attention getter for argumentative essay

Effective Attention Getters for Your Essay with Examples

Whether you’re trying to enroll in college or submitting a scholarship application, your essay has to be super appealing. Pressed for time, most admissions committees will only glance at the first paragraph to decide whether the piece is worth a read. Since nobody can guarantee your submission gets considered, it’s up to you to ensure it will amuse the reader.

So how do you write the perfect attention-grabber and impress the college admissions counselors? How can you make your work stands out from the crowd? Below you can find good attention-getters for essays to help you write a compelling introductory paragraph that makes the audience want to read on.

What Are Attention Grabbers in Essays?

The so-called attention-grabbing technique has a simple purpose. It must catch the reader’s interest from the very beginning. Hence, you need sentences that make a good essay introduction and attempt to stir the audience and show your ability to weave words.

For instance, an amusing fact, personal experience, or a joke can do the job. Whatever strategy you use, don’t forget that using random quotes or anecdotes won’t work. Your intro must lead to the main thesis or introduce an opposing argument you’re about to refute.

The Importance of Good Attention Grabbers for Essays

Also known as “grabbers” and “hooks,” these elements always go in the first paragraph. Often, they make the first two or three sentences of the intro. At this point, ensure you include compare and contrast transition words to make sentences run smoothly in a coherent whole.

But why do you need an attention-getter? What impact does it leave on the reader? Here are a few reasons.

  • To convince the reader to go until the end of your work and not give up after the first few lines.
  • To tell the audience that you’re a skillful writer who knows how to use an intriguing opening.
  • To encourage people not keen on the subject to get on the bandwagon.
  • To invoke the curiosity of whoever’s considering the paper.
  • To inform that you’re exposing something rare, not just another chore.

Different Types of Attention Grabbers for College Essays

Several attention-grabbing openings can achieve the same effect. The most compelling introductory lines include posing a question, storytelling, sharing fascinating statistics, and rhetorical generalizations. Below, we list examples of attention-getters for essays to help you get on the right foot.

Whatever method you choose, you can’t go wrong. Hooks go interchangeably in almost any written piece. However, if you have writer’s block, refer to a  reflective essay writing service to get the ball rolling. These experts can assist you in drafting a relatable and highly appealing attention-getter.

Use a Quotation

Using a quote when writing an essay will make it credible and intriguing. This strategy engages the emotional side of readers and connects them to your wording. To start strongly, find a quotation by a famous author or expert related to your topic. Use it wisely to support the thesis and demonstrate that your research is thorough. Besides conveying your thoughts eloquently , quotes move and speak to people with timeless words.

Examples of a Quotation

If you want to present yourself as a creative and artful soul, begin your paper with: “Einstein once said: Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.”

Similarly, if you wish to come across as a hard-working and trustworthy student, say: “Samuel Johnson claimed that what we ever hope to do with ease, we must first learn to do with diligence.”

Use Shocking Statistic

Another way to capture the audience is to introduce a striking figure or data relevant to the topic. Avoid facts that everyone is aware of and pick something surprising. Moreover, when writing conclusion paragraph for your essay , you may end with some projected statistics from trusted sources. This hack is excellent for informative or technical papers.

Examples of Attention Grabbers with Shocking Statistics

“According to tech schools, girls get outnumbered 6 to 1 by boys when it comes to enrolling in computer science classes.”

“The latest research shows that the human body contains ten times more bacteria than cells.”

Ask a Question

Posing a question at the beginning is an effective method to compel your reader. However, you must know the audience well to create an intriguing formulation that stimulates critical thinking. In addition, the intro query should direct the reader to read the paper and find the answer. Hence, avoid posing questions that are too general and don’t impress the target recipient.

Introductory Question Hooks

“Have you ever been so keen on a course that you spent the entire summer working to afford it?”

“Do you feel that each photograph, regardless of its high-quality, reduces the reality it represents?”

Tell an Anecdote

Share an experience that makes your life journey unique and relates to the essay’s purpose. By doing so, you will engage your reader emotionally. Often, considering a  descriptive essay writing service can help you transform your chronicle into an attention-grabbing hook. Alternatively, a well-crafted fictional account can evoke the same emotional response.

Example of a Real Event

“The day I met my Science teacher in middle school changed my life for the better. And not because she encouraged me to pursue a career as a geneticist. The encounter was something you’d never expect. As my dad approached the building, he hit another car on the side, and guess who was inside? My new Science teacher.”

Use Storytelling

Why not start the essay with a story or a good joke and steer away from complicated concepts? Everybody loves well-written stories because they raise interest and leave a trace. Yet, connecting the narrative with what follows next is critical to the main theme of the assignment. Finally, this approach is ideal for admission applications but not for more formal academic papers.

Example of a Great Story

“Lightings stroke hard, and the rain was attacking the roof, drowning any words we tried to pronounce. I’d expected to play the guitar and show the company my latest song, but the universe prevented whatever I attempted to do that night.”

Use Rhetorical Generalizations

Consider issuing a statement to serve as a pathway into the main argument. Conversely, if you doubt your writing skills, hire a  website to write an essay to get you admitted into college. These professionals know how to use a generalization that introduces your thesis statement in a way that challenges people to contemplate the topic.

Ideas for Rhetorical Generalizations

“Who wouldn’t agree that higher education is the most reliable ticket to self-fulfillment?”

“Recycling is undoubtedly the most efficient method to attain sustainability.”

Using any of these attention getter examples will pave your path to success. However, it’s not just the opening that needs to get polished to perfection. You may quickly spoil the first impression if the rest of the essay abounds with irrelevant information or contains grammatical errors and typos. This can be avoided if you get a professional essay writing service . So, getting help is a good option.

You May Also Be Interested In

What if you were assigned such a task? How to avoid common mistakes and get…

People can learn about things that they have never seen before by reading or listening…

What Is An Introduction Paragraph Of Essay And Why Is It Important? Each of us…

The Function of the Transition Words Many things distinguish an average paper from a great one. Achieving greatness…

Always Ready to Help

Running out of time.

Type to search

Hook Generator for Essays

  • ️🛠️ How to use the tool?
  • ️📝 Why use the hook maker?
  • ️🪝 6 Types of hooks
  • ️🙋 Who can benefit from this instrument?
  • ️🔝 How to write a great hook
  • ️🚀 Boost your skills with our tools

🛠️ How to Use the Hook Generator?

Choose the hook type.

The first thing you should do is choose the type of hook sentence you would like the tool to generate. Is it a question, a quotation, statistical information, an anecdote, a definition, or a personal fact? This step is optional; however, we advise you to specify what hook type will suit your project most.

The picture illustrates the first step of using the hook generator.

Choose the Project Type

Next, you can choose the type of project you're working on. Is it an essay, a speech, a research paper, a thesis, a report, a coursework, or a proposal? You are welcome to select the most suitable genre. This step is also optional.

The picture illustrates the second step of using the hook generator.

Input Your Topic

At this point, you should input the topic of your project. This is the only obligatory step, as without this information, our hook generator won't produce the attention grabber customized to your needs. You don't have to enter a polished title; a rough idea is enough.

The picture illustrates the third step of using the hook generator.

Get the result

Once you click "Generate," the hook will appear under the button. Note that the hook is AI-made and should be used for inspiration and research purposes only. If you're not fully satisfied with the result, you can start from the beginning. The hook generator is free and unlimited!

The picture illustrates the fourth step of using the hook generator.

📝 Why Use the Essay Hook Generator?

Are you stuck starting an essay or research paper? No worries! With this AI-powered attention grabber maker, you will get fresh ideas for your project. The tool will offer you a hook statement tailored to your needs quickly and for free. Use it as many times as you need to get the perfect result.

Thousands of students trust our online writing tools

average time saved

happy students

various hook types

🪝 6 Types of Hooks in This Generator

It’s a common misunderstanding that one hook sentence will suit any text. In fact, each situation requires a specific approach. Here are the 6 types of attention-getters that this hook generator can offer.

The picture lists the six types of hooks that this hook generator can produce.

Question Hook

A question hook is a good choice for engaging readers who are interested in the topic. It also works well for audiences who have yet to learn about the topic but enjoy being challenged and thinking critically. This type of hook will work well for many types of speeches .

Example: Need help writing a hook for your essay?

Quotation Hook

A quotation hook statement is excellent for grabbing the attention of readers who are interested in other people's opinions and ideas. It also works well in research papers based on experts' or well-known individuals' insights and perspectives.

Example: “We can no longer save the world by playing by the rules.”

Statistical Hook

A startling fact or statistic hook is good for engaging readers interested in precise data and new information. It can surprise and shock them, making them want to learn more.

Example: According to Sleepopolis and OnePoll, 34% of adults still sleep with a plushy.

Anecdotal Hook

An anecdotal hook is an effective way to engage readers who are interested in personal stories and experiences. It's also perfect for younger audiences looking for relatable content or wishing to learn from others.

Example: When I was ten, I fell off my bike and injured my head. As I lay on the ground in pain, I saw my neighbor, a retired nurse, rushing over to help. She quickly assessed my injury, called my parents, and stayed by my side until the ambulance arrived. That experience not only taught me the importance of wearing a helmet but also ignited my passion for nursing.

Autobiography Hook

This type of hook can be particularly effective for audiences interested in biographical content, such as fans of memoirs. It's perfect for college essays and admission papers .

Example: I look after two rescued dogs: an outgoing, vibrant Malamute and a reserved yet regal American Foxhound. They haven't allowed their painful pasts to influence their moods, and I won't either.

Definition Hook

This type of hook can be effective for engaging audiences who are interested in learning something new. It's perfect for research papers and scientific texts.

Example: We lie when we knowingly say something false. Lying is considered a sin, a vice, a transgression, and an immoral offense.

🙋 Who Can Benefit from This Hook Generator?

Use the hook generator to get an inspiring starting point for your writing.

Generate beautiful, varied, and customized starters for your lectures on different topics.

Job seekers

Generate an exciting cover letter opener that will thrill your potential employers.

Public speakers

Craft the perfect speech beginning that will engage your audience and capture their attention.

Copywriters

Get a heap of fresh ideas on how to start your text on any topic imaginable.

Use this tool whenever you don’t know how to grab the attention of your potential interlocutor.

🔝 How to Write a Great Hook Sentence

Want to hook your readers and make them want to learn more? Crafting a great attention grabber will help you do that. But where do you begin? Follow these 3 steps to achieve success in the art of starting a paper:

  • Analyze your topic. Why is it important? What intriguing facts or quotes are related to it? Consider personal experiences that relate to your subject. Use these insights to create a "skeleton" for your hook.
  • Know your goal. What reaction do you want to elicit from your readers? Choose a hook that aligns with your essay's purpose and will evoke the desired response.
  • Do your research . Explore blogs, books, and articles related to your topic for inspiration. Visiting physical locations and interviewing people are also good options.

Follow these tips, and you'll create a hook that will make your readers curious from the get-go! But let's be honest; crafting a good attention-getter can be a lot of work.

Our hook sentence generator can create stunning results in seconds!

🚀 Boost Your Skills with Our Study Tools

In addition to this essay hook creator, we offer other highly specialized writing tools for students. With them, you’ll quickly polish your project of any genre.

  • Essay reworder
  • Hypothesis maker
  • Thesis maker
  • Conclusion generator
  • Title generator
  • Read my paper
  • Research question maker
  • AI essay generator

Logo for M Libraries Publishing

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

9.2 The Attention-Getter: The First Step of an Introduction

Learning objectives.

  • Understand the different tools speakers can use to gain their audience’s attention.
  • Name some common mistakes speakers make in trying to gain attention.

The start button of an old Nintendo controller

Stephen Velasco – IMG_1422 – CC BY-NC 2.0.

As you know by now, a good introduction will capture an audience’s attention, while a bad introduction can turn an audience against a speaker. An attention-getter is the device a speaker uses at the beginning of a speech to capture an audience’s interest and make them interested in the speech’s topic. Typically, there are four things to consider in choosing a specific attention-getting device:

  • Appropriateness or relevance to audience
  • Purpose of speech

First, when selecting an attention-getting device, you want to make sure that the option you choose is actually appropriate and relevant to your specific audience. Different audiences will have different backgrounds and knowledge, so you should use your audience analysis to determine whether specific information you plan on using would be appropriate for a specific audience. For example, if you’re giving a speech on family units to a group of individuals over the age of sixty-five, starting your speech with a reference to the television show Gossip Girl may not be the best idea because the television show may not be relevant to that audience.

Second, you need to consider the basic purpose of your speech. As discussed earlier in this text, there are three basic purposes you can have for giving a speech: to inform, to persuade, and to entertain. When selecting an attention-getter, you want to make sure that you select one that corresponds with your basic purpose. If your goal is to entertain an audience, then starting a speech with a quotation about how many people are dying in Africa each day from malnutrition may not be the best way to get your audience’s attention. Remember, one of the basic goals of an introduction is to prepare your audience for your speech. If your attention-getter differs drastically in tone from the rest of your speech (e.g., dying in Africa when you want your audience to laugh), the disjointedness may cause your audience to become confused or tune you out completely.

Your third basic consideration when picking an attention-getting device is your speech topic. Ideally, your attention-getting device should have a relevant connection to your speech. Imagine if a speaker pulled condoms out of his pocket, yelled “Free sex!” and threw the condoms at the audience in the beginning of a speech about the economy. While this may clearly get the audience’s attention, this isn’t really a good way to prepare an audience for a speech about bull and bear markets. Not every attention-getter is appropriate for a given topic. Instead, a speaker could start this speech by explaining that “according to a 2004 episode of 60 Minutes, adults in the United States spend approximately $10 billion annually on adult entertainment, which is roughly the equivalent to the amounts they spend attending professional sporting events, buying music, or going out to the movies” (Leung, 2004). Notice how effective the shocking statistic is in clearly introducing the monetary value of the adult entertainment industry.

The last consideration when picking an attention-getting device involves the speech occasion. Different occasions will necessitate different tones, or particular styles or manners of speaking. For example, a persuasive speech about death and dying shouldn’t be happy and hilarious. An informative speech on the benefits of laughing shouldn’t be dull, dreary, and depressing. When selecting an attention-getter, you want to make sure that the attention-getter sets the tone for the speech.

Now that we’ve explored the four major considerations you must think of when selecting an attention-getter, let’s look at a range of different attention-getters you may employ. Miller (1946) discovered that speakers tend to use one of eleven attention-getting devices when starting a speech. The rest of this section is going to examine these eleven attention-getting devices.

Reference to Subject

The first attention-getting method to consider is to tell your audience the subject of your speech. This device is probably the most direct, but it may also be the least interesting of the possible attention-getters. Here’s an example:

We are surrounded by statistical information in today’s world, so understanding statistics is becoming paramount to citizenship in the twenty-first century.

This sentence explicitly tells an audience that the speech they are about to hear is about the importance of understanding statistics. While this isn’t the most entertaining or interesting attention-getter, it is very clear and direct.

An attentive audience

Dave Dugdale – Attentive Audience – CC BY-SA 2.0.

Reference to Audience

The second attention-getting device to consider is a direct reference to the audience. In this case, the speaker has a clear understanding of the audience and points out that there is something unique about the audience that should make them interested in the speech’s content. Here’s an example:

As human resource professionals, you and I know the importance of talent management. In today’s competitive world, we need to invest in getting and keeping the best talent for our organizations to succeed.

In this example, the speaker reminds the audience of their shared status as human resource professionals and uses the common ground to acknowledge the importance of talent management in human resources.

Another way to capture your listeners’ attention is to use the words of another person that relate directly to your topic. Maybe you’ve found a really great quotation in one of the articles or books you read while researching your speech. If not, you can also use a number of sources that compile useful quotations from noted individuals. Probably the most famous quotation book of all time is Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations ( http://www.bartleby.com/100 ), now in its seventeenth edition. Here are some other websites that contain useful databases of quotations for almost any topic:

  • http://www.quotationspage.com
  • http://www.bartleby.com/quotations
  • http://www.moviequotes.com
  • http://www.quotesandsayings.com
  • http://www.quoteland.com

Quotations are a great way to start a speech, so let’s look at an example that could be used for a speech on deception:

Oliver Goldsmith, a sixteenth-century writer, poet, and physician, once noted that “the true use of speech is not so much to express our wants as to conceal them.”

Reference to Current Events

Referring to a current news event that relates to your topic is often an effective way to capture attention, as it immediately makes the audience aware of how relevant the topic is in today’s world. For example, consider this attention-getter for a persuasive speech on frivolous lawsuits:

On January 10, 2007, Scott Anthony Gomez Jr. and a fellow inmate escaped from a Pueblo, Colorado, jail. During their escape the duo attempted to rappel from the roof of the jail using a makeshift ladder of bed sheets. During Gomez’s attempt to scale the building, he slipped, fell forty feet, and injured his back. After being quickly apprehended, Gomez filed a lawsuit against the jail for making it too easy for him to escape.

In this case, the speaker is highlighting a news event that illustrates what a frivolous lawsuit is, setting up the speech topic of a need for change in how such lawsuits are handled.

Historical Reference

You may also capture your listeners’ attention by referring to a historical event related to your topic. Obviously, this strategy is closely related to the previous one, except that instead of a recent news event you are reaching further back in history to find a relevant reference. For example, if you are giving a speech on the Iraq War that began in 2003, you could refer back to the Vietnam War as way of making a comparison:

During the 1960s and ’70s, the United States intervened in the civil strife between North and South Vietnam. The result was a long-running war of attrition in which many American lives were lost and the country of Vietnam suffered tremendous damage and destruction. Today, we see a similar war being waged in Iraq. American lives are being lost, and stability has not yet returned to the region.

In this example, the speaker is evoking the audience’s memories of the Vietnam War to raise awareness of similarities to the war in Iraq.

Another device you can use to start a speech is to tell an anecdote related to the speech’s topic. An anecdote is a brief account or story of an interesting or humorous event. Notice the emphasis here is on the word “brief.” A common mistake speakers make when telling an anecdote is to make the anecdote too long. Remember, your entire introduction should only be 10 to 15 percent of your speech, so your attention-getter must be very short.

One type of anecdote is a real story that emphasizes a speech’s basic message. For example, here is an anecdote a speaker could use to begin a speech on how disconnected people are from the real world because of technology:

In July 2009, a high school girl named Alexa Longueira was walking along a main boulevard near her home on Staten Island, New York, typing in a message on her cell phone. Not paying attention to the world around her, she took a step and fell right into an open manhole (Whitney, 2009).

A second type of anecdote is a parable or fable. A parable or fable is an allegorical anecdote designed to teach general life lessons. The most widely known parables for most Americans are those given in the Bible and the best-known fables are Aesop’s Fables ( http://www.aesopfables.com ). For the same speech on how disconnected people are with the real world because of technology, the speaker could have used the Fable of The Boy and the Filberts:

The ancient Greek writer Aesop told a fable about a boy who put his hand into a pitcher of filberts. The boy grabbed as many of the delicious nuts as he possibly could. But when he tried to pull them out, his hand wouldn’t fit through the neck of the pitcher because he was grasping so many filberts. Instead of dropping some of them so that his hand would fit, he burst into tears and cried about his predicament. The moral of the story? “Don’t try to do too much at once” (Aesop, 1881).

After recounting this anecdote, the speaker could easily relate the fable to the notion that the technology in our society leads us to try to do too many things at once.

While parables and fables are short and entertaining, their application to your speech topic should be clear. We’ll talk about this idea in more detail later in this chapter when we discuss how to link your attention-getter explicitly to your topic.

Startling Statement

The eighth device you can use to start a speech is to surprise your audience with startling information about your topic. Often, startling statements come in the form of statistics and strange facts. The goal of a good startling statistic is that it surprises the audience and gets them engaged in your topic. For example, if you’re giving a speech about oil conservation, you could start by saying, “A Boeing 747 airliner holds 57,285 gallons of fuel.” You could start a speech on the psychology of dreams by noting, “The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year.” A strange fact, on the other hand, is a statement that does not involve numbers but is equally surprising to most audiences. For example, you could start a speech on the gambling industry by saying, “There are no clocks in any casinos in Las Vegas.” You could start a speech on the Harlem Globetrotters by saying, “In 2000, Pope John Paul II became the most famous honorary member of the Harlem Globetrotters.” All four of these examples came from a great website for strange facts ( http://www.strangefacts.com ).

Although startling statements are fun, it is important to use them ethically. First, make sure that your startling statement is factual. The Internet is full of startling statements and claims that are simply not factual, so when you find a statement you’d like to use, you have an ethical duty to ascertain its truth before you use it. Second, make sure that your startling statement is relevant to your speech and not just thrown in for shock value. We’ve all heard startling claims made in the media that are clearly made for purposes of shock or fear mongering. As speakers, we have an ethical obligation to avoid playing on people’s emotions in this way.

Another strategy for getting your audience’s attention is to ask them a question. There are two types of questions commonly used as attention-getters: response questions and rhetorical questions. A response question is a question that the audience is expected to answer in some manner. For example, you could ask your audience, “Please raise your hand if you have ever thought about backpacking in Europe” or “Have you ever voted for the Electoral College? If so, stand up.” In both of these cases, the speaker wants her or his audience to respond. A rhetorical question , on the other hand, is a question to which no actual reply is expected. For example, a speaker talking about the importance of HIV testing could start by asking the audience, “I have two questions that I’d like you to think about. How many students on this campus have had sexual intercourse? Of those who have had sex, how many have been tested for HIV?” In this case, the speaker does not expect the audience to give an estimate of the numbers of students that fit into each category but rather to think about the questions as the speech goes on.

Humor is another effective method for gaining an audience’s attention. Humor is an amazing tool when used properly. We cannot begin to explain all the amazing facets of humor within this text, but we can say that humor is a great way of focusing an audience on what you are saying. However, humor is a double-edged sword. If you do not wield the sword carefully, you can turn your audience against you very quickly. When using humor, you really need to know your audience and understand what they will find humorous. One of the biggest mistakes a speaker can make is to use some form of humor that the audience either doesn’t find funny or finds offensive. Think about how incompetent the character of Michael Scott seems on the television program The Office , in large part because of his ineffective use of humor. We always recommend that you test out humor of any kind on a sample of potential audience members prior to actually using it during a speech.

An audience laughing

Thinkmedialabs – Audience laughing – CC BY-NC 2.0.

Now that we’ve warned you about the perils of using humor, let’s talk about how to use humor as an attention-getter. Humor can be incorporated into several of the attention-getting devices mentioned. You could use a humorous anecdote, quotation, or current event. As with other attention-getting devices, you need to make sure your humor is relevant to your topic, as one of the biggest mistakes some novices make when using humor is to add humor that really doesn’t support the overall goal of the speech. So when looking for humorous attention-getters you want to make sure that the humor is nonoffensive to your audiences and relevant to your speech. For example, here’s a humorous quotation from Nicolas Chamfort, a French author during the sixteenth century, “The only thing that stops God from sending another flood is that the first one was useless.” While this quotation could be great for some audiences, other audiences may find this humorous quotation offensive (e.g., religious audiences). The Chamfort quotation could be great for a speech on the ills of modern society, but probably not for a speech on the state of modern religious conflict. You want to make sure that the leap from your attention-getter to your topic isn’t too complicated for your audience, or the attention-getter will backfire.

Personal Reference

The tenth device you may consider to start a speech is to refer to a story about yourself that is relevant for your topic. Some of the best speeches are ones that come from personal knowledge and experience. If you are an expert or have firsthand experience related to your topic, sharing this information with the audience is a great way to show that you are credible during your attention-getter. For example, if you had a gastric bypass surgery and you wanted to give an informative speech about the procedure, you could introduce your speech in this way:

In the fall of 2008, I decided that it was time that I took my life into my own hands. After suffering for years with the disease of obesity, I decided to take a leap of faith and get a gastric bypass in an attempt to finally beat the disease.

If you use a personal example, don’t get carried away with the focus on yourself and your own life. Your speech topic is the purpose of the attention-getter, not the other way around. Another pitfall in using a personal example is that it may be too personal for you to maintain your composure. For example, a student once started a speech about her grandmother by stating, “My grandmother died of cancer at 3:30 this morning.” The student then proceeded to cry nonstop for ten minutes. While this is an extreme example, we strongly recommend that you avoid any material that could get you overly choked up while speaking. When speakers have an emotional breakdown during their speech, audience members stop listening to the message and become very uncomfortable.

Reference to Occasion

The last device we mention for starting a speech is to refer directly to the speaking occasion. This attention-getter is only useful if the speech is being delivered for a specific occasion. Many toasts, for example, start with the following statement: “Today we are here to honor X.” In this case, the “X” could be a retirement, a marriage, a graduation, or any number of other special occasions. Because of its specific nature, this attention-getter is the least likely to be used for speeches being delivered for college courses.

Key Takeaways

  • In developing the introduction to your speech, begin by deciding upon a statement to capture the audience’s attention.
  • Attention-getters can include references to the audience, quotations, references to current events, historical references, anecdotes, startling statements, questions, humor, personal references, and references to the occasion.
  • Make a list of the attention-getting devices you might use to give a speech on the importance of recycling. Which do you think would be most effective? Why?
  • You’ve been asked to deliver a speech on the use of advertising in children’s media. Out of the list of ten different possible attention-getting devices discussed in the chapter, how could you use four of them to start your speech?

Aesop (1881). Aesop’s fables . New York, NY: Wm. L. Allison. Retrieved from http://www.litscape.com/author/Aesop/The_Boy_and_the_Filberts.html

Leung, R. (2004, September 5). Porn in the U.S.A.: Steve Kroft reports on a $10 billion industry. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com .

Miller, E. (1946). Speech introductions and conclusions. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 32 , 181–183.

Whitney, L. (2009, July 13). Don’t text while walking? Girl learns the hard way. CNET News Wireless . Retrieved from http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10285466-94.html

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

Essay Hook Examples That Grab Attention (Formula for Better Grades)

Essay Hook Examples That Grab  Attention (Formula for Better Grades)

Table of contents

attention getter for argumentative essay

Meredith Sell

Have you ever read a line that caught your attention so fast, you didn’t look up until five paragraphs later? Props to whoever wrote it — they mastered the attention-grabbing hook.

Top 10 Essay Hooks

For many writers, hooks (or ledes, as they’re referred to by journalists) are both tantalizing and infuriating. Out in the wild, we spot first lines that are startling and mind-bending and stoke our curiosity. But then we sit to write our own and all we can think of is “once upon a time” or “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away” or, worse, “imagine yourself…”

‍ ‍ The truth is: every piece of writing can’t start with an explosion or a chase scene. Especially if you’re writing an academic essay or other piece of nonfiction that needs to stick with the facts. But there are better ways to start your essay than the sleepy “A recent study observed 300 chimpanzees in 50 habitats over seven years. This is what it found.”

  • ‍ How do you write a hook that grabs your reader’s attention right away?
  • Is there a way to make sure the hook fits the piece you’re writing?
  • ‍ How do you use AI to produce better hooks?

These are just a couple questions we’ll answer in this article. 

But first, let’s talk about what you need to know before attempting to write that opening sentence.

Try our FREE essay hook generator > Try our FREE essay hook generator >

attention getter for argumentative essay

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay for that blog you’ve been plotting, there are a few things you need to nail down before you settle on a first line.

1. Gain In-Depth Knowledge of Your topic

attention getter for argumentative essay

Name one thing under the sun. You could write an essay about it.

Before you actually write your essay, though, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to be a subject matter expert , but you do have to research.

Your research will help you narrow your focus, build an argument, and uncover the facts to shape the flow of thought throughout your piece. What you learn in the research stage should determine how you structure your essay — and should guide your choice of hook.

‍ Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

‍ Take action: When you’ve finished your research, go through your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything you learned that’s compelling enough to be a good lead. Then, filter that list through your essay genre.

2. Type of essay

attention getter for argumentative essay

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

  • Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
  • Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
  • Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece. 

A serious argumentative essay probably shouldn’t start with a joke. And a shocking statistic may not be the best way to set the stage for a narrative story.

‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn’t fit the type of essay you’re writing, whether it's a persuasive , argumentative or any other essay.

3. Audience and tone

To make sure your essay is properly engaged and understood, you need to keep your audience in mind and choose a tone that fits both your subject and your audience.

For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.

A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.

‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s. 

‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy. Don’t wax eloquent over three paragraphs about your childhood baseball league if your research paper on Little League is only four pages long.

At the same time, a long work — like a senior thesis or a term paper — could be enhanced by a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

5 Enticing Essay Hooks (and How to Avoid Common Mistakes)

1. shocking fact or statistic.

Your research turned up a trove of information — some of it’s boring, some of it’s downright mind-blowing. Here’s a tip: If you lead with anything, lead with the mind-blowing stuff.

‍ Your job as the writer is to either make the mundane interesting or point out what’s not mundane at all. That starts with your first sentence.

For example, let’s say you’re writing about the color of the sky. You don’t want to start with “the sky is blue”. But you could start by explaining how the sky got its color.

For example:

‍ Making the mundane interesting: Sunlight is clear and colorless — until it strikes earth’s atmosphere. Then, scattered by air molecules, it colors our sky blue.

‍ Not mundane at all: In 2020, wildfires up and down North America’s West Coast sent so much smoke into the atmosphere that, in California, the sky turned orange.

Whether you’re sharing a fact or statistic, make sure it’s shocking or unexpected. And state it as directly as possible. 

Produce a shocking statistic with AI

Go to Wordtune, add your headline, and click on 'Expand on' and type "statistics". You can scroll through different AI-suggested stats that relate to your subject at hand.

attention getter for argumentative essay

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

2. Bold claim hook

Especially fitting for argumentative essays, this approach goes from zero to 60 in two seconds (or less, depending how fast your audience reads). The idea is to get to the point ASAP. Make your claim — and then dive into your argument to back it up.

Will your claim ruffle feathers? Hopefully. If your “bold claim” makes people shrug, you haven’t succeeded either in writing it or in choosing a claim that’s actually bold. 

‍ Avoid the mistake of making a claim that people already accept as fact.

Just like “the sky is blue” won’t work as a shocking fact, it won’t work as a bold claim. We know the sky’s blue. Tell us something we don’t know. Or better: tell us something we’ve never heard before and may even find hard to believe. (As long as you can back it up.)

What could work for our sky color example?

  • Denver has the blue-est sky of anywhere I’ve lived.
  • Climate change is making sunsets more colorful than ever.

Generate a bold claim suggestion using AI

Go to Wordtune again, and write a statement that has general consensus. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' suggestion. This is a great way to formulate a bold claim with no effort at all.

attention getter for argumentative essay

3. Story/Anecdote hook

attention getter for argumentative essay

In an anecdote hook, you use a story to establish a connection between the topic and the reader to gain their attention. The story must be direct and concise, and relate to the main topic quite directly.

If your research turned up a wild example from a study that perfectly fits what you’re writing about, leading with that anecdote might be the best way to open your essay. Or maybe you have a personal story that relates to the topic — or permission from a friend to include their story.

The anecdotal hook is a favorite for magazine journalists and, let’s be honest, most of the writers in the room. It’s an excuse for us to play with words and work in more storytelling. As a bonus, well-told stories also have a knack for sucking in readers. Humans are storytellers . It’s like our radar is always pinging for another wild tale to first hear and then share.

But be careful you’re not wooed by a story that doesn’t fit the essay you’re writing. And if it does fit, keep it brief. The details you include need to be relevant to the essay, not just satisfying the inner gossip’s need for more juice.

A favorite writing tip that applies here: enter the scene as late as possible, leave as early as possible.

Consider these two examples:

‍ Long and rambling: When I moved to Colorado in 2015, I’d never been here before and I didn’t know what to expect. I came from Illinois, where I thought the skies were big and the landscape was boring. I wasn’t expecting the Colorado sky to be bigger. And I certainly wasn’t expecting it to be more blue.

‍ Direct and concise: The first thing I noticed when I moved to Colorado was the sky: it seemed bigger and more blue than the sky anywhere else I’d lived.

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place, but if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t get bogged down in irrelevant details about where the person moved from, whether they’d been to Colorado before, or what they were expecting.

Improve your story using AI

Not all of us are natural storytellers. By using AI you can expand a short-written story, or simply phrase it better.

attention getter for argumentative essay

4. Question Hook

Do you remember the beginning of this blog? No need to scroll back up, because I just used the same hook style again: the question.

Starting your piece with a question is a great way to spark curiosity in your reader and set up what your piece is about. But there are plenty of ways to do this poorly.

Avoid any variation of “have you ever thought of…” or “have you ever wondered…” Questions like these try to put thoughts into readers’ minds that they may or may not have ever considered, and can be a major turnoff.

Instead, you’ll want to come up with a unique question that approaches your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research — and maybe even doing some brainstorming of different questions to find the most fascinating one.

What questions could you ask about the color of the sky? So glad you asked.

  • Why did the sky turn orange in the middle of the day?
  • If light is clear, why does the sky look blue?
  • What do earth’s atmosphere and rainbow-casting suncatchers have in common?

5. Description Hook

attention getter for argumentative essay

Another favorite of the literary writers in the room, description is a prime choice for explanatory or narrative essays. But it takes some focus and intention to do well. 

Like with story hooks, you want to keep descriptive hooks concise. Whatever you’re describing — historical figure, disease, sporting event, London in the 1600s — should be clearly relevant to the central purpose of your essay. Your description should either illustrate the point you’re making or serve as an introduction to your topic.

Mistakes to avoid:

  • Relying on passive voice
  • Choosing bland words
  • Describing a scene that’s common to the reader 

As with all hooks, your description needs to be specific and unexpected .

So what would make a good descriptive hook for an essay on the sky? 

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn’t be shocking or unexpected. To reach something unique, you’d have to either zoom in on the air molecules (like we did in our shocking fact example) or take a totally different approach:

Only an artist, the kind that memorized the colors in the crayon box as a kid and uses words like cerulean and violet , could name the difference between the blue of Colorado’s sky and the blue of Indiana’s sky. But she saw the difference, first in photos and then in person. That richer Colorful Colorado blue reflected in her eyes. Not baby blue or sapphire or azure — or even sky blue. Blue bird, perhaps? That’s what Coloradans called it. We’re closer to the sky, they say, that’s why it’s blue-er here. Believe it or not, they’re right.

Create a description hook with AI

By now, you know the process. You write the main topic of your essay, and click 'Explain'. You can also try the 'Emphasize' suggestion, which rather that adding an explanation, reiterates the message more deeply.

attention getter for argumentative essay

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks

Every type of hook can be done poorly, but avoid these at all costs. These hooks are tired and overdone. They may help you start your first draft, but please — for the sake of your readers — do not submit an essay with any of these leads.

1. Quotations

Abraham Lincoln probably didn’t even say that quote the internet attributed to him, but even if he did, people probably already know it. It’s not shocking or unique or unexpected. Leave it out.

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines hook as “a thing designed to catch people’s attention.” 

This approach doesn’t catch anyone’s attention — unless you’re defining a particularly unusual word. But even if you are defining an unusual word, there’s probably a more interesting way to start your essay than relying on someone else’s definition.

3. “Imagine this”

Here’s a hint: Cut “imagine this” and keep the rest. The hook will either work (and be an enticing description) or be painfully boring. Either way, you’ll at least avoid the most cliched approach to starting any piece of writing.

Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

If you want a surefire way to write compelling openings , do this:

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece. 

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍ Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you? Did that fact surprise you in the research stage? Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction. And that’s exactly what you want.

Share This Article:

How to Write a One-Pager: A Handy Guide

How to Write a One-Pager: A Handy Guide

The Best 6 Study Apps To Boost Your Productivity in 2024

The Best 6 Study Apps To Boost Your Productivity in 2024

How To Write an Abstract for Any Subject and Publication (With Examples)

How To Write an Abstract for Any Subject and Publication (With Examples)

Looking for fresh content, thank you your submission has been received.

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • This Or That Game New
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • Writing Techniques

How to Write an Attention Getter

Last Updated: June 18, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 354,436 times.

Attention-grabbing introductions can draw your reader in and encourage them to keep reading. They help to set the tone and establish the narrative voice early on in an essay, a paper, or a speech. Grab the reader’s attention by opening with a quote or fact. Asking a question or presenting a strong statement can help keep your reader engaged. You can also use storytelling to get their attention and draw them in.

Opening with a Quote, Definition, or Fact

Step 1 Pick a short quote from the text that relates to your topic.

  • For example, you may pick a bold quote from a play by Shakespeare you are discussing to open the essay so your reader is drawn in. You may write, “Early in the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the troubled prince notes: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true.’ Themes of identity and self-hood appear many times throughout the play.”
  • Always cite any quotes you use in your introduction using the proper citation style, according to your instructor’s requirements for your paper or essay.

Step 2 Avoid quotes that are clichés or overly familiar.

  • For example, you may write, “In Shakespeare’s Othello , love is not blind, it is all seeing. As Othello notes, ‘For she had eyes and she chose me.’”

Step 3 Use a startling fact.

  • For example, you may write, “Every year, 25,000 people die due to drunk driving in the United States” or “One in five women will be raped in the United States.”

Step 4 Paraphrase a definition.

  • For example, you may write, “When the city gentrifies an area, it renovates and improves a neighborhood so it conforms to middle-class tastes.” Or you may write, “When an area is gentrified, it becomes more refined and polite for some, but not all.”

Beginning with a Question or Statement

Step 1 Make the question provocative and thought-provoking.

  • For example, you may use a question like, “What if we lived in a world where women were not constantly under threat of violence?” or “Why shouldn’t everyone have access to free healthcare in America?”

Step 2 Avoid “yes” or “no” questions.

  • For example, rather than start with a question like, “Have you ever thought about the consequences of your actions?” you may rephrase it as, “Why is it important to consider the consequences of our actions?”

Step 3 Use a statement that describes your perspective.

  • For example, you may write, “Shakespeare’s Othello is a play about the doomed nature of love and the power of desire.” Or you may write, “Drunk driving is an epidemic in America that seems to only get worse every year.”

Step 4 State your opinion with “I believe” or “From my perspective.”

  • For example, you may write, “I believe our country needs to acknowledge fundamental issues in its democracy” or “From my perspective, there is no need to have multiple political parties in a democracy.”

Step 5 Write a statement that discusses a position you are going to challenge.

  • For example, you may write, “Right-wing conservatives believe immigrants are to blame for many of the issues facing America today. I am going to explore how and why this position is flawed.”

Step 6 Start with an exaggerated or hyperbolic statement.

  • For example, you may write, “I am been fascinated with death since I was 16” or “There is no greater joy to me than an empty bed where I can be alone, away from the world.”

Using Storytelling

Step 1 Tell a personal anecdote that relates to your topic.

  • For example, you may write, “The other day in the supermarket, I heard a child talking to his mother. ‘Why aren’t we getting the ones with marshmallows in them?’ he demanded, pointing at the boxes of cereal. He threw a tantrum in the aisle until his mother relented, throwing the sugary cereal into their cart. Standing in the aisle, watching the child, I couldn’t help but think about how children’s diets are becoming more and more unhealthy.”

Step 2 Make a statistic or fact come to life in a story.

  • For example, you may take a fact about drunk driving and write a short story like, “The young driver cranks up the stereo and grins as he thinks about the fun he had at the house party, plenty of cold beer and shots of whiskey. Suddenly, a tree appears ahead. He’s swerved off the road and it’s too late. The police later find him dead in the car due to driving while under the influence.”

Step 3 Use an emotional experience in your life.

  • For example, if you are writing about eating disorders in fashion, you may describe your own experiences with body image. You may write, “Flipping through my mother’s fashion magazines, I learned at a young age that being skinny was glamorous and desirable. This “fact” would haunt me into my teenage years, as I struggled with my weight and body image.”

Community Q&A

Kim G

You Might Also Like

Address a Letter to an Embassy

  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-a-hook/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/cliches/
  • ↑ https://www.csuchico.edu/slc/_assets/documents/writing-center-handouts/how-to-write-an-introduction.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.georgebrown.ca/sites/default/files/uploadedfiles/tlc/_documents/hooks_and_attention_grabbers.pdf
  • ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/types-of-introductions/
  • ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-communications/chapter/introduction/
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/narrative_essays.html
  • ↑ https://www.esu.edu/writing-studio/guides/hook.cfm
  • ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/attention-getters-for-speeches

About This Article

Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

John

Apr 17, 2018

Did this article help you?

Rezza Aulia

Rezza Aulia

Feb 26, 2018

Anonymous

Apr 12, 2018

T. J. Turner

T. J. Turner

Nov 7, 2016

Am I a Narcissist or an Empath Quiz

Featured Articles

Enjoy Your Early Teen Years

Trending Articles

Introduce Friends to Other Friends

Watch Articles

Aerating Wine: Benefits, the Breakdown, & Which Wines You Can Skip

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

  • Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
  • Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
  • Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
  • Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
  • Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
  • Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

  • Make a claim
  • Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
  • Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
  • Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

  • Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
  • Cite data to support your claim
  • Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
  • Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

  • Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
  • Highlight the problems with this position
  • Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
  • Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

  • Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
  • Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
  • Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
  • Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

  • Choosing Essay Topic
  • Write a College Essay
  • Write a Diversity Essay
  • College Essay Format & Structure
  • Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

  • Grammar Checker
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Text Summarizer
  • AI Detector
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved March 12, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/argumentative-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, how to write an expository essay, what is your plagiarism score.

Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

Now here’s the clue.

If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.

Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.

For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.

Teacher: "I won't forgive you for this essay."  Student: "But you gave me an A. What's wrong with it?"  Teacher: "I couldn't stop reading it, and I burned my dinner."

  • 💎 What Exactly Is a Hook & How to Write a Good One
  • 📜 Examples of Classical Essay Hooks
  • 💡 Try Some Informative Essay Hooks
  • 🦄 Here are the Most Uncommon Essay Hooks

✅ Good Hooks for Essays: Bonus Tips

  • 🔗 References for More Information

We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.

💎 How to Write a Hook That Will Work for Your Essay?

The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.

The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.

But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.

The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.

Why Do You Need a Good Essay Hook?

Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:

  • It heats up your readers’ interest. If you did it right, they read the whole piece.
  • It shows off your skills . A right hook presents you as an expert in your field.
  • It attracts target audience. Only the readers you want will keep reading.
  • It keeps the tension on the right level. Use an intriguing question, and a reader dies to find out the answer.
  • It makes a good introduction. Starting your essay off a boring fact is simply not a good idea.

How to Write a Good Hook: Ideas and Examples

Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.

💬 The Famous Quote Hook

Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.

⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️

Quote Hook Example: Political Science

Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy. And even the most developed and progressive countries are still struggling to get to that level of equality. It can be achieved by various methods, even though they might only work in certain countries.

Social Sciences

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.

And excellent sources of quotes for you:

  • Brainyquote.com – you can search quotes by topic or by author.
  • Goodreads.com is not only a great collection of e-books but also quotes.
  • Quoteland.com has plenty of brilliant words for all imaginable situations.
  • Quotationspage.com – more than 30,000 quotations for unique essay hooks.

❓Rhetorical Question Essay Hooks

It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.

Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:

  • What could be more important than…?
  • What if there was only one… (chance/day/hour)?
  • Who wouldn’t like to… (be a cat/turn visitors into clients)?
  • Why bother about… (inequality/imperfect education system)?
  • Which is more important: … (making money or realizing potential)?

And more in examples:

Example of a Question Hook on Education

Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.

Question Hook Example: Health

Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.

😂 Anecdotal Essay Hooks

This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.

It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.

Literature (personal story)

Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it? 

📈 Fact or Statistic Hook

Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.

Business/social sciences

The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.

The full version of this paper is here: Gamification and Cross-Cultural Communication in Dubai

Statistic Hook Example in Economics

The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.

Check the whole essay Debts in the United Arab Emirates .

Some good sources for statistics

  • Finance.yahoo.com is perfect for business papers.
  • Usa.gov/statistics is an easy-to-use governmental engine for searching data and stats.
  • Unstats.un.org provides a massive collection of statistics published by UN organizations
  • Oecd-ilibrary.org is the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), featuring its books, papers, and statistics and is a gateway to the OECD’s analysis and data.

🤯 Shocking Facts are Very Good Hooks for Essays

Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.

Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!

Fact Hook Example in Economics

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.

Read the full paper about China Southern Airlines being against shark finning .

Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).

For the whole text, go to Apple’s New iPhones Start Selling in Stores” by Stacey and Kelly

Sources to look for reliable facts:

  • Buzzfeed.com – news, videos, quizzes.
  • Cracked.com – a website full of funny stuff, like articles, videos, pictures, etc.
  • Webmd.com – an incredible collection of medical facts you will love.
  • Livescience.com – discoveries hitting on a broad range of fields.
  • National Geographic – needs no introduction.
  • Mental Floss answers life’s big questions, a compilation of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

🗣️ Dialogue as a Catchy Hook for Essays

Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.

Here it is:

Dialogue Hook Example in Literature

– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.

With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.

Dialogue Hook for History Essay

– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.

🔮 A Story Looks Like an Extremely Good Essay Hook

A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.

Story Hook Example for an Essay on Business

Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.

Continue reading Dell Technologies Mission, Vision, and Values .

🦚 Contradictory Statement – Queen of Good Hooks

Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!

Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.

Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:

If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.

Social sciences

Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.

🔁 Vivid Comparison Essay Hook

Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.

Comparison Essay Hook Options:

  • Comparison with daily chores (e.g., Proofreading your essays is like cleaning your teeth.)
  • Comparison with something everyone hates (e.g., Learning grammar is like going to the dentist.)
  • Comparison with something everyone loves (e.g., John was happy like a child eating a free vanilla ice cream.)
  • Comparison of modern and old-school phenomena (e.g., Modern email has much in common with pigeon post.)
  • Funny comparison (e.g., Justin Bieber is the Michael Jackson of his time)

Check out examples:

Environment

For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.

Social sciences/psychology

Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.

📄 Definitions = Easy & Good Hooks for Essays

Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.

Business Ethics

White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Go to see the full text here: Enron Company’s Business Ethics .

Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.

Continue reading this paper about Motivation Role in Management .

📚 Metaphor Hook for Essays

Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.

Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:

When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.

The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.

🧩 Puzzle? Yes! Amazing Hook for Your Essay

Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.

Here are the examples:

How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.

Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.

📢 Announcement Is Also a Good Essay Hook Option

Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.

Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.

Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:

It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.

I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.

ℹ️ Background Information Essay Hook

Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.

Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:

Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).

Read the full text here: Air Arabia Company Analysis.

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)

Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.

Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?

In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.

Here’s a simple plan you can follow.

  • First, write a basic version of your thesis statement.
  • Then, provide supporting evidence for your thesis in every body paragraph.
  • After that, reword your thesis statement and write your concluding paragraph.
  • Finally, search for an attention-grabbing fact, statistic, or anything from the list above to serve as an engaging essay hook.

Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.

⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.

Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.

That’s it 😊

Good luck with your work!

🔗 References

  • Hook – Examples and Definition of Hook
  • How to Engage the Reader in the Opening Paragraph – BBC
  • Hooks and Attention Grabbers; George Brown College Writing Centre
  • Hook Examples and Definition; Literary Devices
  • What Is a Narrative Hook? Video
  • How to: Writing Hooks or Attention-Getting Openings-YouTube

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

Hook Generator

AI Hook Generator: Write a Perfect Attention-Grabber

What is a hook generator.

In writing, a hook is a sentence or group of sentences that serves as an attention-grabbing opening to a piece of writing. It is a powerful tool to engage readers or listeners and encourage them to continue reading or listening. However, crafting a good hook can be challenging, and that's where a hook generator comes in.

A hook generator, also known as a hook creator or hook sentence generator, is an online tool that provides users with various ideas for hooks that they can use in their writing. These tools help writers save time and effort by providing them with different options for a hook that they can choose from.

Why Should You Use a Hook Statement Generator?

Using a hook generator has several advantages for writers, including:

  • Time-saving:  Writing a hook can be a time-consuming process. A hook generator can save writers time by providing them with various options to choose from.
  • Increased creativity:  A hook generator can stimulate creativity by providing writers with unique and interesting ideas that they might not have thought of on their own.
  • Improved engagement:  A well-crafted hook can improve reader engagement, and a hook generator can help writers create attention-grabbing hooks that keep their readers interested.
  • Consistency:  A hook generator can help writers ensure that the tone and style of their hooks are consistent throughout their writing. This can help create a more cohesive and polished piece of writing, which can improve the reader's overall experience.
  • Flexibility:  A hook generator can provide writers with different types of hooks that can be tailored to their specific writing needs. For example, a writer may need a hook for an essay, a speech, or a marketing campaign. A hook generator can provide a variety of hook types, such as anecdotes, questions, or quotations, that can be customized to suit the specific type of writing.

How to Use Our Hook Generator?

Our hook generator is easy to use and can help writers generate hooks quickly and efficiently. Here's how to use it:

Step 1: Describe the Topic

Enter the topic you want to write about in the text box. This will help the generator provide relevant and specific ideas for hooks.

Step 2: Generate Hook Ideas

Click on the "Generate Hooks" button, and our hook generator will provide you with different ideas for hooks. You can select the ones that you like and save them for later use.

Step 3: Save Hooks with Potential

After generating hook ideas, you can save the ones that you think have the potential to engage your audience. You can copy and paste them into a separate document for future reference.

Step 4: Refine Your Hooks

You can refine the hooks you've saved by making changes to them or combining different ideas to create a more unique hook.

Tips for writing effective hooks

Here are some tips for writing effective hooks:

Know your audience

Before writing a hook, it's essential to know your target audience. Consider what type of reader or listener you are trying to attract and what their interests and values are. This will help you create a hook that is relevant and appealing to your audience.

Hook examples:

  • Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list?
  • Are you passionate about saving the environment?
  • Do you love trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen?

Start with an interesting fact or statistic

Sharing a surprising or little-known fact can pique readers' curiosity and make them want to learn more. Starting with a fact or statistic can also establish the importance of the topic you're writing about.

Pose a thought-provoking question

Asking a question can make readers or listeners think and engage with the topic on a deeper level. Make sure the question is relevant to your topic and encourages readers to keep reading or listening.

Thought-provoking hook exa

  • What would you do if you had only 24 hours left to live?
  • Is it ever acceptable to lie to protect someone's feelings?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

Use a quotation

Using a quotation from a famous person or a book related to your topic can add credibility and interest to your writing. Make sure the quotation is relevant and memorable.

Quotation hook examples:

  • "The only way to do great work is to love what you do." - Steve Jobs
  • "The best way to predict your future is to create it." - Abraham Lincoln
  • "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin

Tell a story or anecdote

Sharing a personal story or anecdote can help readers connect with your writing on an emotional level. Make sure the story is relevant to your topic and highlights the importance of the issue you're discussing.

Story hook examples:

  • When I was six years old, I fell off my bike and broke my arm. Little did I know that this event would shape my entire life.
  • My grandfather used to tell me stories about his experiences during the war. His stories always reminded me of the sacrifices he made for our country.
  • I remember the first time I tasted sushi. It was love at first bite, and I've been a fan ever since.

Humour can be an effective way to engage readers and make them remember your writing. However, make sure the humor is appropriate and relevant to your topic.

  • Why did the tomato turn red? Because it saw the salad dressing!
  • I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands instead.
  • I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.

Keep it concise

A hook should be brief and to the point. Avoid using long, complicated sentences that may confuse or bore readers.

Concise hooks examples:

  • Time is money.
  • Life is short.
  • Knowledge is power.

Make it unique

A hook should be unique and stand out from other hooks. Avoid using cliches or overused phrases that readers may have seen before.

Your hook should accurately reflect the content of your writing. Avoid using clickbait or misleading hooks that may disappoint or frustrate readers.

How to Write a Good Hook for an Essay

A good hook for an essay should be attention-grabbing and relevant to the topic. It should also be unique and creative. Here are some types of hooks in writing that you can use for your essay:

  • Anecdote: Start with a short and interesting story related to your topic.
  • Question: Pose a question to your audience that makes them think and want to learn more.
  • Quotation: Use a quotation from a famous person or a book related to your topic.
  • Surprising fact: Share a surprising or shocking fact that will make your readers curious.
  • Definition: Start with a clear and concise definition of a term related to your topic.

Choose Your Type of Hook

After selecting the type of hook you want to use, you can start writing your hook sentence. A good hook should be concise and to the point, but it should also grab your readers' attention.

How to Start a Hook for an Essay

To start a hook for an essay, you need to think about what will capture your readers' attention. You can start by asking a question, sharing a story, or providing an interesting fact. The goal is to create a hook that will make your readers want to keep reading.

Essay Hook Examples

Here are some examples of good hooks for essays:

  • Anecdote: "When I was six years old, I broke my leg in a car accident. Little did I know that this event would shape my entire life."
  • Question: "Did you know that the human brain can process information faster than the speed of light?"
  • Quotation: "As Nelson Mandela once said, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'"
  • Surprising fact: "Did you know that the world's largest living organism is a fungus that covers over 2,200 acres in Oregon?"
  • Definition: "According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, 'procrastination' is defined as the act of delaying or postponing something."

Hook Generators

Aside from our hook generator, there are several other hook generators available online that can help writers create attention-grabbing hooks for their writing. Here are some examples:

Instagram Hooks Generator

Instagram is a popular social media platform that is used by millions of people around the world. If you're looking to create reels on Instagram, you can use an Instagram hooks generator to come up with creative and engaging hook ideas.

An Instagram hooks generator is a tool that generates creative ideas and concepts for reels on the Instagram platform. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing and visually stunning content to capture the attention of their audience. 

Instagram hook tips: 

  • Use a visually stunning image or video that captures the essence of your brand or product
  • Use an interesting caption that encourages viewers to engage with your post
  • Use a unique hashtag that makes your post easily discoverable

Check out our  AI instagram bio generator

Email Hooks Generator

Email marketing is an effective way to reach potential customers and promote your business. To make sure your emails get noticed, you can use an email hooks generator to come up with attention-grabbing subject lines that entice your subscribers to open your emails.

An email hooks generator is a tool that generates attention-grabbing subject lines for email marketing campaigns. It is designed to help users create subject lines that entice their subscribers to open their emails. Here are some benefits and examples of an email hooks generator:

Email hook tips:

  • Ask a question in the subject line that piques the subscriber's curiosity
  • Use numbers to make the subject line more specific and compelling
  • Use a sense of urgency to create a feeling of FOMO (fear of missing out)

Check out our  cover letter generator and  how to write letter of recommendation with AI . 

Speech Hook Generator

Public speaking can be daunting, but a well-crafted hook can help you capture your audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout your speech. A speech hook generator can provide you with different ideas for hooks that you can use to make your speech more memorable.

A speech hook generator is a tool that generates creative and engaging ideas for speeches. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing hooks that capture the audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout the speech. 

Speech hook tips: 

  • Use a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic of the speech
  • Use a shocking statistic or fact that highlights the importance of the issue being discussed
  • Use humor to make the audience laugh and create a relaxed atmosphere

Essay Hook Generator

An essay hook generator can help you come up with creative ideas for hooks that you can use to make your essay stand out. By using a hook generator, you can save time and effort while creating a hook that will make your essay more engaging.

An essay hook generator is a tool that generates creative ideas for hooks for essays. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing hooks that make their essays stand out. 

Essay hook tips:

  • Use a quote from a famous person or a book related to the topic of the essay
  • Use a surprising or little-known fact that highlights the importance of the issue being discussed
  • Use a personal story or anecdote that relates to the topic of the essay

Song Hook Generator

Writing a catchy hook is essential for creating a successful song. A song hook generator can provide you with different ideas for hooks that you can use in your songwriting.

A song hook generator is a tool that generates creative and memorable ideas for hooks for songs. It is designed to help users create catchy and memorable hooks that stick in the listener's mind. 

Song hook tips:

  • Use a catchy melody or rhythm that makes the hook memorable
  • Use a simple and repetitive phrase that is easy for listeners to remember
  • Use a metaphor or analogy that makes the hook more interesting and memorable

Check out also our  country song generator and  song title generator .

Marketing Hook Generator

Marketing hooks are used to grab the attention of potential customers and persuade them to buy your products or services. A marketing hook generator can provide you with different ideas for hooks that you can use in your marketing campaigns to make them more effective.

In conclusion, using a hook generator can be a valuable tool for writers who want to create attention-grabbing hooks quickly and efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article and using a hook generator, you can create hooks that engage your audience and make your writing more memorable.

AFS

AFS Programs

Effective Attention Grabbers for Your Essay: Tips and Examples

Effective Attention Grabbers for Your Essay: Tips and Examples

One of the most effective attention grabbers in essay writing is a strong hook. This can be a provocative statement, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. For example, you could start an essay about the importance of a healthy lifestyle by asking, “What’s the most important factor in determining a person’s overall health?” This immediately gets the reader thinking and sets the stage for the rest of your argument.

Another attention-grabbing technique is to start with a personal anecdote or story related to your topic. This allows the reader to connect with your essay on a more emotional level and can make your writing more relatable and compelling. For instance, if you’re writing about the impact of pollution on rivers, you could share a personal experience of watching a once-clear river turn dirty over the years. This description not only paints a vivid picture but also highlights the urgency of your topic.

Compare and contrast hooks can also be quite effective. By presenting two opposing ideas or situations, you create a sense of tension and intrigue, making the reader curious about how you will resolve the apparent contradiction. For example, you could start an essay about the benefits of reading by stating, “Some people claim that reading is a waste of time, while others believe it is the key to personal growth and intellectual development. So, which side is right?” This not only grabs attention but also sets the stage for your argument.

Lastly, using a descriptive or informative sentence is another way to engage your readers. By providing a vivid description or a surprising fact, you can pique their curiosity and make them want to learn more. For instance, if you’re writing an essay about the top five tourist destinations in the world, you could start by saying, “Imagine standing on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, or strolling through the romantic streets of Paris. Here’s a list of the most stunning places that will leave you awestruck.” This instantly creates a sense of wonder and entices the reader to keep reading.

Use a Thought-Provoking Quote

When choosing a quote, make sure it is relevant to your topic and adds value to your argument. It can be a statement from a famous person, a line from a book, or even a thought-provoking question. For example, if you are writing an expository essay on the importance of healthy eating, you can start with a quote like:

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

This quote not only raises the readers’ interest in the topic of healthy eating but also introduces the idea of the power of food in maintaining good health.

Another example could be for a persuasive essay on the importance of protecting the environment:

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.” – Baba Dioum (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

This quote not only raises the readers’ attention towards environmental issues but also sets the tone for a persuasive essay by highlighting the need for education and understanding of the importance of conservation.

Using a thought-provoking quote at the beginning of your essay can be a strong attention grabber and create a memorable impression on your readers. It shows your ability to think critically and adds credibility to your writing.

Start with a Fascinating Fact

One of the best ways to use a fascinating fact as an attention-grabbing hook is to connect it to your essay’s topic. For example, if you’re writing about the importance of protecting rivers, you could start with a descriptive statement like, “Did you know that the Amazon River is so strong it is responsible for 20% of the world’s freshwater flow?” This fact not only grabs the reader’s attention but also sets the stage for the following paragraphs, which could discuss the impact of river conservation efforts.

Another approach is to use a surprising statistic or comparison that raises a rhetorical question in the reader’s mind. For instance, in an essay about the power of words, you could start with a quote from a famous person like Maya Angelou: “Words are things. You must be careful, careful about calling people out of their names, using racial pejoratives and sexual pejoratives and all that ignorance. Don’t do that. Some day we’ll be able to measure the power of words. I think they are things. They get on the walls. They get in your wallpaper. They get in your rugs, in your upholstery, and your clothes, and finally into you.” This thought-provoking statement immediately captures attention and leads the reader to contemplate the impact of words on their own lives.

Tell a Captivating Story

But how do you tell a captivating story in your essay? Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

  • Use descriptive sentences: Paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind by using descriptive language and sensory details. This will make your story more engaging and compelling.
  • Show, don’t tell: Instead of simply stating facts or opinions, show your story through action and dialogue. This will make it more dynamic and interesting for the reader.
  • Provide supporting facts: While storytelling is important, make sure to include relevant facts or statistics to support your argument or opinion. This will give your story more credibility and make it more informative.
  • Contrast the past with the present: If your story involves a change or transformation, highlight the difference between the past and present to create intrigue. This will keep the reader engaged and curious about what happens next.

Here are three examples of how a captivating story can be used as an attention-grabber in your essay:

  • Argumentative Essay: “Five years ago, I was a self-proclaimed fast food addict, devouring burgers and fries on a daily basis. But one day, a documentary on the hidden dangers of processed food changed my life forever. Today, I am a healthy and vibrant individual, dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of a balanced diet.”
  • Analytical Essay: “In 1955, Rosa Parks made history by refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This act of defiance not only ignited the civil rights movement but also showcased the power of peaceful protest in bringing about change.”
  • Informative Essay: “Plane crashes are a rare occurrence, with only about 0.0005% of flights experiencing a fatal accident. However, when they do happen, they capture the attention of the world. The story of US Airways Flight 1549, which successfully landed on the Hudson River in 2009, is a testament to the skill and bravery of the pilots involved.”

Pose a Rhetorical Question

Rhetorical questions are powerful tools that can be used in various types of essays, such as expository, descriptive, persuasive, or argumentative. They serve to provoke thought, raise a point, or introduce a problem that the rest of the essay will address.

How to Use Rhetorical Questions

To use rhetorical questions as attention-grabbers, you need to consider the audience and the purpose of your essay. Think about the topic and the message you want to convey. What question can you ask that will make the reader pause and take notice?

Here are a few ways to use rhetorical questions effectively in your essay:

Start with a challenging question: Begin with a thought-provoking question that makes the reader ponder the topic and its significance. For example, “What’s more important: wealth or happiness?”

Raise a personal question: Pose a question that relates to the reader’s personal experiences or beliefs. This creates a sense of connection and engagement. For instance, “Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be in love?”

Ask a descriptive question: Use a question to paint a vivid picture or set the scene. This grabs attention and makes the reader want to learn more. For example, “Can you imagine standing on the top of a mountain, with the wind rushing through your hair?”

Lead with a quotation: Begin with a quotation that relates to the topic and presents a compelling question. This helps to establish credibility and interest. For instance, “Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ But what does that really mean?”

Overall, rhetorical questions can be a powerful attention-grabbing tool in your essay. By using them strategically, you can intrigue your readers, make them think, and create a strong connection with your ideas from the very beginning of your essay. So, the next time you’re looking to hook your audience, consider using a rhetorical question as your attention-getter.

Rhetorical Question

When you use a rhetorical question as an attention-getter in your essay, it can immediately captivate the reader and make them curious to find out more. Rhetorical questions can be used to highlight a surprising fact, make a strong statement, compare or contrast two elements, or even tell a funny joke or story. They can be placed at the beginning of the essay to hook the reader or used in the opening paragraphs to create a sense of intrigue and lead towards the main topic.

One great way to use a rhetorical question is to ask the reader’s opinion on a topic related to your essay. For example, if your essay is about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, you could start with a rhetorical question like, “Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have so much energy and are always in a good mood?” This question immediately gets the reader thinking about the topic and sets the tone for the rest of the essay.

Rhetorical questions can also be used to make comparisons or highlight contrasts. For example, in an essay about the impact of technology on society, you could ask, “In a world where everyone is connected through their smartphones, do you ever feel more alone?” This question not only grabs the reader’s attention but also sets up the theme of the essay.

How to Write an Attention-Grabbing Rhetorical Question

Here are some tips to help you write an effective and attention-grabbing rhetorical question:

  • Make it surprising or thought-provoking: A rhetorical question should make the reader stop and think. It should challenge their assumptions or introduce a surprising fact that they may not have considered before.
  • Use descriptive language: The question should be descriptive and engaging. Use descriptive words and imagery to create a vivid mental picture for the reader.
  • Keep it short and concise: A rhetorical question should be brief and to the point. Long, convoluted questions can lose their impact and confuse the reader.
  • Use supporting facts: If you’re using a rhetorical question to make a strong statement or compare two elements, make sure you have supporting facts or examples to back it up. This will make your question more compelling and believable.
  • Choose the right tone: The tone of your rhetorical question should match the overall tone of your essay. If you’re writing a serious analytical piece, a lighthearted or funny question may not be appropriate.

Can you give me an example of an attention grabber using a surprising statement?

Sure! Here’s an example: “Did you know that in the United States, more people die from texting while driving than from drunk driving accidents? It’s a shocking statistic that highlights the dangers of distracted driving and emphasizes the importance of putting down your phone while behind the wheel.”

How can I grab the reader’s attention with a thought-provoking question?

A thought-provoking question can be a great attention grabber for your essay. For example, you could start with a question like, “Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world without technology? No smartphones, no internet, no social media. Would life be simpler or more complicated without these modern conveniences?” This question engages the reader and encourages them to think about the topic you will be discussing.

Do you have an example of an attention grabber using an anecdote or story?

Yes, here’s an example: “When I was seven years old, I witnessed a car accident that left a lasting impact on me. The screeching of tires, the shattering of glass – it was a moment I’ll never forget. That experience made me realize the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel.”

How can I use descriptive language to grab the reader’s attention?

Using descriptive language can help create a vivid image in the reader’s mind and capture their attention. For example, instead of saying, “The sun was shining,” you could say, “The sun blazed in the clear blue sky, casting a golden glow over the tranquil landscape.” This adds more detail and makes the reader feel like they are there, experiencing the scene with their own senses.

Why is it important to have an attention grabber in your essay?

Having an attention grabber in your essay is important because it helps to capture the reader’s interest from the very beginning. It sets the tone for the rest of the essay and makes the reader want to continue reading. Without an attention grabber, your essay may go unnoticed or be quickly dismissed.

What are some effective attention grabbers for contrast papers?

There are several effective attention grabbers for contrast papers. One example is to start with a surprising fact or statistic that highlights the stark contrast between two subjects. Another approach is to begin with a thought-provoking question that raises curiosity about the differences between the subjects. You can also use a powerful quote or anecdote that sets up the contrast and engages the reader. Lastly, starting with a vivid description or scene that showcases the contrasting elements can also be an effective attention grabber.

Alex Koliada, PhD

By Alex Koliada, PhD

Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

  • AI Content Shield
  • AI KW Research
  • AI Assistant
  • SEO Optimizer
  • AI KW Clustering
  • Customer reviews
  • The NLO Revolution
  • Press Center
  • Help Center
  • Content Resources
  • Facebook Group

Better & Effective Attention Getters for Essays

Table of Contents

The attention-grabbing beginning is one of the most critical steps in writing a concise and good essay. Many writers struggle with this step since it is challenging to write a concise yet compelling beginning to hook the reader.

This article outlines the different types of attention-grabbing beginnings for persuasive essays to evoke the readers’ curiosity and pique their interest.

Why Is an Attention Grabber Important in an Essay?

An attention-grabbing introduction is essential when starting an essay. It entices your reader and gives them a reason to continue reading by ensuring their interest. It is like a jump-start before the rest of your essay gets started and an invitation to read instead of passing over your paper.

An open book placed on a brown wooden table

Attention-Grabbing Beginnings for Persuasive Essays

Every writing assignment always has a beginning and an end. The start and endpoints for your essay are where you want your audience’s attention to be. It’s not enough for your beginning to be exciting; it must lead into the rest of your essay.

You need to make the reader want to continue reading; otherwise, your essay is lost. Here are some practical, attention-grabbing beginnings for persuasive essays :

Start With an Interesting Question

Start your essay by posing an interesting question relevant to your topic. This is an effective way to grab the reader’s interest in an instant.

People are naturally curious and want to know the answers to all of their questions. If you begin your essay with a question, readers will know that you will answer the question if they continue reading.

State a Surprising Fact

Surprising facts are good attention grabbers because they teach the reader something new, engaging, and unexpected. These facts could be some statistics or minor details about your essay topic.

If you’re going to employ a startling fact or statistic, make sure it supports your argument. It should not be any unrelated attention-grabbing tool.

Begin With a Strong Statement

A strong and powerful statement hook is a phrase that makes a bold assertion about your subject. It ties in with the thesis statement and highlights the significance of your essay. It doesn’t matter whether your reader agrees or disagrees with your opinion. Starting with a strong statement is a great method because readers will be interested in how you back up your claim.

Use a Metaphor or Simile Hook

By using an attention-grabbing metaphor or simile, you can make your point and also set an interesting stage for the essay. A metaphor or simile hook grabs readers’ attention because it causes them to think of a subject from a different perspective. It makes them wonder what you mean and how you compare a topic to something that appears unrelated.

Use Impactful Quotations

Quotations, like startling facts, are good for getting your reader interested in the topic of your argument. Using quotations also increases your credibility as you use an outside source to support your thesis.

When directly quoting someone, be sure to enclose their words in quotation marks and give credit to the original author. Also, pick quotations that have memorable and impactful words.

Begin With an Anecdote

One way to grab the reader’s attention is to open up with a personal story. Anecdotes are brief stories used to make a point. An anecdote can help people relate to the topic and establish an emotional connection. An anecdote can fully immerse your audience into your essay if used properly.

No attention-getter will instantly make a reader fall in love with your essay. But they are effective in getting the reader interested enough to want to find out more.

Ultimately, the goal of grabbing attention is to keep the reader interested and on the page . This article outlines some of the most effective attention grabbers to keep the reader’s interest throughout your essay.

Better & Effective Attention Getters for Essays

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Essay Intro Generator Articles

The different ways to start a comparative essay.

Some writers intend to compare two specific things or ideas through their articles. They write these essays to compare and…

  • Essay Intro Generator

Know The Best Way to Start an Expository Essay

Are you into writing essays that tackle a still-unknown fact? Do you know how to write an expository essay? Before…

Writing an Opinion Essay? Read This First!

Students are required to express their opinions on a topic in an opinion essay. Pertinent illustrations and explanations support their…

Identifying the Best Transitions to Start an Essay

A typical academic assignment is the essay, which must meet certain requirements in order to be written properly. Even students…

How to Write Introductions for Synthesis Essays

One of the most exciting assignments you could have is writing a synthesis essay. For a college or university student,…

How to Write Introductions for Music Essays

Music is food for the soul, or so they say. A music essay analyzes or describes a piece of music,…

Attention Getter Generator

Get a catchy attention getter in 4 steps:

  • Choose the hook type that you want.
  • Type in your essay’s topic.
  • Push the “Get an attention getter” button.
  • Get your perfect attention grabber just like that!
  • ✨ Our Tool’s Benefits

👀 What Is an Attention Getter?

  • 🔥 Types of Hooks
  • ❤️ Helpful Tips

🔗 References

✨ attention getter for essays: our tool’s benefits.

Getting unique hook examples to boost your inspiration has never been easier! AssignZen’s hook generator has many unique features that you’ll definitely appreciate. Here’s why you should choose our tool instead of others:

Not sure why you need a perfect hook in your essay? Or maybe you want to learn more about attention getters? Keep reading this article!

A hook is essentially the text’s first sentence that captures the reader's attention. It’s usually located in the opening sentence of an essay. It can either state the primary idea or function as an introductory sentence before the main narrative.

Reasons to Use an Attention Getter

There are many reasons why using an attention getter will take your essay to the next level:

  • It sparks interest and curiosity in the reader.
  • It makes your essay memorable and helps it stand out among others.
  • It establishes the mood, style, and voice of your writing.
  • It provides context or background information that leads to your essay’s main argument.

🔥 Types of Attention Getters

Did you know there are several diferent types of hooks? Each type is suitable for specific situations and texts. In addition, by using various attention-getting techniques, you can cater to different learning styles and make your essay more accessible to a broader range of readers.

The 4 main types of attention getters are:

Attention Getters for Different Purposes

As you already know, each hook type suits specific texts. In this next segment, we will discuss which attention getters to use with which assignments to get the best outcome.

Attention Getter for an Argumentative Essay

Argumentative essays aim to engage the reader in a discussion. An attention getter for this essay type can be a powerful tool to capture the reader's interest and establish credibility. By presenting compelling evidence in a thought-provoking question or a surprising fact , you can pique the audience's curiosity and make a persuasive impact.

Attention Getter for a Narrative Essay

Narrative essays tell a story. As you can guess, the most suitable hook in this case is the anecdotal type .

Attention Getter for an Informative Essay

Informative essays aim to tell the readers about something. Your aim with the hook would be to create interest. That’s why the best choice here would be statistical and question hook types .

Attention Getter for a Research Paper

Research papers are generally more complex than essays. In this case, a hook of almost any type can fit. We recommend starting with statistics and quotation hooks .

Attention Getter for a Literary Analysis

Literary analysis generally requires a more creative approach than other essay types. That’s why quotation and question hook types are the most appropriate options.

Attention Getter for a Speech

If you’re writing a text for an informative speech, you need a hook that will quickly grab the attention of many diverse people. Generally, a quotation or question hook will do the trick, but you can also use shocking statistics to actualize the topic effectively.

❤️ Writing a Catchy Attention Getter: Helpful Tips

Finally, we present to you the most helpful tips to make your hooks perfect!

Now you know everything necessary for making a great attention grabber for your text. Make sure to use AssignZen’s hook generator to speed up the process! This groundbreaking tool will be a great help even for a seasoned writer.

❓ Attention Getter Generator FAQ

❓ how do you make an attention grabber.

It's pretty easy to make a good attention grabber. Just think of a sentence that can be catchy, informative, and related to your main topic’s problem. You can use any hook, should it be a question, a quote, a personal story, or a shocking statistic.

❓ What is a hook generator?

AssingZen’s hook generator is a free tool that creates attention getters for essays or research papers. All you should do is choose the desired hook type and state your topic in the generator's parameters. After that, you'll receive a perfect hook that you can use however you want.

❓ What is a good attention grabber for an essay?

A good attention grabber must be catchy, informative, and connected with the topic. Here’s an example of a great hook for an argumentative essay: “In recent days, many influential people have asked themselves: can we create a world under a single government?”

❓ What is an example of an attention getter in an essay?

Here’re a few good examples of catchy hooks:

  • Everyone knows that committing a crime is a punishable act. But were there situations where committing a crime has helped society?
  • According to the most recent statistics, 53% of marriages in the US end in divorce.
  • How to Write a Hook: East Stroudsburg University
  • How to Write a Hook to Captivate Your Readers: Grammarly
  • Hooks & Grabbers: Las Positas College
  • Attention Getters: Grand Valley State University
  • The Attention-Getter: The First Step of an Introduction: University of Minnesota

Free Hook Generator

Automatically generate a perfect hook for your next blog post, social media post or video content., ✍️ write smarter, not harder with neuraltext., what is hook generator.

An AI hook generator is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to generate a sentence or phrase that is intended to grab the reader's attention and entice them to read further. The purpose of a hook generator is to help writers come up with ideas for opening sentences that will be interesting and engaging to their readers.

AI hook generators can be useful for writers who are struggling to come up with a good opening for their writing, or for those who want to quickly generate a variety of ideas for hooks to use in their work.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the hook generated by an AI tool may not always be the most effective or appropriate for a given piece of writing, and it's always a good idea to review and edit the generated hook to ensure that it fits the tone and style of the writing.

What is an example of hook sentence?

A hook sentence is a sentence at the beginning of a piece of writing that is meant to grab the reader's attention and keep them interested in the content. Here are a few examples of hook sentences:

  • "When I was five years old, my mother told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up."
  • "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity."
  • "The room was dark and quiet, except for the sound of the ticking clock and my own racing heart."
  • "It was a dark and stormy night, and I was lost in the woods with no way to find my way home."
  • "I never expected to find love on a crowded subway car, but that's exactly what happened."

Remember, the purpose of a hook sentence is to draw the reader in and make them want to keep reading. It should be engaging and set the tone for the rest of the piece of writing.

What are the three common types of hooks?

In marketing, hooks are used to grab the attention of potential customers and entice them to engage with a product or service. Here are three common types of hooks that are often used in marketing:

  • Emotional hooks: These hooks appeal to the emotional needs and desires of the target audience. They can be used to create a sense of fear, desire, or nostalgia, and are often used in ads for products or services that promise to solve a specific problem or fulfill a specific need.
  • Rational hooks: These hooks appeal to the rational side of the brain and are based on logic and reasoning. They can be used to highlight the features and benefits of a product or service and help potential customers understand how it will solve a problem or meet a need.
  • News hooks: These hooks use current events or news stories to draw attention to a product or service. They can be used to create a sense of timeliness or urgency and encourage potential customers to act quickly.

It's important to keep in mind that different hooks will be more effective for different products and audiences, and it's often a good idea to test a variety of hooks to see which ones are most effective for a particular marketing campaign.

What type of hook is most effective?

In content marketing, the most effective hook will depend on the specific goals of the campaign and the target audience. However, there are a few types of hooks that are generally considered to be effective in content marketing:

  • Question hooks: These hooks start with a question that is designed to pique the reader's curiosity and encourage them to read further to find the answer.
  • Anecdote hooks: These hooks use a short, personal story or anecdote to draw the reader in and create a sense of connection with the content.
  • Statistical hooks: These hooks use data or statistics to grab the reader's attention and show the relevance or importance of the content.
  • Quotation hooks: These hooks use a quote or statement from a well-known or respected source to draw the reader in and establish credibility for the content.

Ultimately, the most effective hook will depend on the specific goals of the content marketing campaign and the preferences and needs of the target audience. It's often a good idea to test a variety of hooks to see which ones are most effective for a particular campaign.

Explore more Free AI Tools

attention getter for argumentative essay

Introduction Generator

Generate an opening paragraph for your blog post.

CREATE AN INTRODUCTION FOR FREE →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Paragraph Generator

Generate an entire paragraph for your blog post or essay.

GENERATE A PARAGRAPH FOR FREE →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Blog Title Generator

Enter a keyword to generate title ideas for your next blog post.

GENERATE BLOG TITLES →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Blog Outline Generator

Create the skeleton of your next blog post in a couple of clicks.

GENERATE BLOG OUTLINE →

attention getter for argumentative essay

SEO Title Generator

Enter a keyword and get higher click through rates with amazing SEO Titles

GENERATE SEO TITLE →

Meta Description Generator

Enter a keyword and get higher click through rates with better meta descriptions.

GENERATE META DESCRIPTION →

People Also Ask

Enter a keyword and get data from Google SERP to help your audience by identifying the questions they ask.

GET PEOPLE ALSO ASK QUESTIONS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

SERP Schema Extractor

Enter a keyword and get structured data from Google SERP to identify what schema types your competitors are using.

GET STRUCTURED DATA FROM SERP →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Product Description

Create incredibly good product description to increase sales.

GENERATE PRODUCT DESCRIPTION →

CTA Generator

Create high converting pages with this call to action generator.

GENERATE CALL-TO-ACTION →

Content Ideas Generator

With our content ideas generator, you'll never run out of content ideas again

GENERATE CONTENT IDEAS →

Blog Ideas Generator

Do you need some ideas for writing your blog? You can find free ideas for posts with the help of our blog post generator

GENERATE BLOG IDEAS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

TikTok Ideas Generator

With our TikTok video ideas generator, you'll always have ideas for your next video.

GENERATE TIKTOK IDEAS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Value Proposition Generator

Communicate the benefits a customer can expect from your product or service.

GENERATE VALUE PROPOSITIONS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Personal Bio Generator

Your personal brand journeys begins with a well-crafted and short personal bio.

GENERATE SHORT BIO BLURB →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Slogan Generator

Generate a memorable slogan for your product or company.

GENERATE SLOGAN IDEAS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Hook Generator

Generate an attention-grabbing sentence for your content.

GENERATE HOOKS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

LinkedIn headline generator

Generate memorable headlines for your professional profile

GENERATE LINKEDIN HEADLINES →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Instagram Caption generator

Generate catchy captions for your instagram posts

GENERATE INSTAGRAM CAPTIONS →

attention getter for argumentative essay

Email subject lines generator

Generate attention-grabbing lines for your emails

GENERATE EMAIL SUBJECTS →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Neuraltext?

Neuraltext helps you write and publish high-quality SEO content in half the time. More than 15,000 marketers, SEOs, and content managers use Neuraltext every day.

Why does Neuraltext cost what it does?

A full-time, in-house writer can cost you $75,000 a year. Neuraltext costs only $49/month. Which sounds like a better deal? Also, if you do all the writing yourself, you value your time at $100/hour, and Neuraltext saves you just a single hour a week, then Neuraltext saves you, effectively, almost $400 every month. If Neuraltext saves you 2 hours a week, that goes up to $800 a month. Do you catch my drift? ;)

What kind of writing can Neuraltext do?

Pretty much anything you want it to. It really shines in SEO, but you can use it to write Facebook ads, newsletter emails, landing pages, or pretty much anything else.

Does Neuraltext do the writing for me?

Most of it. You tell it what to write about, and it’ll do the writing. From there, you can make whatever changes you need.

Is Neuraltext’s writing really good enough to use on my blog?

We believe that, yes, the content that NeuralText writes will be more than good enough to use on your blog — especially when compared to a lot of the “content mill” content out there. Don’t just take my word for it, though — you can see for yourself by trying it out!

How much time can Neuraltext save me?

Well, how much do you write? Neuraltext can cut the time you spend writing in half — in some cases, our clients spend only 20% as much time as they used to writing. If you outsource your writing, you won’t save time by using Neuraltext, but you will save a lot of money.

But I thought AI’s can’t write as well as humans can?

Well, the world’s changing, and technology keeps improving. AI can do a lot of things it wasn’t able to do before, including write convincingly. Plus, if you use Neuraltext  and you don’t like it, you can always change it yourself — or hire a human to change it for you. You’ll still have saved a lot of time (or money) coming up with keyword ideas and writing topics.

Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 81/bis 10129 - Turin Italy 🇮🇹 VAT: IT11662690012

Content Brief Software

Keyword Clustering Tool

People Also Ask Tool

Free AI Tools

Documentation

Affiliate Program

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

logo Pro-Essay-Writer.com

  • Good Attention Grabbers for Essays

Good Attention Grabbers for Essays

Top 4 Attention Getters

1. ask a question, 2. tell a story, 3. tell a joke, 4. use comparisons.

  • Attention Grabbers for a Persuasive or Argumentative Papers

Attention Grabbers for a Descriptive Paper

Attention grabbers for contrast papers.

Draw people into reading your essay (for example informative essay or 500 word essay) by making your introduction interesting and intriguing with the first sentence it starts with. The best way to do that is by using attention-catching hooks. These are to engage your audience, spark curiosity in them, and make people wonder what happens next. Therefore, you are to make your introduction stand out and work for you. So what attention grabbers work best in essay writing, and how to make sure that the first sentence of the introductory paragraph makes your readers curious?

You can use a variety of attention grabbers for your piece; however, some hooks work better for particular assignments. So instead of guessing how to create a compelling attention-getter, just check our selection of the best hooks that will steal your readers’ attention in one go. Alternatively, you can always order professional assistance for, academic essay writers in case you doubt your writing talent.

One of the most effective ways to start a paper is to pose a question to the reader. In such a way, you can raise a reader’s personal interest in your writing and make him continue reading your piece in full. However, in order to formulate the question in the right way, you need to know your audience well. Otherwise, you risk failing to hit the target. At the same time, you are to ensure that the introductory question directs the reader to continue the thought or to find the answer within your paper. But don’t make your question too general. 

Let’s say you write about cars. Starting your piece with the question “ do you have a car? ” will hardly impress your audience. It will hardly engage people in critical thinking. A good question hook should make the reader reply with a “hmm” instead of bringing a “yes-no” response. That’s why a good and effective question attention-getter should sound similar to “ have you ever wondered why all the cars in the UK are all right-hand drive? ” Consult our blog on how to develop critical hinking skills to create thought-provoking attention grabbers.

You can also tell a personal story. Readers love stories; well-written stories are always memorable and raise interest in people. The key to a great story hook is making it directly connected to the main theme of the assignment. This approach is best suited for essays about yourself , personal narratives or  scholarship essays  and will hardly work in more formal types of academic assignments. 

Starting your piece with the sentence “ When I was thinking about this topic, I came up with an idea that... ” Such an introductory sentence sounds too banal and is more likely to disappoint than to interest people. With such a story hook, you will never distinguish your paper from the crowd.  

The easiest way to catch readers’ interest is to tell them a funny story. An anecdote hook is appropriate for a narrative or descriptive essay . Even if you do not consider your piece humorous, a funny opening can still work. A little humor helps to win readers’ focus and raise their interest in the topic. Just ensure that the joke is short and relates to the main idea of your piece - and you will improve your essay.

Use metaphors or comparisons to engage readers in your work and make them think about a theme in a different way. The easiest way to impress your reader is to compare your paper topic to something that seems unrelated. An example of an effective metaphor is - A business blog is a magnet pulling customers to a company . Follow the same logic when composing a hook in essay , and you will definitely intrigue your reader.

Attention Grabbers for a Persuasive or Argumentative Papers 

When writing a persuasive paper, you are to make your reader adopt a particular belief and side with you in a particular question without generalization. Your mission is to impact his thinking with the very first sentence. The easiest and most effective way to do so is to start your piece with a surprising fact, statistics, or quotation. Thus, you will spark your reader's curiosity to learn more.

If you do not know how to start a descriptive piece, then write a story. It is important that your story includes the senses and lets people taste, smell, feel, hear, or see the main object or subject that you are going to write about. Just give your reader a feeling of being right there and experiencing the situation with you.

Jumping right in with a contrasting thesis statement can be a great way to engage your reader with this type of paper. Thus, you will immediately introduce readers to your main argument to argue and let them get used to it from the very beginning of your writing.

Do not want to spoil your writing with a boring intro or ineffective quote? Check samples of attention grabbers available on the Internet and get a portion of inspiration.

It’s time for essay writing but you do not know how to start, what to write about, and how to organize your work? This article will guide you on how to write a 500 word essay fast, will reveal all the essay writing secrets regarding essay structure, writing process as well as give good examples for ...

The essay introduction serves as a quick test of your text: if the first paragraph is well-written, the rest of the text may be superb. If you fail with making a good introduction, there’s no matter how exceptional your body and conclusion are because nobody will ever read it. Every essay writer onl...

Being proficient at writing essay hooks is a vital skill to master for students in academic writing. It will be harder to make your readers get excited to read your essays without it. Suppose that you have produced some reliable content to present. Still, if you miss using a strong attention grabber...

dummy-image

Good Attention Getters for Speeches with 10+ Examples!

I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.

Published Date : February 16, 2024

Reading Time :

There are days that you might be having trouble grabbing your audience’s attention during a speech , especially if your speech is too lengthy for the average attention span of an individual. 

Being prepared when planning a speech is essential, as you must instantly draw your audience’s attention. 

The first minute of your speech will leave the most impression. Good attention-getters for speeches can immediately catch an audience’s attention, while a poor one will turn an audience against the speaker. 

People don’t usually tune into speeches in the middle, so you have to catch their attention right from the beginning and have a list of attention-getters for speeches to use. 

In this article, you can get good attention-getters for speeches that will be your ticket to being a speaker that people would find interesting. There are also different types of attention-getters for speeches you can choose from to suit your speech topic.

What are attention-getters For

An attention-getter is intended to intrigue the audience members and inspire them to listen attentively for several minutes. There are countless options for attention-getters for speeches.

Most importantly, in your audience’s mind, an attention-getter can generate excitement and persuade them that the speech would be informative and useful. 

Your attention-getter wording should be refined and practiced. Be sure to understand your speech ’s mood/tone; assess the suitability of humor, emotion, aggressiveness, etc. 

Not only should the words draw attention from the audience, but the delivery should be smooth and confident to let the audience know you are a competent speaker prepared for this address.

Watch how to write attention-getters for speeches:

Why It’s Important to Include Attention Getters in Your Speech

attention getters for speeches

The primary role of attention-getters for speeches is to gain your audience’s attention and make them interested in what you have to say. 

One of the most significant errors inexperienced speakers make is to presume that people listen automatically.

While many audiences can be respectful and not talk while speaking, listening to what you say is an entirely different challenge.

If you do not have the audience’s attention at the beginning, as you continue talking, it will only become more challenging to do so.

The first few lines of a speech are intended to attract and hold the audience’s attention.

Attention getters for speeches are for the audience to listen to the rest of your speech . Your attention-getter should help the audience understand and reflect on your subject.

It might be helpful to ask yourself these questions when choosing attention-getters for speeches:

  • What is the best one for the occasion?
  • Who’s going to be my audience?
  • What’s my speech ’s topic?
  • What is the speech ’s purpose?
  • What am I comfortable to say?

There are three ways to maximize your potential to grab your audience’s attention:

  • Spend time strategizing
  • Design your attention-getter
  • Practice delivering your attention-getter

Different Types of Attention Getters for Speeches

Before getting in front of people to deliver your speech , you should know how to leave an impression on the audience. There are different types of attention-getters for speeches to choose from that can help you pique your listeners’ interest. 

attention getters for speeches

Here are the four key points that you should consider in choosing a type of attention-getter for speeches:

Watch this tutorial on attention-getters for speeches:

The fact that listeners like funny speeches is reasonably obvious. However, the secret to a successful attention grabber is to use humor that is important to the subject. 

Humor is another successful way of attracting the attention of an audience. When used correctly, humor is an excellent weapon for attention-getters in speeches. 

However, without the proper practice and knowledge of using attention grabbers, you can quickly turn the audience against you if you do not wield the sword carefully. 

You just need to know the audience by using satire and consider what they would find funny. Using humor that the audience either does not find amusing or offensive is one of the biggest mistakes a speaker can make.

Here are funny attention-getters for speech examples that you can choose from:

  • Jokes (e.g., inside jokes)
  • Funny True Stories
  • Delivery (e.g., imitating a voice from a famous character)

Using references as attention-getters for speeches can make your audience more inclined to connect a specific reference to your speech .

References allow the audience to freely think about facts and statements related to your speech topic. Targeting a connection to your audience would also make them feel involved in your speech .

Here is what you can do with the different types of references for attention-getters for speeches:

Bold Statements

When you start with a bold statement, your energy and enthusiasm will trigger your listeners to be immediately lured to your speech . They will carefully consider how you back up the assertion in your statement.

This type of attention-getter for speeches often comes in the form of figures and unusual facts. The purpose of good attention-getters for speeches is to use a statistic that shocks the audience and engages them in your subject. 

Many people push the thought of using statistics away as attention-getters for speeches. Most think it’s not interesting and will overwhelm or underwhelm the audience. However, they can shake things up when used correctly.

Starting with a question ensures the audience is engaged by presenting a response literally or rhetorically. 

Make sure you pause before using a question to allow the audience a chance to let it sink in. Give your audience a break to let them think about the problem that you have just posed.

You will typically use a rhetorical question when raising a question to open a speech , the kind you don’t expect a response to. Your listeners, however, will probably try to react to this mentally. 

It is not enough to use only one or two questions, though. If used alone, it is better to use a set of questions. Questions are usually paired with another presentation strategy.

attention getters for speeches

Analogies can be associated with something fresh and distinct that the audience knows and understands. 

It would be best to use an analogy to demonstrate a connection between your speech ’s subject – something new and different for the audience and something your audience knows.

Analogies can be efficient because they use the audience’s thoughts, knowledge, and values to establish a link to your speech topic and you as a speaker. Analogies generate connections between you and the audience.

attention getters for speeches

List of Attention Getters for Speeches

Quotations are the simplest, but they can come off as cliche if not done well. Short stories may be more intimate and appear to increase trust. A humorous attention-getter can also loosen up the right crowd.

The attention-getter should not be eclipsed for a minute, so do your best to keep it short and sweet. 

The following must be present for good attention-getters for speeches:

  • Win the attention of the viewer.
  • Set up some reputation or relatability.
  • Outline the speech ’s thesis.
  • Give a justification for the viewer to listen.
  • Clear transition into the speech ’s body

Top 10 Good Attention Getters

There are a lot of good attention-getters, but we narrowed it to the top 10 attention-getters for speeches that will surely make your audience lend you their ears:

A lot of people enjoy a good laugh. Jokes are at the top of the list of good attention-getters for speeches. 

You create a bond with the audience by telling a good joke early in the speech , and you inspire them to listen with the promise of more laughter.

Ensure the joke isn’t insulting, and the rest of the expression suits you well. Making a terrible joke can hamper your stage’s morale and ruin the rest of your speech .

Make sure you write jokes perfect for the crowd you’re trying to discuss. In this case, there is no one-joke-fits-all.

Inside jokes are the best way to make the audience feel like they have a customized speech , depending on the setting. 

attention getters for speeches

2. Usage of Common Ground

A good attention-getter for speeches is a direct reference to the audience. In this case, something special about the audience uses the common ground to make them interested in the speech ’s substance.

3. Intriguing Facts

Another one from the list of attention-getters for speeches is quickly catching an audience’s attention and revealing a fascinating fact or astonishing statistic first. 

Pick a fact relevant to your subject that can solve your audience’s dilemma. 

4. Rhetorical Question

Asking a rhetorical question is more of a test for the audience. It’s like a test to make your listener’s mind answer, even if it’s just a rhetorical question. 

If you asked an excellent rhetorical question, it would help your audience feel involved and tune in to your topic.

5. Response Question 

A response question is a question that is supposed to be answered by the audience in some way. For example, if they’ve done anything in the past, you could ask your audience to lift their hands. 

It will create more of a voluntary response from the audience. It can also be considered more interactive in the list of speech attention-getters.

6. Visualization

Visualization is another crucial thing to consider for good attention-getters for speeches. You can try to introduce a scene with your words to your audience. 

You can send your audience a visual picture instead of making them decode graphs and figures or associate a relatable emotion with your abstract concept. 

Using instructions accompanied by descriptive terms such as “imagine” or “picture this” practically works with any speech subject using imagination. 

7. Startling Statement

You can create a position for yourself to stress the importance of your message until you surprise your listeners with this type of attention-getter for speeches. 

Starting with this type of attention-getter for speeches can help pique your audience’s interest. Make sure to create the right balance between your statement and your message after.

8. Captivating Story

Your audience would want to know what happened next and how things turned out by starting with an engaging story. 

Direct them through a captivating story so they are always on the edge of their seats, excited to learn what happens next. 

You can create a story or a true story like something unique that happened to you or someone else.

9. Quote from Someone Famous

Another impressive and good attention-getter for speeches is to quote anyone famous in the opening of your speech . 

When you know it’s someone the audience loves, your audience will immediately be drawn to listen. 

You must carefully choose the quote’s source and ensure it relates to your speech .

10. Personal Experience

Attention-getters for speeches about yourself create a connection with you and your audience by sharing a piece of your experience with them. It would help them get to know you more as a speaker.

Likewise, it is also vital to consider building a bridge to make your audience want to know more about what you can share with them. 

Watch this video to learn about good attention-getters for speeches:

How to Practice Good Attention Getters for Speeches

attention getters for speeches

Many think their core content is adequate to get the listener’s attention. 

However, the chances are that the listener would already be distracted by getting to the main message without a strong introduction. 

Public speaking is an art form of persuasion, and along with writing good material, you will need to be aware of the technical aspects that make a great speech . 

It would help if you learned how to deliver it after planning your speech and selecting from your list of attention-getters for speeches. 

The way you introduce yourself and your voice makes or breaks your presentation. Watch how you can improve your speech content and delivery:

Two features you want to represent are excitement and trust. Talk properly and highlight the points you want the crowd to take with them. 

If you are anxious , respectfully introduce yourself, understand your subject, and create an optimistic and energetic atmosphere.

Here are ways on how you can improve your speech delivery:

  • Smile:  Smile at your audience, and they’ll smile back!
  • Enthusiasm : The audience will return the energy that you will give.
  • Create a connection : Find common ground with the audience and use it.
  • Compliment and acknowledge your audience :  Make your audience feel appreciated.
  • Honesty: Avoid any fake news or baseless information.

Watch this video on affordable ways to rehearse your speech the right way:

How can AI help in practicing attention-getters?

AI tools like Yoodli are changing the game for attention-getters! Simply record yourself and receive expert feedback on pace, word choice, body language , and more. Yoodli even transcribes your speech and offers actionable suggestions to transform your opening and captivate your audience. Free to start, it’s a smart way to level up your public speaking and make a lasting impression.

What are some attention-getter tips for public speaking?

Captivate from the start! Ditch the monotone: share a gripping story, ask a thought-provoking question, or use bold visuals. Make eye contact, project your voice, and end with a powerful call to action. These simple steps will hook your audience and leave them wanting more. Remember, confident delivery and a clear message are key!

What are some attention-getter examples for classrooms?

Teachers need attention-grabbers! From rhythmic chants in elementary school to light switches in high school, find the right fit for your class to capture their focus and create a seamless learning flow. Choose based on age and needs, and watch those learning gears click into place!

What are some attention-getter examples for speeches?

From funny stories to surprising facts, grab your audience’s attention! Start with humor, thought-provoking questions, or bold statements. Use stats, visuals, or relatable anecdotes. Include tasteful jokes, relevant quotes, or clear analogies. Choose an attention-getter that fits your topic and audience, and watch them lean in!

How can attention-getters be used in the classroom?

Spice up your classroom! Jokes, relatable examples, surprising facts, and thought-provoking questions are all attention-grabbers that hook students and spark curiosity. Visuals, personal stories, and famous quotes add another layer of engagement, making learning an exciting adventure!

How can visual aids be used as attention-getters?

Don’t tell; paint a picture! Use vivid descriptions to create scenes in your audience’s minds. Go beyond graphs and engage their imagination with “imagine” and “picture this.” This works for any speech , boosting understanding and captivating listeners. Remember, visuals like videos and slides can complement your “word pictures” for even greater impact!

What are some attention-getter examples?

Captivate your audience! Jokes, surprising facts, stories, and more – spark interest with these 10+ attention-getters for speeches and classrooms. Don’t forget their age! Use counting games for younger students and light flickers for teens. Choose the right technique, watch them lean in, and get ready to share your message!

It is crucial to be prepared when you have to give a speech in front of an audience, whether big or small. Who would want an audience not to tune in when you still have something to say? 

Attention-getters for speeches will help you pique your audience’s interest through their different types and examples. Of course, you must match your attention-getter with your speech to avoid sounding out of the blue for your listeners.

Ask yourself some questions and create a speech that will surely lure your audience to listen to your speech properly. You can also download the Orai App to help you practice that perfect speech that catches your audience’s attention. Start your free trial today, which is available on the app store. 

attention getters for speeches

You might also like

dummy-image

How Many Words is a 5-Minute Speech

dummy-image

How to End a Speech: The Best Tips and Examples

Quick links.

  • Presentation Topics

Useful Links

  • Start free trial
  • The art of public speaking
  • improve public speaking
  • mastering public speaking
  • public speaking coach
  • professional speaking
  • public speaking classes - Courses
  • public speaking anxiety
  • © Orai 2023

10 Example-Hooks for the Introduction to Climate Change College Essay

An essay is only as strong as its hook. If you can’t grab your reader’s attention right within the first few sentences, you won’t have it throughout the rest of the essay, either. Don’t bore your reader! Instead, use a captivating hook to ensnare them from the first few words.

 save earth save plant

A hook can be something that is intriguing, hilarious, or even shocking. The goal of a hook is to create a powerful emotional connection with the reader. As the writer, you have a few options. You might consider beginning with a series of questions, a challenging statement, a little-known fact, a quotation, or some fascinating background information. For an essay containing an introduction to climate change, consider a few of the following hooks.

Start with a Quote

Find out a famous person who has touched the discussed issue. Make your audience mull over his/her words as well as provide their own thoughts.

  • Start with a quote : “Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us.”-Bill Nye
  • Start with a quote : “Humanity faces many threats, but none is greater than climate change. In damaging our climate, we are becoming the architects of our own destruction. We have the knowledge, the tools, and the money (to solve the crisis).”-Prince Charles, U.K.
  • Start with a quote : “Global warming isn’t a prediction. It is happening.”- James Hansen

Start with a Fact

Provide some interesting information about the particular issue you disclose. This will make your listeners and readers involved in the problem. Make sure the fact is on point and fresh that no one knows about.

  • Start with a fact : “The planet’s average surface temperature has risen by two degrees Fahrenheit since the 1900s. This change is unrivaled by any others in recorded–or estimated–history.”
  • Start with a fact : “2016 was the warmest year on record, with eight months setting record temperature highs around the globe.”

Start with a Question

Make your audience discuss the issue. This will help you not only make them interested in the problem but also present their own thoughts that might be also quite catchy to discuss.

  • Start with a question : “What have you done lately to help prevent global warming?”
  • Start with a question : “Think about how the weather has changed since you were a child. Has the weather gradually turned warmer? Colder? Perhaps you notice more snowfall or hotter summer temperatures. These are all caused directly by climate change and global warming.”
  • Start with a question : “How does climate change affect you personally?”

Shock Your Audience

Tell something that will shock your audience. It will make them interested. But again, this has to be a real shock, not something that everyone is talking about for the last three years.

  • Start with a shock : “Global sea levels have risen eight inches over the last century. In the last two decades alone, the rate of rise has nearly doubled. This is a direct cause of melting ice caps and increased global temperatures. If this rise continues, entire countries, such as Bangladesh, could be underwater.”
  • Start with a shock : “If everyone in the world lives as Americans do, it would take five Earths to produce enough resources. Just five countries, including the United States, contribute to more than 50 percent of the world’s harmful CO2 emissions.”

What do all of these hooks have in common? They tell you just enough information to get you interested but want to learn more at the same time. It is often difficult to write a stellar hook until you have already–or nearly–finished writing your essay. After all, you often don’t know the direction your paper is going to take until it is completed. Many strong writers wait to write the hook last, as this helps guide the direction of the introduction. Consider drafting a few sample hooks and then choose the best. The best essay will be the one that involves revision and updating–keep trying new hooks until you find the perfect, most intriguing, hook of them all.

Our statistics

Andre Cardoso

The essay writers who will write an essay for me have been in this domain for years and know the consequences that you will face if the draft is found to have plagiarism. Thus, they take notes and then put the information in their own words for the draft. To be double sure about this entire thing, your final draft is being analyzed through anti-plagiarism software, Turnitin. If any sign of plagiarism is detected, immediately the changes will be made. You can get the Turnitin report from the writer on request along with the final deliverable.

Our Team of Professional Essay Writers

As we are an honest and well-paying essay writer service, writers come flying our way. Nonetheless, in the writers' community, we are known for our strict selection process. You as a client can be sure that you will be working with the best paper writer in the game no matter your subject or the difficulty of the task as all our writers go through testing and have their degrees checked. Only 3% of all applicants are accepted to work with us and even these 3% have a training program and a two-month trial period ahead. We value our reputation and only hire true experts with years of experience in academic writing behind their backs. Nonetheless, being a professional writers service has its challenges. For example, as our employer expectations are high, not all writers can handle the challenge of creating zero-plagiarism essay writing content in a short time frame, so as leading writing services we must keep everything in control.

  • Plagiarism report. .99
  • High priority status .90
  • Full text of sources +15%
  • 1-Page summary .99
  • Initial draft +20%
  • Premium writer +.91

attention getter for argumentative essay

IMAGES

  1. Good Attention Getters for Essays With Examples

    attention getter for argumentative essay

  2. Attention grabber examples

    attention getter for argumentative essay

  3. Essay Hook Examples That Grab Attention (Formula For Better Grades)

    attention getter for argumentative essay

  4. 💄 Attention grabbers for argumentative essays. How to Write a Good

    attention getter for argumentative essay

  5. Essay websites: Attention grabber for essays

    attention getter for argumentative essay

  6. IMS, Opinion Essay-Attention Getters with Examples (LaCA)

    attention getter for argumentative essay

VIDEO

  1. Attention Getter

  2. Attention Getter, Speech communication

COMMENTS

  1. Good Attention Getters for Essays With Examples

    This type of attention getter also works well for informative and research essays. Example of a Persuasive Essay Hook. Humans emit 38.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide every single year, and the current level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is already higher than it's been in hundreds of years. Think climate change is no big deal? Think again.

  2. Effective Attention Getters for Your Essay with Examples

    The most compelling introductory lines include posing a question, storytelling, sharing fascinating statistics, and rhetorical generalizations. Below, we list examples of attention-getters for essays to help you get on the right foot. Whatever method you choose, you can't go wrong. Hooks go interchangeably in almost any written piece.

  3. Free Hook Generator for Essays

    Input Your Topic. At this point, you should input the topic of your project. This is the only obligatory step, as without this information, our hook generator won't produce the attention grabber customized to your needs. You don't have to enter a polished title; a rough idea is enough. Step 4.

  4. 9.2 The Attention-Getter: The First Step of an Introduction

    An attention-getter is the device a speaker uses at the beginning of a speech to capture an audience's interest and make them interested in the speech's topic. Typically, there are four things to consider in choosing a specific attention-getting device: Appropriateness or relevance to audience. Purpose of speech. Topic.

  5. Essay Hook Examples That Grab Attention (Formula for Better ...

    In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays: Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action. Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon. Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas. ‍The type of essay you're writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece.

  6. How to Write Attention Grabbers That Work

    These types of attention grabbers spark curiosity and get people thinking about your topic. Here are two examples of attention grabbers in a persuasive or argumentative essay: In 2016-17, students who borrowed money to attend college ultimately graduated from four-year institutions with an average of $28,500 in debt (CollegeBoard.org).

  7. Hooks for Essays

    Create a possible attention getter for each essay suggested. ... The thesis statement is the one-sentence point of the essay. In an argument paper, the thesis states the writer's argument. In a ...

  8. 3 Ways to Write an Attention Getter

    1. Tell a personal anecdote that relates to your topic. Pick an anecdote that will introduce your topic to the reader through setting, scene, and detail. Guide the reader through the story so they are drawn in. Try to keep the anecdote short and to the point, around two to four lines at the most.

  9. 7 Tips for Writing an Attention-Grabbing Hook

    7 Tips for Writing an Attention-Grabbing Hook. How do you get a reader interested in what you have to say? One technique is to use a great hook—an opening so exciting that it convinces a reader that your story is worth reading. How do you get a reader interested in what you have to say? One technique is to use a great hook—an opening so ...

  10. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.

  11. Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

    You'll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers. For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook. ... Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed ...

  12. AI Hook Generator: Write a Perfect Attention-Grabber

    An essay hook generator is a tool that generates creative ideas for hooks for essays. It is designed to help users create attention-grabbing hooks that make their essays stand out. Essay hook tips: Use a quote from a famous person or a book related to the topic of the essay.

  13. Effective Attention Grabbers for Your Essay: Tips and Examples

    Argumentative Essay: "Five years ago, I was a self-proclaimed fast food addict, devouring burgers and fries on a daily basis. But one day, a documentary on the hidden dangers of processed food changed my life forever. ... When you use a rhetorical question as an attention-getter in your essay, it can immediately captivate the reader and make ...

  14. Better & Effective Attention Getters for Essays

    Attention-Grabbing Beginnings for Persuasive Essays. Start With an Interesting Question. State a Surprising Fact. Begin With a Strong Statement. Use a Metaphor or Simile Hook. Use Impactful Quotations. Begin With an Anecdote. Conclusion. The attention-grabbing beginning is one of the most critical steps in writing a concise and good essay.

  15. Free AI Hook Generator

    Ahrefs' Hook Generator can be a valuable tool for writers, journalists, or content creators who want to craft captivating and attention-grabbing introductions for their articles, blog posts, or other written content. By inputting the topic or key ideas, the tool can generate compelling hooks that immediately capture the reader's interest.

  16. Attention Getter Generator: Free & Intuitive Tool for Students

    Attention Getters for Different Purposes. As you already know, each hook type suits specific texts. In this next segment, we will discuss which attention getters to use with which assignments to get the best outcome. Attention Getter for an Argumentative Essay. Argumentative essays aim to engage the reader in a discussion.

  17. Free Hook Generator

    An AI hook generator is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to generate a sentence or phrase that is intended to grab the reader's attention and entice them to read further. The purpose of a hook generator is to help writers come up with ideas for opening sentences that will be interesting and engaging to their readers. AI hook generators ...

  18. Attention Grabbers to Make Your Essay Writing a Success

    Tell a Joke. 4. Use Comparisons. Attention Grabbers for a Persuasive or Argumentative Papers. Attention Grabbers for a Descriptive Paper. Attention Grabbers for Contrast Papers. Draw people into reading your essay (for example informative essay or 500 word essay) by making your introduction interesting and intriguing with the first sentence it ...

  19. Video: Hooks for Essays

    Short Summary. A hook is the first sentence of the introductory paragraph of a paper or essay. The hook differs from a thesis statement in that the purpose of the hook is to get the reader's ...

  20. Good Attention Getters for Speeches with 10+ Examples!

    Top 10 Good Attention Getters. There are a lot of good attention-getters, but we narrowed it to the top 10 attention-getters for speeches that will surely make your audience lend you their ears: 1. Jokes. A lot of people enjoy a good laugh. Jokes are at the top of the list of good attention-getters for speeches.

  21. 10 Example-Hooks for the Introduction to Climate Change College Essay

    Start with a Quote. Find out a famous person who has touched the discussed issue. Make your audience mull over his/her words as well as provide their own thoughts. Start with a quote: "Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us."-Bill Nye.

  22. Attention Grabbers For Persuasive Essays

    Consequently, what surprise me the most about the peer review is that, the main part of this essay was omitted, when I read the persuasive essay, it sounded convincing and interesting to me nevertheless that was not the case. Another. Get more content on StudyHub Attention Getter For Exercise Essay

  23. Attention Getter For Argumentative Essay

    Essay Writing Service. Have a native essay writer do your task from scratch for a student-friendly price of just per page. Free edits and originality reports. Hire a Writer. Got my paper!!! Total orders: 7428. Attention Getter For Argumentative Essay -.