How to Write a hook: Step-by-Step Guide
Tips on How To Write an Essay Hook
A hook can be a curved metal, designed to catch a fish. The same design can be used for hanging things. (Picture hook may not have sentimental value, but imagine a world without it.) The same thing applies to catching people's attention. (Sales hook will be one of those things.) A similar concept also applies to a literary hook. Let's simply call it hook.
Hook refers to the first two sentences of a student's essay, which doesn't reveal what the written material is all about. A teacher may be the only one reading it (and marking it), but the very beginning will indicate if that paper is worth reading at all. It can be a blow to your ego if it's not good enough. (And it doesn't matter if you have a literary aspiration or not.) This definition differentiates an essay from a news article, where the summary of the story is summed up in the first paragraph (or the first sentence). On the other hand, a hook can be similar to a catchy quote on the very first page of the very first chapter of a novel. ("All children, except one, grow up," is the opening line of "Peter Pan". It didn't come from Captain Hook, though.)
There are good reasons to write a (good) hook. Your efforts won't go to waste. You are guaranteed a good mark (from your teacher). You can be certain of mastering one particular aspect in literature, which would be teasing your readers from the very beginning. ("Pride and Prejudice" may not be long, but you'll be able to figure out what Jane Austen's classic is all about after reading the opening line several times. You only need to read the rest of the book if you want to know the details.) Let's use these ideas as references later.
There are several ways to write a hook: Tell a short story, which will provide a background to your essay; ask a question; and quote (and unquote) a memorable line from a book (or a public figure).
Tips on How To Write an Essay Hook
You're writing an essay, not fiction. A short story (or a very short story) will set the tone for your paper. It must be one paragraph. If you think it will be a huge mistake to exclude vital information, then add another paragraph. It better be special, though. You want your readers to be interested in what you have written, but it will be quantity over quality at this point. Less is more, a sensible thing to do in paper writing. Some would point out that an essay of two thousand words won't be short. It's not hard to imagine the hook comprising one fifth of the total word count.
Don't ask any questions. You're about to tread on a slippery slope, as you don't ask your readers on anything. It should be related to the topic. It shouldn't be too general (or vague). It must not put off your readers. The last one might confuse you, as you think about the possible range of queries (to ask your readers). It must be something that they can understand right away. It should be a subject matter that will tug their hearts, if not prompt them to react to it. It can be amusing, which hooks them in an instant.
Quotes can be good if you use them right. If it doesn't relate to your essay, then there's no point in including it. This can take your time, and you may not have the luxury of (free) time. It will be better to recall a line from your favorite book, assuming that it will be related to the topic. You may or may not discuss it, as you don't have any obligation to spoon feed your readers. (In other words, let them conclude for themselves. After all, the author loses control of his/her written works once it's done.)
Here's a Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Hook
Take your time in coming up with your hook. It will be best if you can figure it out in an instant, but you need idle time for that Eureka moment. When you're able to think of one, come back to it later. It's not yet final (until you submit your essay to your teacher). A change of mind can be a good thing especially if you have to give your scholarly opinion on a particular piece.
Proofreading is the only way to write a concise hook. Write your draft without paying attention to details. Proofreading will shorten it, if not modify certain parts. All text must pass critical eyes, so don't be pressured of writing the perfect hook on your first attempt.
You must prepare yourself for the arduous task. You must choose the best time (of the day) when you're at your sharpest. Most authors prefer night time, but you can write during the day. (If the noise stimulates you, then no one is stopping you.) Don't ever lose sleep, as it can affect your concentration. Lastly, distract yourself as frequently as possible. It's the only way to keep you away from mental fatigue.
