how to write a good hook for an essay

How to Write a Hook (40 Good Examples)

As a professional blogger who has crafted hundreds of hooks for stories, articles, blog posts, and more, I understand the power of a good hook.

Here is quick summary of how to write a hook:

Write a hook by capturing attention with a direct, concise statement or question. Use emotional triggers, strong imagery, or surprising facts to engage readers immediately and keep them intrigued. A story or snippet of dialogue are also good hooks.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I know about writing compelling hooks, from definitions to types, tips, and 40 good examples.

What Is a Hook?

A woman writes near cliff in bedroom, monster lurks in corner -- How to Write a Hook

Table of Contents

A hook is essentially the opening sentence or paragraph of your content.

Its job is to grab the reader’s attention so compellingly that they are drawn into reading more.

Think of it as the bait on a fishing line or the flashy headline on a magazine cover.

For instance, starting a blog post with “Last year, I doubled my income using this simple trick…” instantly piques interest because it promises an intriguing story and valuable information.

Types of Hooks

There are five major types of hooks:

Question hooks
Anecdotal hooks
Statistic hooks
Quotation hooks
Statement hooks

Question Hooks

Questions provoke thought and beckon readers to find answers. “Have you ever wondered what makes people truly happy?” This type of hook engages readers by directly involving them in the narrative.

Anecdotal Hooks

Sharing a short, personal story can connect emotionally with readers. “When I first started blogging, I made every mistake in the book – here’s what I learned…” This approach makes the hook relatable and builds a personal connection.

Statistic Hooks

Starting with a surprising statistic can shock or intrigue readers. “Did you know that 90% of startups fail within the first year?” Such hooks build credibility and set the stage for a discussion based on factual evidence.

Quotation Hooks

A well-chosen quote can lend authority or set the mood. “‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do’ – Steve Jobs. This has been my guiding principle in over a decade of writing.”

Statement Hooks

Bold statements can spark curiosity and debate. “Most people are wrong about how to become a millionaire.” This type of hook challenges common beliefs and encourages readers to engage further.

11 Tips to Write a Hook

Writing a hook that captures attention and drives readers to continue is an art form.

Here’s how you can master it:

1) Know Your Audience

The effectiveness of your hook entirely depends on its ability to resonate with your audience.

Consider their demographics, interests, and challenges. For example, a hook for a teenage fashion magazine will differ vastly from one aimed at retirees interested in financial planning.

Understanding your audience’s expectations and crafting your hook accordingly can dramatically increase engagement.

2) Be Direct and Concise

A straightforward and concise hook is much more likely to catch attention than a rambling opener.

Keep it short and impactful.

Instead of saying, “In this article, I will discuss several ways that can possibly help you improve your productivity,” cut to the chase with, “Boost your productivity with these five unmissable tips!”

3) Evoke Emotions

Hooks that tap into emotions can compel readers to engage deeply with your content.

Whether it’s excitement, anger, sadness, or joy, emotional hooks create a psychological connection.

“I never thought a simple decision could bring me to tears every time I remembered it.” This kind of hook can make the reader eager to find out more about your personal story or the insight you offer.

4) Use Strong Imagery

Visual hooks can transport readers to a different place or situation, making your opening memorable.

“Imagine a world where every morning, you wake up to the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore.”

This not only sets a scene but also engages the senses, making your content more appealing.

5) Offer a Solution or Promise

People often read content looking for solutions.

A hook that promises a payoff can be highly effective. “Eliminate back pain forever with this one simple exercise!” promises a significant benefit, making it more likely that the reader will stick around to learn more.

6) Create a Sense of Urgency

Hooks that convey urgency push readers to act immediately, whether it’s reading a post or buying a product.

“Don’t miss out! Learn the secrets to instant stress relief available only for today.”

Such hooks make the content feel essential and time-sensitive.

7) Experiment with Different Hook Types

Each piece of writing is unique, and different hooks work for different types of content.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with various styles to find what best suits your piece.

A humorous anecdote might work better in some cases, while a shocking statistic might be more effective in others.

What Makes a Powerful Hook?

A powerful hook grabs attention, resonates emotionally, or intellectually stimulates the reader.

It’s precise, unexpected, and seamlessly transitions into the rest of your content. A good hook not only intrigues but also promises something that the rest of the text delivers.

Key Characteristics of a Powerful Hook:

Precision: A strong hook is clear and focused. It directly addresses something that is crucial to the reader, making it impossible for them to pass by without wanting to dive deeper.
Surprise: Incorporating an element of surprise in your hook can jolt the reader into paying attention. Whether it’s a startling statistic, an unusual fact, or an unexpected twist in phrasing, surprise makes your content stand out.
Seamless Transition: The best hooks are those that naturally lead the reader into the body of the text. They serve as a smooth segue that enhances the reader’s curiosity about what follows.

To create such effective hooks, consider tips:

Start with a conflict: Introduce a problem or conflict right away to create immediate tension and intrigue. This could be as simple as posing a dilemma or as complex as starting in the middle of an action sequence.
Invoke the senses: Use vivid language to tap into the reader’s sensory experiences. Describing a sound, a smell, or a tactile sensation can vividly pull readers into the scene.
Challenge common beliefs: Present a statement that contradicts common knowledge or popular opinion. This not only piques interest but also prompts readers to reconsider their assumptions.
Use dialogue: Opening with a snippet of dialogue can be an effective way to drop readers directly into the scene, providing immediate context and character insights.
Include a compelling character insight: Introduce a character in a way that showcases a unique trait or dilemma. This can make the reader immediately care about what happens to the character.

Hook Examples (for Different Types of Writing)

Here are some good hook examples.

Story Hooks

“Under the light of a blood-red moon, she vowed to uncover the truth, even if it led her into the heart of darkness itself.” This hook sets the stage for a thrilling mystery or adventure story.

“As the clock struck midnight, the statues in the garden whispered secrets of the old mansion’s past.” This hook immerses readers in a mysterious, possibly supernatural storyline.

“He woke up to find the city deserted, the silence an ominous prelude to the chaos that was about to unfold.” This opening sets a dramatic and suspenseful tone for a post-apocalyptic tale.

Article/Essay Hooks

“Scientists have discovered a revolutionary technology that could end global warming within the next decade.” This hook promises new, potentially world-changing information, drawing readers into the article.

“Recent studies show that the lifespan of the average person could increase by 20 years due to new genetic editing techniques.” This hook introduces groundbreaking scientific advancements, capturing the reader’s curiosity.

“A hidden environmental disaster bigger than the BP oil spill is silently unfolding in the Pacific.” This hook alerts readers to an urgent issue, leveraging the shock factor to engage them.

Blog Post Hooks

“I tried living without plastic for a month, and it changed my life. Here’s how you can do it too.” This hook combines personal experience with a guide, making it perfect for a lifestyle or environmental blog.

“Five years ago, I said goodbye to my 9-5 job; here’s why I’ll never go back.” This hook offers a personal testimony that resonates with many aspiring to escape the traditional workforce.

“How I traveled the world with just $100 in my pocket — the ultimate guide to budget backpacking.” This hook provides a tempting offer of adventure on a shoestring budget, ideal for travel enthusiasts.

Social Media Hooks

“This simple trick can save you hours on your daily chores. Click to see how!” This kind of hook works well on social media where users are looking for quick, practical advice.

“Double your workout results with this one little-known technique — tap to learn more!” This approach appeals to fitness enthusiasts eager for more efficient training methods.

“Are you making these five common makeup mistakes? Watch to find out and fix your routine today!” This hook uses curiosity and the promise of improvement to draw in viewers interested in beauty tips.

Marketing Copy Hooks

“Last chance to grab your dream vacation at half the price!” This hook uses urgency and the appeal of savings to encourage quick decisions and actions.

“Unlock the secrets to younger-looking skin with our new serum — first 50 customers get a 40% discount!” This hook combines the allure of exclusivity with a significant discount.

“This gadget cuts your energy bills in half—find out how and save big this season!” This hook promises financial savings and practical benefits, which are key selling points in marketing copy.

Speaking of story hooks, here is a good video about how to write them:

Final Thoughts: How to Write a Hook

Now, go write some hooks that no one can resist.

This guide should equip you with everything you need to start crafting hooks that not only catch attention but also transform casual browsers into engaged readers. Happy writing!

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
General Knowledge
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

$2,000 No Essay Scholarship

Presented by College Transitions

Win $2,000 for college • 1 minute or less to enter • No essay required • Open to students and parents in the U.S.

Create your account today and easily enter all future sweepstakes!

Enter to Win $2,000 Today!