HW for 2/12: Introduction Hooks

General Hooks (p.26 in RR) The purpose of a hook is to draw your reader in to what you have to say. You don't want the hook to sound too broad and anonymous. You want to one of the general hooks below in a creative, but thesis-connected way: 

1. Relevant quote

• From the subject of your essay (the 'anti-hero'), or
• Something said about your subject that relates to your idea, or
• Something you said (real or imagined) about the person

2. Personal anecdote with relevance to thesis

• Perhaps, you can use one you can come back to?
• Perhaps, something about you that illustrates how much you needed a hero
• Or, something about you that illustrates how you've moved on from the person because of your realization

3. Provocative and relevant question

• Something asked about the negative behavior of the anti-hero
• Something asked about a certain (you define it in the easy) kind of hero

4. Specific Example that fit your subject (perhaps one you will actually bring back and expand on later in your body)

• Perhaps a fact (#5) about the subject person. Why people love him or her, or why people started to think twice about him or her....

5. Relevant fact: particularly one that sets the tone and allows you to explore the fact specifically as it relates to your thesis.

• State (and even provide your stance on) what the person did to garner a high or low status
• State something about the time/setting and how it relates to the person's importance as a subject

Drafting an Introduction

1. Have your thesis and subtopics at least drafted and outlined; these ideas are your map directions!

2. Decide which type of hook most interests you. Do some brainstorming that helps you (including, looking on the Internet for a relevant quote or fact to help you out)

3. Once you have the type of hook you want and have some content to work with, start drafting your introduction paragraph (

• Aim for around 8-12 solid sentences, or
• 1/2 to 3/4 at most of first page for 750 word essays

Once I find my hook, I can draft my introduction

• When using a quote or a fact, it is good to start your hook off with a phrase that introduces where that quote/fact is coming from:

• (subject of essay/author source) once said, "..."

• According to ________, ...

• Or...try out your own introductory phrase that gives context to the quote/hook!

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