will guide you in selecting the most effective type of hook. After choosing the right approach, focus on writing your hook and take time to revise it to ensure it’s as impactful as possible before moving forward.

Wondering, "Can someone write my argumentative essay for me ?" DoMyEssay can help with any essay, ensuring your argument starts strong and keeps readers engaged. 

What is a Good Hook for an Argumentative Essay?

How to start a hook for an argumentative essay, how to make a hook for an argumentative essay.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Adult obesity facts. Retrieved August 15, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/php/data-research/adult-obesity-facts.html