An Introduction to the
Introduction
HOW TO WRITE EFFECTIVELY FROM THE START.
The Hook
 Your
opening sentence(s) should
hook the reader’s attention.
 a.k.a.
 Lure
 Do
grabber/lead sentence
in your audience.
NOT give away the specifics of your topic.
Types of Hooks
 No
“one size fits all” formula.
 What
works best for you, the purpose of the
prompt, and for your audience?
Types of Hooks
1.
Imagine Statement:
 “Ask”
the reader to picture or imagine
a scenario that will be addressed later.
EXAMPLE:
 Prompt: If you could change one thing about your
school, what would it be?
 Imagine Statement: Imagine a classroom full of eager
students who are ready to learn and quiet as mice.
This could happen if we were only allowed to have
free time.
Now, You Try…
 Prompt:
Why is it so important to follow
school rules?
 Hook:
?
Or
 Prompt:
If you were a professional athlete,
which sport would you play and why?
 Hook:
?
Types of Hooks
2.
Dialogue:
Open with dialogue.
 Must use quotation marks and proper
punctuation.
EXAMPLE:
 Prompt: Write about a traumatic event
that has happened in your life.
 Dialogue: “Get out of the house, now!” Dad
screamed as the blazing fire rushed toward us.

Now, You Try…

Prompt: If you could change one thing about
yourself, what would it be and why?

Hook: ?
Or

Prompt: If you were turned into a teacher for one
day, what would you do?

Hook: ?
Types of Hooks
3.
The Riddle:
Open with a riddle for the reader to solve.
EXAMPLE:
 Prompt: Write about a time you were
influenced by peer pressure.
 The Riddle: What can sneak up on you, influence you
greatly, and get you into trouble? I will never forget the
time my supposed friends pushed me to do something I
never should have done.

Now, You Try…
Prompt: Tell about a time when you forgot to do
something very important.
 Hook: ?
Or
 Prompt: You have been asked to plan an afterschool program for your school. Think about
activities that students might enjoy. Write about this
after-school program.
 Hook: ?

Types of Hooks
4.
Famous Quote:
Begin with a well-known (or not-so-well-known) quote.
 From a book, song, person, etc.
EXAMPLE:
 Prompt: If you could change one thing about yourself,
what would it be and why?
 Famous Quote: As Thoreau once said, “It’s not what you
look at that matters. It’s what you see.” When I look in
the mirror, I see just another human being, one with a
major physical flaw...

Now, You Try…
Prompt: You just found out that the world will end in
three days. Explain how you would spend the
remainder of your time on earth?
 Hook: ?
OR
 Prompt: Everyone has experienced fear at one point
in their lives. Think about a time when you were
afraid. Explain why this was such a fearful event.
 Hook: ?

Types of Hooks
5.
Imagery: (Sensory Language)
Description of a place or situation.
 Appeals to the five senses.
 Can be purposeful fragments.
EXAMPLE:
 Prompt: Write about the best family vacation ever.
 Imagery: Sitting silently on the crowded beach, listening
to the echoes of seagulls screeching overhead, I
remember breathing in the salty, coconut air.

Now, You Try…
Prompt: Why should students have free time at
school?
 Hook: ?
OR
 Prompt: Whether young or old, everyone has
imagined their own version of an ideal day. Think
about what you would do. Explain why this would be
your perfect day.
 Hook: ?

Types of Hooks
Brief Anecdote:
 Begin with a quick story or personal
experience relating to the topic.
 Two-three sentences.
EXAMPLE:
 Prompt: There have been many inventions that have impacted the
world. What has been the most beneficial invention? Explain why.
 Anecdote: When I was in middle school, nothing brought more
happiness to my life than music. Just relaxing on my bed, letting my
mind freely flow to the vibes of Bob Marley, I was content. However,
this satisfaction would not be fulfilled without the iPod.
6.
Now, You Try…
 Prompt:
 Hook:
Who is your hero? Why?
?
OR
 Prompt:
There have been many inventions that
have impacted the world. What has been the
most beneficial invention? Explain why.
 Hook:
?

Thesis Statement:
 Reveals
the two OR three main points
of your paper.
 Usually combined into a single, complex sentence.
 Usually the last sentence(s) of your introduction.
 A “road map” for your reader.
 1st
point = 1st body paragraph
 2nd point = 2nd body paragraph
 3rd point = 3rd body paragraph
Example

Prompt: Eating healthy foods is important. Explain
why you should eat healthy foods.

Thesis Statement:

Without a doubt, maintaining a nutritious diet is
highly beneficial, increasing energy levels,
enhancing one’s physique, and most importantly,
preventing potential illness.
st
1 body paragraph = energy
2nd body paragraph = physique
3rd body paragraph = illness prevention
Example (Together)

Prompt: Explain the potential benefits of attending college.
 Brainstorm
 What
possible points.
are some potential benefits?
 What
works best for you, your purpose, and your
audience?

Thesis Statement: ?
Now, You Try…
 Prompt:
If you could be a famous person, who
would you be, and why?
 Thesis
Statement: ?
OR
What is your favorite means of
transportation? Explain why.
 Prompt:
 Thesis
Statement: ?
Thus, the Introductory
Paragraph…
 Hook

+ Thesis Statement = Introductory Paragraph
You may need a transitional word, phrase, or sentence
to connect your hook and thesis statement.
Now, You Try…

Instructions:
1.
Select one of the previous prompts.
2.
From that prompt, choose the most suitable type of hook.
3.
Lure in the audience.
4.
Brainstorm possible points to create a thesis statement.
5.
Connect your hook and your thesis statement.
6.
Now, you have written an introductory paragraph.
Peer Review
 After
writing your introductory paragraph, share with
THREE of your peers for constructive feedback.
 On a sticky note, peers will identify the following:
Type of hook used, rating effectiveness on a scale of 1-4
2. Two-three points of thesis statement, rating effectiveness
on a scale of 1-4
3. One positive, one negative comment (Be constructive!)
4. Sign your name as well.
1.