The Hook

1. The Hook What is “THE HOOK?”

2. The Hook is… • Beginning a piece of writing that engages or “hooks” the reader. • It should be easy to read, attract attention and introduce the topic. • It should not include the main idea.

3. A Hook could be… • A question • An exclamation • Onomatopoeia • An amazing fact

4. A hook using a question Do you want to ride a Rhinoceros? Here’s what you need; a ladder, scarf, feather, a long stick, bag of popcorn,tree, and a rhinoceros.

5. A hook using an exclamation • Look at Christina riding the rhinoceros! To get on the rhinoceros first, she had to carry the ladder to the rhinoceros. Next, she had to climb the ladder. Then, she had to put a scarf around the rhinoceros’ neck. Finally, she sat down and held on.

6. A hook using onomatopoeia • Thump, thump, thump.Wouldn’t you like to ride a rhinoceros? Here is how you do it. First, say, “Please, let’s go.” Then, tickle the rhinoceros with the feather. After that, give the rhinoceros some popcorn. Finally, hold on.

7. This is a hook using an amazing statement. • A rhinoceros is a huge wild animal weighing in at **** pounds. A person would not really ride a rhinoceros but if I could this is how I would steer it: First, I would put some popcorn on the stick. Then, I would point the stick left to turn left and point the stick right to turn right. Here is an important WARNING: do not try to back up. Backing up could be dangerous.

8. Carry the ladder to the rhinoceros. Climb the ladder. Put the scarf around the rhinoceros’ neck. Sit down and hold on. Look at Christina riding the rhinoceros!To get on the rhinoceros first, she had to carry the ladder to the rhinoceros. Next, she had to climb the ladder. Then, she had to put a scarf around the rhinoceros’ neck. Finally, she sat down and held on. Which paragraph is more exciting?

9. Carry the ladder to the rhinoceros. Climb the ladder. Put the scarf around the rhinoceros’ neck. Sit down and hold on. Look at Christina riding the rhinoceros! To get on the rhinoceros first, she had to carry the ladder to the rhinoceros. Next, she had to climb the ladder. Then, she had to put a scarf around the rhinoceros’ neck. Finally, she sat down and held on. That’s right! The one with the hook!

10. Remember when you start your writing piece to: • Hook your reader with: • A question • An exclamation • Onomatopoeia • An amazing fact

11. Now you try! • Using a picture write a hook. • Remember a hook is: A question An exclamation Onomatopoeia An amazing fact

12. Share your hook • Get with a partner. • Show your partner your picture. • Let your reader (your partner) read the hook you have written. • Decide if you have hooked the reader. • If you have not hooked your reader, work with your partner to write another hook!

13. Remember engage your reader. Use a HOOK!!