What is a “hook” sentence?

1. What is a “hook” sentence? • A “hook” is the first sentence in your essay. It gets the readers attention. Like a fishing hook, it “reels” the reader in to read the rest of your essay. • "Hooks" do not have to be weird or amazing to be interesting - many new writers spend hours thinking of some "perfect" sentence, when all they need is something interesting. • Do not try to write your hook sentence first! If you already have an idea for one, great. But many people go ahead and get the essay written before deciding on their hook. • Hook suggestions: Write something riveting that makes the reader want to read more. This may include… • An intriguing statement focusing on a theme or character type from the story. • A vivid image. • An interesting line of dialogue from the story • A provocative question

2. Examples of hook sentences from essays about literature “Hook” sentences for essays about The Crucible • The title “The Crucible” defines the incident in Salem Town as a melting pot of chaos and turmoil as the entire town is turned upside-down by a few young girls. • With the words “more weight,” Giles Corey, from The Crucible by Arthur Miller, becomes a true hero. • It is more noble to die with integrity than it is to compromise one’s principle in order to live. • Although Abigail and the girls initiate the tragedy, responsibility lies with the whole Salem community. “Hook” sentences for essays about Animal Farm. • George Orwell’s Animal Farm was written at a moment in history when great changes in society were occurring. • The Russian Revolution is an example that absolute power often corrupts society. • Having a lot of power is not always a good thing. “Hook” sentences for essays about A Raisin in the Sun • In A Raisin in the Sun, Lena, Walter, Ruth, and Beneatha Younger all live under the same roof, but their dreams are all different. • Racism is a major issue that has affected the United States since its discovery. • A Raisin in the Sun depicts the struggles of three generations of the Younger family in Chicago during the 1950s. “Hook” sentences for essays about William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. • Throughout Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Brutus is torn between passion and responsibility. • Ambitious leaders should proceed cautiously. • Jealousy often causes people to act dangerously and foolishly. Consider writing an intriguing statement about a theme from the story… hypocrisy, greed, fear, aging, versions of reality, foolishness, evil, isolation, madness, mystery, the supernatural,