Happy wednesday!

1/9/25

​

​

The hook

To catch the reader, use a hook in the introductory paragraph

​

​

Aim: How can we create a “Hook” in our introduction paragraph?

​

​

Objective:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify and craft effective hooks for different types of writings, such as essays, stories, and speeches.

Aim: How can we create a “Hook” in our introduction paragraph?

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Do Now: Answer the following questions quietly and independently.

​

Think about your favorite book or movie before answering the following question.

• Explain how using a surprising fact as a hook could engage your reader in an essay.
• What is one aspect of writing hooks that you think you understand well, and why?�

Aim: How can we create a “Hook” in our introduction paragraph?

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Introduction:

​

• The purpose of the hook is to grab the reader's attention and entice them to keep reading.

​

Aim: How can we create a “Hook” in our introduction paragraph?

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Activity:

​

• In pairs, choose a topic from provided list,the come up with two types of hooks.
• Write these hooks down and share with another pair, discuss the strengths and possible improvements of each hook.

​

Topic List

• A world where animals can talk
• Bullying
• Favorite foods
• The time machine

The Hook: Fact/Statistic

Facts and statistics make you look like you really know what you’re talking about. The reader knows they can believe what you are saying.

​

Ex: Although seasons on Earth only last about three months, seasons on Pluto last close to 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 years!

The Hook: Surprising

​

​

Start off with something to shock the reader.

​

Ex: It is widely unknown that McDonalds once created a bubblegum flavored broccoli!

Definition: Give the definition of an important word to your topic that the reader will need to know.

​

EX: Webster’s dictionary defines the word predator as, “an animal that naturally preys on others.”

Anecdote

Dangers of Smoking:

Thirty -one -year -old Brandon started smoking in his mid -teens, and by 18, he was diagnosed with Buerger’s disease, a disorder linked to tobacco use that causes blood vessels in the hands and feet to become blocked and can result in infection or gangrene. Nine years later, after losing both his legs and several fingertips to this terrible disease, he quit smoking for good. Smoke -free for 4 years now, Brandon hasn’t had any more amputations, but he still must manage the consequences of being a double amputee (Center for Disease Control) .

Dr. Michelle Hyde of the Cramerton Institute of Learning stated, “Students who get 8-10 hours of sleep a night statistically achieve in the 95 percentile or higher.” This information proves that sleep deprivation negatively impacts a child’s learning ability and confirms the fact that sleep is necessary for growing minds.

Examples of Hooks

• Personal example

My life was transformed on my 12^th birthday when I pulled back the wrapping on my gift and saw the word “Droid” on the box beneath.

• Quotations

“Bad human communication leaves us less room to grow.”

• Facts or statistics

The world is a dangerous place, but it might be worse without cell phones. In fact, 40 percent of mobile phone owners said they found themselves in an emergency situation and having their cell phone helped.

• Rhetorical questions

Does anyone know of an adult who doesn’t have a cell phone?

• Current events

Recently there has been a movement to add cell phone technology to the number of tools used in the classroom.

• Contrast to the thesis statement

Cell phones are, perhaps, the most annoying invention of our generation. However, as annoying as they are, no one who has one wants to give it up.