How to Write Good Hooks for Argumentative Essays With Examples

The introduction of an argument essay often determines whether the professor will be motivated to read until the last section. While several elements create a captivating introduction, good hooks for argumentative essays ensure the first paragraphs start the right way. But what is the hook in an essay?

Before we answer the question, it’s crucial to note that some students tend to get average marks for every assignment they submit. The problem might be a lack of a good hook that fails to attract a reader’s attention.

Besides, while there are standard hooks that can spice up an essay, most students haven’t mastered the art of including them. That is why our experts at Top stars Professors have prepared this guide on how to write hooks for argumentative essays and examples.

What Is the Hook of an Essay?

Argumentative essay hooks are crucial in an introduction and function to capture attention and encourage the reader to keep reading. It’s placed chiefly as the first sentence in an essay, followed by a brief explanation of what the topic is about and a thesis statement.

If you are still figuring out the right way to come up with an eye-catching open, you may ask, “What are some examples of hook sentences?” Let’s uncover that in more detail. Think of an argument essay hook as bait for your professor who has read hundreds of papers and wants to view something memorable.

What Is an Example of a Hook Question?

There are several categories of good hooks for an essay.

Statistic Hook

Also known as a fact hook, its purpose is to gain your reader’s trust by showcasing your expertise in that subject. It’s ideal for formal writing, especially argumentative essays in the science category.

For example, if your topic is about college student obesity, your hook can be a shocking statistic such as of 2021, over 30% of college students are obese.

If you are writing an argument paper showing the link between mental stress and the COVID-19 pandemic, you can give a recent statistic such as:

“According to American Psychological Association, 8 out of 10 Americans reported that the coronavirus (COVID-19) had caused them immense stress.

 

Are you tensed whether your hook is good enough? Well, you don’t have to submit your paper until you are sure that the introduction is interesting enough. Find out what our experts have to say about your work. 

 

Question Hook

A fascinating question can hook the reader as they want to know the answer, which entices them to read further. Here are some argumentative essay hook examples:

• What is the difference between a good and a great leader?
• What is the real purpose of life?
• How much screen time is too much for students?
• What is the role of good nutrition in avoiding dietary diseases?
• Did you know that women are five times more likely to have depression than men?

Quotation Hook

A famous quote that connects to what you are writing about will quickly grab attention. The trick is to use a quotation that adds credibility to your argument essay.

For example, if you are writing about the effects of too much dependency on technology, you can use a famous quote such as “We limit how much technology our kids use at home” by Steve Job.

Statement Hook

How do you start off an argumentative essay? Add a statement hook as the first sentence in your introduction. These hooks make the reader intrigued because even if they disagree with the statement, they still want to know how you will defend your stand.

For example, suppose you are writing about online learning. In that case, your hook can be “Online learning is the future of education” or “Online College is cheaper and more effective than traditional college campus.”

Anecdote

This hook takes the form of a short story that makes the reader laugh or connects with them. It’s often used in argument essays with an informal tone, such as narrative and descriptive papers. To ensure it’s an intriguing hook, develop an introduction related to the main idea and keep it short and straightforward to avoid any misunderstanding.

For example, if you are writing about the difference between American and British fashion, you can start the essay the following way:

“When I first arrived at the University of Birmingham in England my cowboy boots, skinny jeans and jumper made me feel out of place and stick out as a sore thumb.”

Metaphor

This hook works to paint a vivid picture for the reader. It also engages the reader and makes them view the topic differently since it compares two things that seem unrelated. For example, “The promise between us was a delicate flower” or “When he arrived in London he was lost in a sea of nameless faces.”

How to Start an Argument Essay

Mastering the art of writing powerful argument essay hooks is a vital skill that you will use throughout your academic journey and professional life.

The best way to start an argumentative essay that will give you a good score is to include two things: a hook and a thesis statement. The hook should draw readers in and relate to the topic you are writing about. However, before you insert any random hook, ask yourself these questions:

• Who is the intended audience?
• Do you need to use a formal or informal tone or style of writing?
• What is the type of essay you need to write?
• What do the readers expect to get from the essay?

Don’t add a random hook just because it’s great. Ensure it is relevant and enriches your introduction. By keeping in mind the audience, tone, and essay type, you will select the suitable hook ideal for the argumentative paper. Revealing a common misconception is another way to hook the reader and help your academic paper stand out.

If you want to add a statistic, ensure it comes from a site that the academia considers reliable and include the source in a format specified in the assignment instructions.

As for questions, they shouldn’t be too general, while for anecdotes, keep it short and check first whether the professor accepts the essay to be in the first person. That way, you don’t waste time writing a hook that will lower the quality of your argument essay.