Hooked

This sentence is spectacular. Do you know why? Because you are still reading. After all, that is the point of the very first sentence of any piece of writing. Unlike food recipes, or Ikea instructions there is no single way to create a good, engaging hook. But, there are tools and techniques that can be helpful in achieving an effective opening sentence.

Simple and straightforward language must be present to have a good hook. Unclear hooks are unsuccessful. The negative effects of unclear writing in a hook can be seen here, “The Philippines independence was well earned, having been a colony for over four hundred years” (DeLuca, "Philippines Independence"). In this hook, from an essay on the Philippines independence, the writing itself is weak. The sentence is muddied with dull passive verbs and a lack of direct objects. Even in a hook, typical writing tips should be applied. The combination of “was well earned” and “having been a colony” take away from the meaning of the sentence, and are grammatically unfavorable. This topic sentence leaves the reader scratching their head questioning the quality of the writer, and debating whether this essay is worth reading. If the writer can not effectively express their thoughts in the first sentence, this is a precursor for a larger issue through the rest of their writing. A successful hook does not have to be complicated. A straightforward sentence such as, “Tom Buchanan is a player” (DeLuca “Tinder: Tom Buchanan’s Many Matches”) can serve as an effective hook. This example uses simple grammatical constructions, and language. This topic sentence is short, it does not drag the reader through a long heavy sentence. Also, this is a good example of an intriguing hook because of the slang term used to describe a fictional character from a popular novel. This hook is also specific.  Clear language is a necessary tool for writing a good hook.

 Aristotle’s three proofs-- ethos, pathos, and logos-- are very effective in hook sentences. Ethos, pathos, and logos are three persuasion tools that you should know. A hook sentence, “It is false and unjust to make large generalizations about groups of people without correct statistics to support the generalization” (DeLuca “3rd Paragraph”), properly utilizes two of Aristotle's three proofs. The diction translates into ethos, and logos. For ethos, the word “unjust” creates this moral platform that something is not fair. The words “generalization” and “correct statistics” form a logical standpoint, which is logos. From this sentence, the reader will be curious to learn about the immoral and unlogical generalization being mentioned. This sentence brings up an unarguable statement thats draws the reader's in by appealing to logic and morals. This approach can make for a very successful hook sentence. This sentence, also, is effectively vague. It is general enough so that the reader is motivated to get more information to discover what this sentence, and piece of writing is more specifically about.

When writing a hook there is no one size fits all model. However, there are numerous combinations of blouses, jeans, jackets, shoes, and accessories. It is important to figure out which combination best suits the occasion. However as all outfits strive to look good, all hook sentences aim to draw in the reader. Creating a good hook is not easy, and writers rarely get it on the first try. Roll up your sleeves. Open your tool box and get to work.