Writing an Essay Hook

Your introduction should lead up to and end in a topic sentence or essay question. This post is specifically designed for students at FOSBOS in Bavaria, who are expected to conclude their introductions with a well-formulated essay question.

You should start your introduction with an essay hook. A hook is typically the first one to three sentences of your introduction that catch the reader’s attention and compels them to continue reading.

Your essay hook should NOT provide an answer to your essay question before it has been posed. The hook should rather make your reader ask the essay question before you ask it or it should make clear why trying to answer your essay question would be worthwile.

The transition from your hook to the essay question is important. Often students write “This raises the question of whether …” when it is not clear how the essay question follows from the essay hook. When crafting your hook, ensure you understand how it connects to the essay question, and articulate that connection clearly.

Here are several types of essay hooks you might consider using:

1. (Rhetorical Questions: Pose a thought-provoking question to engage the reader. I recommend using this type of hook with caution. If you start with a rhetorical question, you may end up presenting two questions in a row - first the hook, then the essay question — which can disrupt the flow of your introduction.)

2. Fact/Statistic: Present a surprising fact or statistic.

3. Quote: Use a relevant quote from a notable figure.

4. Anecdote: Share a brief personal story or experience.

5. Description: Paint a vivid picture of a scene or situation.

6. Common Misconception: Address a widely held belief that you intend to challenge in your essay.

Further reading with examples

For level B1 and above, I recommend the following blog post: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/writing-tips/how-to-write-a-hook/