different kinds of hooks in essays

14 Types of Essay Hooks with Samples And How to Write Them

Writing Tips / Writing Tips / Essay Hooks

Want to get your original essay with non-trivial and relevant essay hooks? You are just a click away from it:

As Jim Carrey once noted, “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes”. No matter what kind of reputation you have, there will always be that someone who knows who you really are and loves you for that. Also, no matter how good you might think your essay is, there will always be someone rolling their eyes. To some, it may seem too pretentious, to others too boring. There is no recipe for writing the perfect essay but essay hooks help a lot in making it more interesting. Putting a quote of someone famous at the beginning of your narrative immediately attracts the attention of readers. It makes them wonder what will come next. Using various hooks you can keep that feeling of curiosity alive in them.

What is an essay hook.

How to Write an Essay Hook
Types of Essay Hooks:
Statistical Fact
Meaningful Advice
Contradictory Statement
Strong Statement
Famous Quote
Interesting Fact
First person story

If you are wondering why there is so much fuss about essay hooks, we’ll give you a broad explanation. An essay hook is the first thing you see starting to read someone’s essay. It’s the moment when you decide whether to continue reading it or not. So, this first sentence should be something special. A good essay hook can help a writer attract the attention of a reader. Just imagine how much information we get every day from reading.

A century ago, people, did not have such an abundance of information. The choice of what to read was not that difficult. But now, if you do not interest a reader with the first two lines of your writing, he will not have any second thoughts about reading it further. As to the academic writing, essay hooks can make a big difference as well. An example of a well-written paper will include an exciting introduction that shows a student’s mastery.

Everything You Want to Know

Before we move on to the different types of college essay hooks, you might have some more questions about this phenomenon. Let’s discover this topic in all the details.

How do you write a hook sentence?

You need to keep in mind the main idea of your essay, its purpose. The hook you choose to use should be relevant and underline this central idea. For example, if your goal is to present some new facts on a particular topic, you might start your essay with some startling statistical data. Think about the hook you’d like to use during the research stage to find the necessary information.

How do you write an introduction?

Do not consider an introduction an optional part of an essay. Although it does not present any major findings or convincing facts, it sets the mood for the rest of a paper. The main points you have to include are essay hook and thesis statement. The former one has an aim of evoking emotions in your readers while the latter one informs them about the topic of this essay.

How do you start off an essay?

You want it to be interesting and substantial. To do so, you are going to need a clear idea of the points it will consist of. Make an outline to make sure there is nothing missing. Some of the students find it easier to write an introduction after the rest of an essay. Then, you know exactly what write and won’t have to edit it later. Use the hooks you find to be appropriate for the topic you discuss and move on to stating the main point of your paper.

What is a good hook for an essay?

A good hook immediately makes you want to keep reading. Try to remember some of your favorite pieces of writing and the way they begin. What kind of a hook did the authors use? The art of choosing the information correctly and turning it into a fascinating story is something you will have to learn. Just think what you as a reader would find to be interesting about the topic of your essay

Types of Essay Hooks

Now we finally can discuss the types of essay hooks. There are 14 we can think of but there might be more. You are free to invent a new one as long as it is as effective as the ones we present here.

1. Statistical Fact

Shocking facts on the topic of an essay your audience might not be aware of. Around 25% of dreams blind people have are nightmares compared to only 6% of nightmares others have.

According to the National Soft Drink Association, the annual consumption of soda by the U.S. citizens is 600 cans.

Even though we live in the 21st century, there still are around 3 billions of people living in poverty.

2. Meaningful Advice

Giving your readers a piece of advice is always beneficial. You get their attention and they get some useful information.

Don’t make decisions when you’re angry. Don’t make promises when you’re happy.

Remember you’ll always regret what you didn’t do rather than what you did.

Never make someone a priority who only makes you an option.

3. Contradictory Statement

Writing two facts that contradict each other will definitely attract the attention of your readers.

“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others”. George Orwell

“I must be cruel to be kind.” Hamlet, William Shakespeare

I know one thing; that I know nothing. Socrates

4. Definition

This hook is widely used in scientific papers. You simply give the definition of a term or concept.

A black hole is a place in space where gravity pulls so much that even light can not get out.

Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness).

Altruism is the willingness to do things that bring advantages to others, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself.

5. Strong Statement

Surprise your audience with something they don’t know yet.

In just 10 years we all will be able to have a pet bot with an artificial intelligence.

In the future, the artificial intelligence will learn to write fiction novels and creative posts that will lead to people losing their jobs.

There is a chance that by 2050 human and robot marriages will become quite widespread and legal.

6. Anecdote

Start with a short funny story to break the ice. You can rely on your personal experience or that of someone famous.

It is very helpful when you don’t speak English and call the support department just to hear: “If you understand English, press 1. If you do not understand English, press 2.”

Tolstoy was a great pacifist. He believed that people should not demonstrate any kind of violence towards animals. Once during a lecture, he was asked what one should do if a tiger attacked him on the woods. Tolstoy said, “Do the best you can. It doesn’t happen very often.”

Albert Einstein’s parents were concerned about him not starting to talk when other kids of his age already did. One day, during having a supper, Albert said: “The soup is too hot.” His parents then asked him why had he kept silence up until then. He replied: “Because up to now everything was in order.”

You present two options that are both not quite desirable.

What would you choose to do if your best friend was about to marry someone you definitely know is not loyal? Would you ruin the happiness of your friend revealing the infidelity or let them marry a liar?

You see a man robbing a bank and then donating everything to an orphanage. You have the options of going to police and remaining silent.

If there is a way to save the lives of 4 people by not helping 1 individual to save his, would you do it?

8. Famous Quote

It’s simple. Just paste the quote of a famous person that fits the context.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” – Amelia Earhart

“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” – John Lennon

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

9. Interesting Fact

If there is an exciting piece of information you’ve found during the research stage, turn it into a good hook.

There are more lifeforms on a human skin than there people on the planet.

Otters sleep holding hands.

One of Leonardo da Vinci’s talents was that he could write with one hand and paint with the other simultaneously.

10. First person story

If there is something from your personal life that is relevant to the topic and you would like others to know, make it your essay hook.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to have a telescope more than anything. My family could not afford it so I had to become a scientist and get a job in an observatory.

My grandmother died when I was 21. She was the one who raised me as my parents died in a car accident when I was 6.

I’ve worked in multinational companies and can say that they do not value their employees as much as they should.

A joke or a pun can be a nice introductory sentence.

How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.

Why the storm trooper had to buy an iPhone? Because he could not find the droid he was looking for.

I never make mistakes. I thought I did once but I was wrong.

12. Question

Ask a rhetorical question that fits your topic. It should be one that makes people think and reflect.

What are we all living for on this planet?

What is love?

What is the real meaning of kindness?

13. Metaphor

To paint a picture for a reader, use a metaphor.

Her eyes were like two fireflies mesmerizing me completely.

As it turned out, her promise was a delicate flower.

He was so funny as an abandoned house in the woods with no one around at night.

14. Context

Describe the surroundings of the place you are going to write about to paint a vivid picture in a reader’s mind.

“The public-houses, with gas-lights burning inside, were already open. By degrees, other shops began to be unclosed, and a few scattered people were met with. Then, came straggling groups of labourers going to their work; then, men and women with fish-baskets on their heads; donkey-carts laden with vegetables; chaise-carts filled with livestock or whole carcasses of meat; milk-women with pails; an unbroken concourse of people trudging out with various supplies to the eastern suburbs of the town.” Charles Dickens, “Oliver Twist”

“It was a town of red brick, or of brick that would have been red if the smoke and ashes had allowed it; but as matters stood, it was a town of unnatural red and black … It had a black canal in it, and a river that ran purple with ill-smelling dye, and vast piles of building full of windows where there was a rattling and a trembling all day long, and where the piston of the steam-engine worked monotonously up and down, like the head of an elephant in a state of melancholy madness.” Charles Dickens, “Hard Times”

You can provide your writer with a list of instructions including the sources you want him/her to use while working on your sample essay. It will help the writer to understand your requirements and do everything correctly.

We believe that only the essays with plagiarized content have common ideas and statements your teacher is tired of, probably. That is why our experts only use their own expertise to create non-trivial ideas for your essay.

You can discuss the possibility of faster delivery with the writer of your choice. We understand that circumstances can change and you might need to get your essay earlier. Just note that since you are going to be changing the deadline of your order, its price will increase.

Testimonials

Discipline:, topic title:.

I believe that no good hook can save an essay with boring content. Thank you for making mine so interesting to read. I really like it.

Great essay! I wanted to write something on this novel but could not come up with a suitable topic that has not already been discussed a million times. Thank you for helping me.

I admire the writing talent of my writer! Simply perfect essay! Thank you very much and I will come back soon with a new order.

Very nice service. The support team answered all of the questions and helped me a lot with the payment process. Thanks!

Essay hooks by EduPeet is rated 4.9 /5 based on 57 customer reviews.

Edupeet - write my essay service with .

Home ➔ Essay Structure ➔ Essay Hooks

What is a Hook in an Essay?

Imagine starting your essay with a surprising statistic: “Over 40 million adults in the United States suffer from anxiety each year.” Or perhaps a captivating anecdote: “When I was in high school, I hated running, but one day, after a grueling run, I felt a surge of exhilaration and realized I had come to love it.” These examples illustrate what we call “hooks.”

What is a hook in an essay? A hook is a technique used to seize the reader’s attention, intriguing them and compelling them to read more. Created in myriad ways, a hook usually begins with something fascinating or shocking that prompts the reader to continue. The type of hook you choose often depends on your subject matter.

In this article, we’ll delve into when and why hooks are used and provide various examples to enhance your understanding of essay hooks.

Hook Applications and Usage Outside Essays

The art of crafting a compelling hook isn’t just confined to academic essays. It permeates various realms of writing, each with its unique demand for attracting attention.

In advertising , a well-crafted hook—be it a catchy slogan or an unforgettable jingle—can be the key to imprinting a product or service in the consumer’s mind.

Example: “Picture this: a phone so intuitive, it seems to read your mind.”

In academic writing , a hook at the outset helps set the tone, guiding the reader’s expectations and maintaining their focus. It captivates the reader’s interest and steers them away from potential distractions.

Example: “While the theory of relativity is often associated with the genius of Einstein, few realize the groundbreaking contributions of women scientists to this revolutionary concept.”

Creative writing , with its storytelling essence, employs hooks predominantly. A well-conceived hook at the very beginning of a story can captivate the reader, keeping them engrossed and eager to unravel the narrative.

Example: “It was the kind of morning that made him wonder if God had created the color blue just for this one sky.”

Journalistic writing utilizes hooks to great effect. With readers often skimming headlines and opening lines, a compelling hook is crucial to entice the reader to delve deeper into the article.

Scientific writing , often commencing with the main argument or findings, might seem less inclined to utilize hooks. However, introducing a novel concept or theory through a well-framed hook can engage readers, making them more receptive to complex ideas.

Example: “Imagine a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a curable disease. Recent advancements in gene editing technology are bringing us closer to that reality.”

In sales writing , hooks are indispensable. They serve to grab the reader’s attention, arouse their curiosity, and lead them down the sales funnel, with the ultimate goal of converting them into buyers.

Example: “Tired of feeling drained at the end of your workday? Our ergonomic office chairs are scientifically designed to provide unparalleled comfort and support, boosting your productivity without compromising your health.”

Essay Hooks: Types and Examples

In our exploration of essay hooks, we intentionally bypass mid-text hooks such as cliffhangers , often seen in longer prose and various visual methods that are less relevant to academic essays. Instead, we will delve into ten prevalent types of hooks that can be strategically used in academic writing:

Descriptive Imagery
Intriguing Fact
Literary Devices
Thought-Provoking Musings
Rhetorical or Direct Question
Pertinent Quote
Startling Statistic
Thesis Statement

The choice of an essay hook is contingent on your subject matter and the most effective method to capture your reader’s attention. These hooks are commonly employed across various essay types, including narrative, persuasive , expository , and argumentative writing .

How long should a hook be in an essay?

A hook in an essay should be concise, typically one to two sentences long. Its primary purpose is to pique interest and draw the reader into the main content of the essay, so it should be relevant to the topic and compelling enough to encourage continued reading.

1. Anecdote Hook

An anecdote is a concise, engaging story often used to underscore a key point. Such a hook is ideal for a descriptive or narrative essay where formality is not a primary concern.

Consider an essay on the benefits of exercise. A personal story about your transformation from a reluctant to an avid runner can serve as an effective essay hook. Example:

“High school days saw me donning the track team captain’s armband, running every day not out of love but obligation. Yet one day, amidst the exhaustion, I experienced an unexpected surge of exhilaration. Suddenly, I realized that running wasn’t a chore but a passion.”

2. Analogy Hook

An analogy draws comparisons between two scenarios that share commonalities yet differ in other aspects. This thought-stirring hook can clarify complex concepts or emphasize points effectively.

An analogy for an argumentative essay discussing anxiety can help convey the feeling to the reader. Example:

“Living with anxiety can be akin to being trapped in a pitch-black room. The uncertainty, the isolation—it’s overwhelming. But just as one can fumble for a light switch in a dark room, so too can one navigate through the challenges of anxiety to find relief.”

3. Description Hook

A detailed description can transport your reader into the scene, making it an excellent hook, especially for descriptive essays .

For example, in an essay about a beach vacation, you could vividly imagine the tranquil setting with the following description hook:

“The waves croon a gentle lullaby, coaxing a sense of tranquility. The sun glistens on the water, and the sand, so brilliantly white, might as well be a blanket of snow.”

4. Fact Hook

A captivating fact is a powerful tool to spark interest. For maximum impact, it can be paired with other hook types.

In an argumentative essay discussing anxiety, the use of a fact intertwined with a question and a statistic can engage the reader effectively. Example:

“Did it ever occur to you that anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder in the United States, affecting over 40 million adults annually?”

5. Literary devices as Hooks

Many literary devices can serve as engaging essay hooks. Let’s consider a few prominent ones, followed by corresponding hook examples.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses one thing to represent another. It can be used to grab the reader’s attention and make them think about what you are saying in a new way.

For instance, if your essay tackles the issues surrounding pollution, your metaphorical hook could be:

“Pollution is the invisible cancer slowly gnawing at the vitality of our earth.”

By juxtaposing two seemingly contradictory terms, an oxymoron prompts the reader to rethink their preconceived notions and engage with the text on a deeper level.

Suppose you are addressing the complex topic of gun control in your essay . In that case, you could start with an oxymoronic hook such as:

“The impassioned debate between pro-gun control and pro-gun rights advocates reflects a surprising truth – they both are right in their own ways.”

Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is when the author gives a hint or clue about what will happen later in the story. It can grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

For example, while narrating a personal story in a narrative essay , you could foreshadow the story’s climax with:

“Little did I know that seemingly ordinary day was set to alter the course of my life forever.”

Humor is a great way to grab readers’ attention and make them want to keep reading. But, it should be used sparingly and only when it is appropriate for the tone of the essay.

For instance, in an essay emphasizing the importance of recycling, you could use humor as a hook:

“Do you know the catastrophic consequence of not recycling? Spoiler alert – absolutely nothing… at least not immediately.”

Irony, the twist of expectations, can be a good hook as it provokes readers to challenge their assumptions and encourages critical thinking.

For instance, if your essay discusses issues within the education system, you could start with an ironic statement:

“It’s an ironic paradox that the education system, designed to equip us for real-world challenges, often seems more like an obstacle course distracting us from them.”

A paradox, a seemingly contradictory statement that harbors an underlying truth, can be an intriguing hook, compelling the reader to unravel its hidden meaning.

For instance, in an essay discussing urban life’s trials and tribulations, you could initiate with a paradoxical hook:

“City life, often portrayed as a whirlwind of stress and haste, can paradoxically offer pockets of serenity and exhilaration.”

6. Musing Hook

A musing is a reflective statement usually used to introduce the reader to the writer’s thoughts on a topic. It can be used as a strong essay hook to engage the reader and make them think about their own opinions on the topic.

For instance, in an essay on the significance of family, you might muse:

“Sometimes, I find myself questioning if we, as a society, overemphasize the importance of family ties.”

7. Question Hook

A well-placed question, either straightforward or rhetorical, can stimulate the reader’s curiosity and thought process. A question hook is often used in academic writing to make a point or start an argument.

For example, if you were writing an essay about the problems with pollution, you could start with a straightforward question such as:

“What are the causes of pollution?”

You could also use a rhetorical question, which is a question that doesn’t require an answer.

For example, if you were writing an essay about the importance of education, you could start with a rhetorical question such as:

“Can we genuinely hope to resolve the world’s dilemmas without prioritizing education for our youth?”

8. Quote Hook

Incorporating a well-chosen quote from an influential figure or a pertinent literary passage can serve as a good hook to pique the reader’s curiosity. A quotation hook is often used in academic writing to make a point or provide evidence for an argument.

For example, if you were writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could start with a quote such as:

“Exercise is the miracle cure we’ve always had, but for too long we’ve neglected to take our recommended dose,” – an NHS statement.

Using a quote as a hook is considered a bit cliche , so make sure it fits well within the concept of your essay and avoid common inspirational fluff by famous people.

Note: If you want to learn more about using quotations in essays, you can read our guide: How to Introduce a Quote

9. Statistic Hook

You can use a surprising statistic hook to grab readers’ attention and make them want to know more. Or, you can try to find a hardly known statistic that sheds new light on the subject.

For example, if your essay is about the benefits of physical activity, you could start with a statistic like this:

“Did you know? Regular exercise can lower your risk of heart disease by as much as 50%.”

10. Thesis Hook

While a thesis statement is typically found at the end of an introduction, it can also make for a good hook if used as the opening sentence. Boldly stating your viewpoint can spark interest, encouraging your reader to either challenge your stance or continue reading to understand your argument better.

The primary purpose of a thesis statement is not to act as a hook, but it can certainly be crafted in an engaging way that catches the reader’s attention. For example, by making your thesis statement provocative, surprising, or counterintuitive, you can pique the reader’s interest.

For example, if you were writing a persuasive essay against capital punishment, you could start with a powerful assertion like:

“It’s time to admit it: The death penalty is a brutal, outdated method of punishment that has no place in our society.”

Transitioning from the Hook to the Main Part of the Essay

Successfully transitioning from the hook to the main part of your essay can be daunting for many students. However, it’s crucial for maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative. Here’s how you can effectively bridge your hook and the main body of your essay :

Create a Link: The hook and the main body of your essay should not stand as two isolated components. Instead, they should flow into each other seamlessly. One effective strategy is to extend the idea or concept introduced in your hook into the first few sentences of the main body. This way, you are creating a natural link that guides the reader from the attention-grabbing hook into the substance of your essay.
Contextualize: After presenting the hook, provide some context that will lead the reader into the main part of your essay. For instance, if you’ve used a quote or a statistic as a hook, you could present some background information or explain its relevance to your topic. This will help the reader understand why you chose that particular hook and how it connects to the main idea of your essay.
Use a Transition Sentence: A transition sentence can help you move smoothly from your hook to the thesis statement or the main idea of your essay. It should be designed to maintain the reader’s interest while steering the narrative toward your main argument or your point.
Maintain Consistency in Tone and Style: It’s essential to ensure that your hook matches the tone and style of your essay. If your essay is academic, a serious, fact-based hook would work best, while a narrative or personal essay might benefit from a more creative or anecdotal hook. Maintaining a consistent tone will prevent the reader from getting disoriented and help keep their engagement throughout the essay.

Transition Example

Let’s consider an essay on climate change:

Hook: “Imagine a world where summer never ends, where fires burn unchecked, and where hurricanes become a common occurrence. That’s not a dystopian novel—it’s our future if we don’t act on climate change.”
Link: “While this might sound extreme, scientific studies on global warming present a very similar picture, painting a grim forecast for the Earth’s future.”
“The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in their latest report, has revealed that our planet’s temperature has been rising at an alarming rate.”
“Understanding the severity of this situation is fundamental to recognizing the urgency of immediate action.”
The tone of the essay is serious and academic, matching the urgency and gravity of the hook. The transition from the hook to the essay’s main body maintains this tone, ensuring a smooth flow and sustained reader engagement.

The main part of your essay can then delve into the specific consequences of climate change, what actions are needed, and why there is an urgent need for these actions.

Remember, a hook is more than just a gimmick to grab the reader’s attention; it’s an integral part of your essay that sets the stage for what’s to come. Making sure there is a smooth transition from the hook to the main part of your essay will help establish a good flow, keep your reader engaged, and enhance the overall readability of your essay.

Selecting the Perfect Hook for Your Essay

The process of choosing a good hook for your essay necessitates careful consideration of a few key factors:

Identify Your Key Message: Your essay’s central theme or argument should guide your choice of a hook. Understanding what you want to communicate to your readers is essential. Are you arguing a specific point of view, narrating a personal experience, or explaining a concept? Once you’ve established your essay’s main message, you can then pick a good hook that aligns with it.
Understand Your Audience: Your audience’s interests, knowledge level, and expectations should also influence your choice of a hook. What kind of information would they find intriguing or valuable? What type of hook would resonate with them the most? For instance, if you’re writing for a scholarly audience, a striking statistic or a relevant quote from an expert might be an effective hook. On the other hand, a personal anecdote or a provocative question could be more appropriate for a more general audience.
Consider Your Essay’s Tone: The overall tone of your essay is another important factor to consider when choosing your hook. If your essay is an academic piece that argues a point, a fact, quote, or statistic may be most fitting. However, if your essay is a personal narrative or a piece meant to entertain, a joke, anecdote, or some creative imagery might make for a better hook.
Suitability and Relevance: Finally, the hook you choose must be relevant and suitable for your essay. It should not only grab the reader’s attention but also guide them into the main topic of your essay in a natural and smooth way. Using a dramatic hook only to switch to a mundane topic can leave the reader feeling confused and cheated, and such an abrupt transition can disrupt the flow of your writing.

Remember, the primary purpose of your hook is to capture your reader’s attention and entice them to read further. So, take the time to brainstorm and choose a good hook that aligns with your essay’s purpose and tone and piques your reader’s curiosity.

What should be the length of a hook in an essay?

The optimal length of a hook can be elusive as it is largely influenced by the nature of your essay and the intended function of the hook. A reliable guideline is to aim for brevity—your hook should ideally be between one to three sentences. Although exceptions exist, it is generally advantageous to err on the side of conciseness. A short, impactful hook is always preferable to a drawn-out one that risks losing the reader’s interest.

Is a hook always the first sentence?

While a hook is typically the first sentence (or sentences) of an essay, its placement is not strictly defined. The primary function of a hook is to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the essay, and this is often most effectively achieved at the very beginning.

However, in some cases, a hook may come after a brief introduction or background information. The hook can be a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a vivid description that comes after setting up some context.

For instance, in an essay discussing a historical event, you might start by providing some basic information about the event and then introduce a hook that presents an intriguing fact or perspective about that event to pique the reader’s interest.

St. Louis Community College – Hooking Your Reader
Las Positas College – Hooks and Grabbers
Converse ISL – Beginning an Essay with an Effective Hook

Was this article helpful?

How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

Yona Schnitzer

Blank screen. Cursor blinks. Clock ticks. Brain freezes.

You stressfully wonder, “How will I ever finish this essay?”

I’ve been there.

Every time you write an essay, you want to catch your readers’ undivided attention from the very first word. The opening hook has to be *perfect* — no compromises.

But, instead of reeling under pressure to come up with this elusively perfect essay hook at the eleventh hour, I’ve found a better way to write great essay hooks.

In this guide, I’ll tell you what it takes to write the most compelling and attention-grabbing hooks. I’ll also break down six awesome types of essay hooks you can experiment with and share examples to inspire your next opening statement.

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening statement of an essay, written to capture readers' attention and nudge them to learn more about the topic. Also known as a lede or lead, this hook introduces readers to the topic/theme of the essay and piques their curiosity to continue reading.

The hook creates the entire narrative for your essay. It tells readers what to expect from the rest of the essay and creates context around your main argument or thesis statement.

6 Types of Essay Hooks You Can Experiment With

I’ve created this handy list of six different types of essay hooks. You can choose the one that best fits your essay’s context and create a stellar opening statement within minutes.

1. Compelling fact or statistic

Lead with evidence and use a powerful fact or statistic as your essay hook. It’s one of the best ways to capture readers’ attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout your essay.

For example, if you’re writing about the importance of time management for freelancers, you have two options to create your opening sentence:

Generic : “Managing time as a freelancer is no easy feat.”

Impactful : “Nearly 70% of freelancers struggle to effectively divide and manage their time between multiple clients.”

This data point, linked to the original research, sets a strong tone for your essay and draws people in to read more. It communicates

Find a shocking statistic with AI

Finding relevant statistics for any topic is one of the hardest parts of the job.

But you don't have to spend hours looking for these data points anymore. Wordtune can do this heavy lifting for you in three easy steps.

Open the Wordtune editor and add your essay title.
Type in any content you've written, click on 'Add spice,' and select the 'Expand on' option.
Write 'statistics,' and Wordtune will add relevant data points to your content.

2. Bold claim hook

When working on an argumentative essay , I always write with the mindset that nobody has the time to read my thoughts from start to finish. So, I have to get to the point quickly and make a solid argument worth people’s time.

That's when opening with a bold claim works best. Condense all your views on the topic into a few thought-provoking lines that would make readers go, hmmm…

But remember, you can't open with a claim that people already know and accept as fact. It has to be something original and unique to make your readers tick, nudging them to dive deeper into your essay.

For example, if you’re writing about water crisis, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ "In some regions, there is not enough clean water for people to use."

‍ "Imagine a world where every drop of water is a battle, a precious commodity fought over by scores of people and animals alike. This can become a reality as early as 2050."

This bold claim presents a convincing argument about the global water crisis. It also emphasizes the urgency of this argument with a research-backed statistic.

Create a bold claim suggestion using AI

Can’t think of a strong opening sentence for your essay? Wordtune can translate your thoughts into a bold claim and create a compelling essay hook.

Open your Wordtune editor and write a few lines related to your topic. These sentences should have a consensus among your audience. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' option from the list of suggestions.

And you’ll have a bold claim for your essay with no effort at all!

3. Story/Anecdote hook

In all my years of writing, I’ve noticed how stories have a unique effect on people. A good story can resonate with a bigger audience, pique their curiosity, and deliver a more personal message.

That's why you can cite a personal anecdote or talk about a publicly known story as a good hook for your essay. This hook allows you to play with words and work in more storytelling .

One of my favorite writing tips applies here: enter the scene as late as possible and leave as early as possible. You have to keep it crisp instead of rambling on and on.

Consider these two examples:

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place. But if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t stray into irrelevant details.

Create a compelling story with AI

I get it—not all of us are natural storytellers. But you can use AI to your advantage to create a concise and exciting story for your essay.

Wordtune can help you write a short story from scratch or trim down your writing into a quick anecdote. Click on the expand or shorten button to edit your story any way you like.

4. Question Hook

Humans have a tendency to immediately look for answers every time they come across fascinating questions. Using questions as essay hooks can reel people into your essay and feed their curiosity.

But questions are also fairly overused in essays. You don't want to use a generic question that makes people say, " Not another question ."

Instead, think of questions that approach your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research—and maybe even brainstorming different questions to find the most fascinating one.

For example, if you’re writing about the psychology behind why we buy, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ “Do you know what factors compel us to buy certain things?”

Plugged in :

“Before buying anything, have you ever taken a moment to pause and think about possible reasons driving you to this purchase?”

The latter is more descriptive and creates a realistic scenario for readers to truly think about the topic of the essay.

5. Description hook

A descriptive hook works best when writing an explanatory or opinion-led essay. Descriptive hooks, as the name suggests, illustrate a topic in detail to create context for the essay. It's a good way to build awareness for and educate readers on lesser-known themes.

But a descriptive hook can easily become too plain or unexciting to read. To make it work, you have to write an engaging description using imagery, analogies, and other figures of speech.

Remember to make your hook reader-friendly by avoiding passive voice, mainstream cliches, and lengthy sentences.

Consider this example:

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn't be shocking or unexpected, so scratch that one, too.

This example creates something unique by using analogies to describe the color of the sky and painting a beautiful picture.

Write a gripping description with AI

Writing an exciting hook for a boring topic is more challenging than it looks. But Wordtune makes it a breeze with just two steps:

Open the Wordtune editor and write your essay topic.
Click on Explain or Emphasize and let it work its magic.

You can also change the tone of voice to make the text more in tune with your theme.

6. Metaphor hook

One of my favorite essay hooks is to open with a persuasive metaphor to contextualize the topic. Metaphors can help you approach the topic from a completely different lens and wow your readers with interesting insight.

Metaphors are also super versatile to make your writing more impactful. You can write a one-line metaphor or create a scenario comparing one thing to another and linking it to your topic.

For example, if you’re writing about the experience of working at a startup, you can open your essay with these two options:

Short & sweet: "Joining a startup is like strapping into a rollercoaster: be ready to witness thrilling highs and sinking drops."

Long & descriptive : “Picture a small sailboat navigating the unpredictable winds and tides in a vast ocean. That’s a startup operating in a massive market. And with the right vision, this journey is filled with risks and rewards.”

Create a convincing metaphor with AI

Writing good metaphors takes up a lot of creative brain power. You can always use Wordtune to find some extra inspiration if you're out of creative ideas.

Type your opening line in the Wordtune editor and click on the 'Give an analogy' option. You can ask for as many suggestions as you want till you find the best one!

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay sharing your thoughts on a topic, you need to nail down a few things before you settle on the first line for your essay.

‍ Let me break them down for you.

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of your topic

Before you start writing your essay, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to become a subject matter expert overnight. But you do need to research the topic inside out

Your research will help you:

Narrow your focus
Build an argument
Shape the narrative

Your research insights determine your essay’s structure and guide your choice of hook.

After organizing your research in a neat outline, think to yourself: ‍Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

⚡ ‍ Take action: After finishing your research, review your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything compelling enough to be a good lead.

2. Type of essay

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece.

A serious argumentative essay can start with a shocking statistic or a bold claim. And an expository essay can open with a descriptive hook while a metaphor hook would work best for a narrative essay.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn't fit the type of essay you're writing, whether it's persuasive , argumentative, or any other type.

3. Audience and tone

A best practice I often share with writers is to think of one reader and keep yourself in their shoes . This exercise can tell you so much about your audience — what kind of tone they like, what matters the most to them, what topics interest them, and so on.

You can use these insights to create a compelling essay hook. Here’s how:

For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.
A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.
‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

4. Length of essay

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing over 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy.

Readers are expecting a quick read, and they don’t want to spend five minutes only going through the introduction.

In contrast, you can approach a longer essay — like a senior thesis or a term paper — with a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

⚡ ‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks

I’ve read hundreds of essays — enough to recognize lazy writing from the first few words. It’s equally easy for readers to discard your essays as ‘poorly written’ just by reading the first line.

So, I made a list of three types of essay hooks you want to avoid at all costs because these hooks can only disappoint your readers.

1. Quotations

Quotes are probably the most overused type of hook in any form of writing. What's even worse is rinsing and repeating the same old quotes from Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela in your essays.

No matter how powerful a quote sounds, you shouldn’t slap it at the opening of your essay. It doesn’t give readers the excitement of reading something original and looks lazy.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on productivity, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work” – Stephen King

Did you know that consuming 100 gms of sugar can slash your productivity levels by over 50% in a day?

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a hook as "a thing designed to catch people's attention."

If I opened my article with this dictionary definition of a hook, you’d have either dozed off or left this page long back to find something more interesting.

Here's the thing: definitions put people to sleep. Readers don't want to see a formal, jargon-heavy definition of a topic as the very first line of an essay. Your opening statement should have some personality in it to show readers they're in for an exciting read.

For example, if you’re writing about happy hormones, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Happy hormones are known to boost the happiness levels in your body by creating positive feelings.

Ever wondered why cat videos make you instantly happy, and ice creams give you an extra dose of energy? It's all about how happy hormones control our brain chemistry.

3. “Imagine this”

Opening your essay with "Imagine this" used to be an interesting way to put your readers in a scenario and set the context for your essay. But now, it's far too cliched and just another lazy attempt to write an essay hook.

You can create a relatable scenario for users without asking them to imagine or picture it. Use the descriptive hook format with an interesting choice of words to convey the same ideas more creatively.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on preparing for higher studies abroad, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Imagine this: You’ve been applying to multiple universities, writing SOPs, and preparing for exams without guidance. Everything can go south any minute.

College application season is officially here. But with each passing day, you’re under more and more stress to apply to your chosen colleges and tick all the items off your list.

‍Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

This opening statement can make or break your entire essay. While I’ve broken down my best tips to create the best essay hooks, here’s a surefire way to write compelling openings :

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece.

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you?

Did that fact surprise you in the research stage?

Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction.

And that’s exactly what you want.

Share This Article:

8 Tips for E-commerce Copywriting Success (with Examples!)

The Brand Strategy Deck You Need to Drive Social Media Results + 5 Examples

Grammarly Alternatives: Which Writing Assistant is the Best Choice for You?

Looking for fresh content, thank you your submission has been received.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

7 Good Hooks for Essays – with College Essay Examples

July 17, 2024

Good Hooks for Essays with College Essay Examples — we begin with an example…

I felt a bead of sweat drip down my cheek as I stared at the blank document, ready to begin my first college essay. I wanted to type something, but my fingers sat still as though I’d forgotten how to use a keyboard. How do start?

Perhaps you can relate to this image. As it turns out, imagery itself could solve the problem for this writer.

As you write your college essays you should aim to engage your readers from the very first sentence. Why is this important? While college admissions officers may have already peered at your grades and activity lists, your essay is their first opportunity to get a sense of your unique personality. While you should avoid overloading your essay with complex metaphors and statistics (this could make you seem disorganized, insincere, or snobbish), a slightly unconventional or surprising start to the essay can work wonders.

We advise applicants to strengthen their college essays by beginning with hooks , or statements that pull in the attention of readers. Great hooks often come in the form of images, questions, strong declarations, and more. Continue reading for 7 types of great hooks for college essays, as well as college essay hook examples for each.

Good Hooks for Essays with College Essay Examples

1) tell a story.

This one is a personal favorite. A story hook involves beginning with a short anecdote related to your essay topic. Connecting your topic to a story is a great way to make your essay more exciting and memorable overall. With this hook type, it’s important that your story connects to your essay topic. It’s also important that it doesn’t become too long or unwieldy (a strong story can often be told in 1-3 sentences). Regardless, a story hook will likely be a bit longer than the other hooks you might use.

Example 1: I would spend my Sundays strolling through the aisles of the fabric store, touching various laces and chiffons. I was fascinated by the colors and textures, inspired to create something, though I had no clue how to do so without some kind of unattainable expertise. One Sunday in early autumn, I met the woman who would teach me how to sew, leading me on the path to becoming a costume designer for our school plays.

(Through this story, the applicant appeals to the reader’s senses and successfully prepares for a discussion about their sewing and costume design experience).

Example 2: As we picked up trash along the trail, reaching for sharp bottle caps and sticky candy wrappers glimmering in the sunlight, I thought about how each one of these remnants could end up in the world’s oceans. My summer of volunteering at the state park confirmed my interest in pursuing environmental science.

(This story hook perfectly sets up a college essay about one’s community service experience and passion for environmental science).

Good Hooks for Essays with College Essay Examples (Continued)

2) describe something interesting.

Similar to the story hook, the description hook draws in readers by recounting a vivid scene, which may or may not feed into a longer story. Used frequently in many types of writing, the point of the description is to develop intrigue, making readers curious to know more.

Example 1: Rain poured down as I sat in the car, hearing only loud thumps against the windshield. The sky was darkening and my phone had almost completely lost signal. With nowhere to go and no one to call, I came to a realization.

(Playing off of the “ it was a dark and stormy night ” trope, this application writer develops intrigue by describing a lonely, rainy, and possibly frightening atmosphere).

Example 2: My grandmother’s homemade blintzes were always warm and cloud-like, with soft and sweet cheese oozing from their edges. Nobody in the family could make blintzes like she could. With each bite, I imagined her grandmother making them for her, and more generally, her life in Poland before she immigrated to the United States.

(Describing a familiar recipe or family tradition is a great way to lead into a discussion of one’s culture and identity).

3) Ask a thought-provoking question

You might also begin by asking a question related to your essay topic. Asking an interesting question, especially one that the reader may not have thought of, commonly leads to a desire to continue reading for the answer. This can be a rhetorical question (one that lends itself to an obvious answer, often used to make a point) or a genuine question (one you are sincerely asking yourself or someone else).

Example 1: Who wouldn’t want to be a Broadway star?

(This rhetorical question could begin an essay about an applicant who yearns to be onstage and pursue theater in college, or who once desired to act on stage but now wants to apply their theater background to a psychology major. Though of course not everyone wants to be a Broadway star, the rhetorical framing reveals the author’s perspective).

Example 2: When is it okay to eat animals?

(This genuine question could begin an essay about an applicant who grapples with the food industry, perhaps one who works or grew up on a farm or in the food service industry).

4) Make a declaration

If you’re writing about a topic that you feel strongly about, you may start with a declarative statement. Perhaps this statement is widely agreed upon, or maybe it’s more of a “hot take” (a controversial opinion that your reader could disagree with). Either way, you should support this statement as the essay unfolds. This hook is strongest when short and concise.

Example 1: In most situations, it’s far better to listen than to speak.

(This declaration sets the stage for discussing the skill of listening, perhaps a situation in which listening skills came in handy for the college applicant).

Example 2: Reality TV offers crucial life lessons.

(This is an example of a more surprising “hot take,” since readers may not expect to hear that important life lessons can be learned from seemingly-frivolous reality TV. If supported thoughtfully, this hook can demonstrate the applicant’s confidence and humor).

5) Quote someone

Similar to declarations, quotes are often used because they are powerful, succinct, and eye-catching. Additionally, their familiarity or trustworthiness can add credibility to a college essay. Strong quotes can come from a variety of sources, from famous scientists, to politicians, to favorite high school teachers, to a book or film characters. Quotes can be moving, inspirational, thought-provoking, or funny, so long as they connect clearly to your essay topic.

Example 1: Author, poet, and Civil Rights Movement activist Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

(This famous quote by an important literary figure is perfect for setting up a discussion on the importance of doing good deeds or treating others with kindness).

Example 2: “The road to success is always under construction,” stated actress and comedian Lily Tomlin .

(If you’d like to give your essay a humorous edge, why not quote a comedian? This quote hook might introduce an essay that describes some bumps in the road along the way to success).

6) Give a surprising fact or statistic

Especially if your essay discusses scientific issues, social phenomena, or current events, it can be interesting to begin with a fact that the reader may not already know. Whether or not your fact contains statistics, it’s important to make sure the information comes from a credible source (which you should cite). You might visit The Pew Research Center , or a reputable newspaper or magazine such as The New York Times , The Guardian , or National Geographic . As with other types of hooks, make sure your fact connects to the rest of your essay and your life (your college essay should primarily be about your own identity and interests, as much as you might find it interesting to discuss a current event or political issue).

Example 1: Though women outnumber men in the U.S. college-educated workforce, they only make up about a third of workers in the country’s 10 highest-paying jobs ( Pew Research Center ).

(An applicant using this hook might continue on to discuss how they have dedicated themselves to feminist issues and plan to continue doing so in college).

Example 2: More than 40% of plastic is only used once, before being tossed ( National Geographic ).

(An applicant might be introducing an essay about starting an initiative at school to reduce plastic waste).

7) Name a common misconception

The common misconception hook challenges readers to rethink an assumption, or something commonly taken for granted. This can be an intriguing start to a college essay, while also demonstrating the writer’s capacity to reflect and think critically.

Example 1: Many believe that meditation is about emptying the mind, getting rid of all thoughts in order to find an ultimate state of calm. However, I’ve come to understand that it’s actually about focusing on the present.

(This would be a great way to begin an essay about how and why someone began meditating, and what the practice has taught them over the years).

Example 2: While people commonly associate “being intelligent” with having a wealth of facts memorized, being able to quickly complete math problems or memorize SAT words, a theory demonstrates that humans actually have 8 types of intelligence, including spatial intelligence and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence ( CNBC ).

(This applicant might go on to discuss spatial and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, and what they have learned from practicing volleyball and modern dance).

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

2-Year Colleges
ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Data Visualizations
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High School Success
High Schools
Homeschool Resources
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Outdoor Adventure
Private High School Spotlight
Research Programs
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Teacher Tools
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.