College Composition / Unit 19 CMP 0452 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Hooks That Fit
Captions available
The idea
Openings can draw readers in with a conflict, a specific detail or statistic, a quotation, a question or an anecdote.
In practice
A dramatic statistic shows the writer knows the subject; an anecdote sets a scene; a conflict creates suspense about how it will resolve.
Where people slip
Whatever the hook, it must be credible and must connect to the topic; drama for its own sake misleads.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
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