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Learn how to grab your reader's attention and clearly state what your essay is about.
Have you ever started reading a book and just couldn't put it down? That's because the author used a 'hook' to grab your brain like a fish on a line!
A hook is the very first sentence of your essay. Its only job is to make the reader want to read more! Imagine you are a salesperson trying to get someone to look at a new toy. You wouldn't start with something boring, right? In Grade 4, we use three main types of hooks: 1. The Question: 'Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly?' 2. The Bold Statement: 'Video games are actually the best way to learn math.' 3. The Quote: As Walt Disney said, 'If you can dream it, you can do it.'
Quick Check
If you start your essay with 'Did you know that honey never spoils?', what type of hook are you using?
Answer
You are using a Question hook.
After you hook your reader, you need to tell them where you are going. This is called the thesis statement. It is usually the last sentence of your first paragraph. A thesis is like a map because it tells the reader exactly what you will talk about. A simple formula for a thesis is: Topic + Your Opinion + Reasons. For example: 'Dogs are the best pets because they are loyal and keep you active.' This tells the reader that the essay is about dogs, and the two main body paragraphs will be about loyalty and exercise.
Let's turn a topic into a thesis statement. 1. Topic: School Uniforms. 2. Opinion: They are a good idea. 3. Reasons: They save time in the morning and make everyone feel equal. 4. Final Thesis: 'School uniforms are a great idea because they save time in the morning and help students feel equal.'
Quick Check
True or False: The thesis statement should be the very first sentence of your whole essay.
Answer
False. The hook comes first; the thesis usually comes at the end of the introduction.
Think of your introduction paragraph like a sandwich. - The Top Bun is your Hook (it's what you see first). - The Filling is your Background Information (2-3 sentences explaining the topic). - The Bottom Bun is your Thesis Statement (it holds everything together).
Without the bottom bun, your sandwich falls apart! Without a thesis, your reader gets lost. You want to move from a broad idea (the hook) to a specific point (the thesis).
Topic: Why recycling is important. 1. Hook (Bold Statement): Our planet is drowning in plastic trash. 2. Background: Every year, millions of tons of garbage are thrown into the ocean. Many people don't realize that they can help fix this problem at home. 3. Thesis: Recycling is the most important way to help Earth because it reduces waste and protects wild animals.
Notice how we started with a big problem and ended with a specific plan!
Which of these would make the best 'Bold Statement' hook for an essay about healthy eating?
In the thesis 'Pizza is the best food because it is cheesy and easy to share,' what are the 'Reasons'?
A thesis statement should tell the reader exactly what the essay will be about.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to name the three types of hooks we learned today without looking at your notes.
Practice Activity
Pick your favorite hobby. Write one 'Question' hook and one 'Thesis Statement' about why that hobby is fun!