OPENERS/HOOKSExamples of possible openers and hooks

What is a Hook/Opener?

Hooks and Openers should do the following: Prepare the read for the essay

Ex: it is like prepping the body for the surgery Spark your readers’ interest Define terms the reader might not know

Ex: a scalpel is a sharp blade used to slice open people’s bodies

Establish a frame, or form, for your writing Ex: who and what you want in the operating room

No extras like screeching cats, crying siblings, dusty cobwebs, or moldy cupcakes

Authoritative Quote

Definition: Open with an impressive or fitting quotation.

Electric Slide Example: “Just dance. All dancing is self-expression and

ownership. Take any dance style and make it your own.” Lady Gaga not only sings about the importance of “just dancing” but also the empowerment of learning how to groove to any dance well. Knowing how to dance the Electric Slide will help people go to a variety of places and shake their “groove thing”.

Dialogue

Include a fitting quotation with answering dialogue if wanted

When I bumped into Lady Gaga while dancing the Electric Slide other day, she said, “Hey, watch where you’re goin’! You’re supposed to start right, don’t you know?” And I was all, “No! Not all of us were lucky enough to be taught.” Knowing how to dance the Electric Slide will help people go to a variety of places and shake their “groove thing”.

Example/Main Points

List all your main points and treat your subject in a very serious, straightforward manner.

For Example: The Electric Slide is comprised of three distinct and

equally important steps. The grapevine, the first step, consists of left to right motion aimed at increasing a dancer’s ability to feel the rhythm. The “step-back” allows the dancer to experiment with the style of their dance. Finally, the kickback adds motion and fluidity to the Electric Slide. Knowing how to dance the Electric Slide will help people to go to a variety of places and shake their “groove thing”.

Narrative/Tell a Story

Tell a story that illustrates the issue of your essay You can tell a third person or a direct address story

1st person=I, we, us, our, my, mine, etc. 2nd person=you, your 3rd person=he, she, it, they, his, hers, theirs, their, its,

etc. Before Lady Gaga became a Lady (when she was just a Ga),

all of the children at school made fun of her because she was too afraid to join the line dances. When she did dance, everyone pointed and laughed when she kicked and pivoted before shuffling left. Once, she even fell on her face. Knowing how to dance the Electric Slide will help people go to a variety of places and shake their “groove thing”.

Fact/Statistics/Startling Statement

Provide a dramatic or eye-opening statement Can include unusual information, statistics, or

facts

The Electric Slide’s creator Ric Silver is responsible for 100% of all cheesy 80s group dances including The Robot. While the dances may be simplistic, music listeners throughout the nation have caught the grapevine bug and can’t seem to stop kicking and pivoting. Knowing how to dance the Electric Slide will help people go to a variety of places and shake their “groove thing”.