Can you start a hook off with a question?
A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.
Hooks that create questions in the reader's mind are the easiest kind to come up with. Does what you've written make the reader ask: who, how, what, where, why, or what's going on? Then you've threaded in a Raising Question hook. Readers read to get their questions answered, so this is a powerful hook.
The Interesting Question Hook
An interesting question hook is when you ask a question that relates to your essay or paper. And the only way a person can know the answer to that question is by reading your writing. People are inquisitive. When we hear or read a question we want to know the answer.
Open your essay with a question
Questions are nice essay introductions because they ask the reader to think about your topic. Engaging your reader is the goal of your opening essay paragraph: if they are not engaged right out of the gate, the rest of your essay, no matter how well-written will feel boring.
- I lost my arm on my last trip home. ...
- A screaming comes across the sky. ...
- It began the usual way, in the bathroom of the Lassimo Hotel. ...
- Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress. ...
- We slept in what once had been the gymnasium. ...
- It was love at first sight.
- Writing Hook #1: The Startling Statement. A good hook is sometimes something that is completely unexpected. ...
- Writing Hook #2: The Anecdote Memoir. ...
- Writing Hook #3: The Inspirational Quote. ...
- Writing Hook #4: The Rhetorical Question. ...
- Writing Hook #5: Shocking Statistics. ...
- Writing Hook #6: The Musing.
- 5 Types of Hooks to Grab Readers' Attention. “The best writers hook their readers with voice, not just action.” — Stephen King. ...
- Rhetorical question. ...
- Provocative or strong statement. ...
- Shocking fact or statistic. ...
- Story or personal experience. ...
- Quotation.
- Question Hook. Questions are good attention grabbers. ...
- Anecdotal Start for your Essay. ...
- Quotations as Essay Attention Grabbers. ...
- Statistical Facts as Hooks. ...
- Statement or Declaration Hook. ...
- Descriptive Starting. ...
- Metaphorical Attention Grabbers.
A hook is typically the first one or two sentences of an essay or article that is designed to grab the reader's attention.
One of the most common hook ideas is to start with a rhetorical question. Better still, start with a series of rhetorical questions. An excellent example of this tactic is Simon Sinek's TED presentation on how great leaders can inspire action. He begins with: "How do you explain when things don't go as we assumed?
What are the hook words?
What are hook words? Hook words in Scrabble and Words with Friends are words formed from another word by prepending or appending a single letter to it. The fastest way to do so is by creating the pluralized version of the word (e.g. hook -> hooks).
Start with Quotations
You can use two types of quotes here: literary citations and inspirational quotes from famous people or influencers in the field. A literary quote would be a perfect hook for your application essay, while quoting influencers helps to support an argument you represent in your paper.

Method | Example |
---|---|
Interesting question | “Have you ever wondered why traffic backs up on roads with no stops?” |
Interesting question | “Why do toddlers cause so much grief for parents?” |
Interesting question | “What if I told you the Earth has an unlimited amount of energy resources?” |
The first one or two sentences of an introduction should directly address the question with a statement outlining your position regarding the topic. Using the terminology of the question helps to keep the statement focussed and ensures that you have not misinterpreted or misrepresented it.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? When you die, what do you want to be remembered for? What is your favorite item you've bought this year? What would be the most surprising scientific discovery imaginable?
Powerful paragraphs: Start with a question and answer it immediately. Asking a question in the first line of a paragraph grabs readers' attention and sets up your point. Using an immediate, direct answer to make your point demonstrates a firm stance, emphasized by the confidence of a fragment.
A hook is a short piece of information provided at the very beginning of an essay and is aimed to attract and hold readers' attention. Usually, it is no longer than 1-2 sentences, but it should be so intriguing, interesting, or impressive that readers naturally end up wanting to know more and read further.
The attention grabber, also known as a “hook”, is the first sentence that the reader will see, and its purpose is to grab the reader's attention. A few common attention grabbers are: - A short, meaningful quote that relates to your topic. - Think of a quote that interested you during your research.
Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”
The most popular hook is an EWG Worm Hook, and the most common sizes range in 2/0-4/0. Use a 3/0 EWG Worm Hook for the majority of soft plastic Bass baits. Round Bend Worm Hooks are also a popular option and are often used in more finesse situations rigged with slender plastic worms.
What is a good hook strategy?
A good introductory paragraph is between 4-7 sentences in length, begins with a hook strategy (quote, unusual fact/statistic, thoughtful, relevant questions, or a personal story), and ends with a clear thesis statement.
- Identify the main point in your piece of writing. Think about the overall topic for your writing. ...
- Write a sentence that connects to your main idea with a what and a why. ...
- Use the sentence you created as an opening statement. ...
- Create the first sentence in each supporting paragraph.
A few of these hook examples would be bait, treble, circle, octopus, worm and jigheads. This tackle tip outlines the most popular and common fishing hooks that cover most of the fishing styles, waters and species. 1 – Bait Hook. 2 – Narrow Bait Hook. 3 – Jig Hook.
I hooked the door shut. The dress hooks in the back. The two parts hooked together. He hooked a large fish.
Good topic sentences usually include a “hook,” or something that makes people want to read more.
- Start with the unexpected. Start with a bang, not a whimper. ...
- Make it about them. ...
- Keep it concrete at the start. ...
- Keep it moving. ...
- Get to the point. ...
- Arouse emotion. ...
- Keep it interactive. ...
- Write clear headlines.
Attention-getters can include references to the audience, quotations, references to current events, historical references, anecdotes, startling statements, questions, humor, personal references, and references to the occasion.
- Advice. Words of advice that will make an impact on your reader. ...
- Anecdote. A short and amusing story about an incident or a person, usually famous. ...
- Bold Statement. A statement or assertion that arouses an opinion or response from your reader. ...
- Dilemma. ...
- Fact. ...
- Famous Quote. ...
- Question. ...
- Statistic.
Used at the beginning of a sentence, these words signal to you that a sentence opener follows: After, Although, As, Because, Before, If, Since, Unless, Until, When, While. Place a comma here, not a period.
It's a two-in-one formula: I grab the attention of my audience, then I get straight to the point. After a “question” hook, you can let your audience respond to you. Except if there are too many of them or if you want to respond for yourself. In this instance, it's a rhetorical question.
How do you make a hook in a conversation?
- Use a contrarian approach. ...
- Ask a series of rhetorical questions. ...
- Deliver a compelling sound bite. ...
- Make a startling assertion. ...
- Provide a reference to a historical event. ...
- Use the word imagine. ...
- Add a little show business. ...
- Arouse curiosity.
- Keep your hooks melodically simple. Your audience most likely won't be able to remember a complicated modal jazz run! ...
- Use relatable lyrics that mean something to everyone. ...
- Repeat the hook. ...
- Hook vs chorus. ...
- Sample and chop your hook. ...
- Combine genres. ...
- Use an instrumental hook. ...
- Write an anthem.
Hook Readers
When you begin with a rhetorical question, you make the reader reflect and give an indication of where you are headed with the essay. Instead of starting your essay with a dull, boring statement, posing a question to make a point is a lot more striking.
Use “can,” “could,” or “would” when you make a request. Leading right away with a question word, like “who,” “what,” “why,” “where,” or “how,” might make your question sound rude or demanding. Ease into the question with one of these words instead so it sounds a little more polite when you're asking for information.
What are hook words? Hook words in Scrabble and Words with Friends are words formed from another word by prepending or appending a single letter to it. The fastest way to do so is by creating the pluralized version of the word (e.g. hook -> hooks).
A hook is typically the first one or two sentences of an essay or article that is designed to grab the reader's attention.
Opening lines that introduce an important event without providing specifics, such as "And then, after six years, she saw him again." from Katherine Mansfield's A Dill Pickle, pique the reader's curiosity and encourage the reader to discover the answers later in the work.
- Begin with one or more questions that grab the reader's attention. ...
- Begin with a startling statistic (number evidence) or unusual fact. ...
- Begin with a quote from an expert in the field or experienced person. ...
- Begin with a short anecdote (story)
- Engage the audience. ...
- Personalise your questions. ...
- Persuade the audience. ...
- Evoke emotions. ...
- Emphasise a statement. ...
- Predict the audiences questions. ...
- Answer questions with questions. ...
- Consecutive rhetorical questions.