Hook
What does it mean to hook your reader?
Grab their attention. Make them continue reading.
What is the definition of a sensory detail?
A detail that appeals to your five senses.
Can you have dialogue in an essay? Why or why not?
Yes, it can be used to create a scene.
Can you start your essay like this? "My name is _____ and for my essay, I'm going to talk about________."
NO! It is boring and you don't need to address the essay. The reader already knows you are writing an essay.
What is one way to hook your reader?
Using dialogue, sensory details, or setting the scene.
Yes! Sensory details include: final whistle screamed, knees plopped, etc.
What does "said is dead" mean?
Avoid using said as your dialogue tag. Use better descriptive words.
Can you start your essay with an interesting statistic? Why or why not?
Trick question: It depends on what you write afterwards.
Is this an effective hook?
"January 15th was possibly the worst day of my life. And believe me, I have had some pretty devastating days before. However, this was the absolute bottom for me."
No, set the scene first. SHOW US how it is a brutal day.
How many sensory details are in this example?
"The bustling crowd surrounding me is humming and buzzing. Shoulders are slamming into shoulders. Grime from the sidewalks stain your shoes with black splotches of filth."
6-8 sensory details
Improve this dialogue: "Why is your brother on the roof?" I asked.
Changed asked to "fretted, gasped, or screamed" or similarly effective sensory detail.
If you mention one of your weaknesses, what do you need to make sure you do in your essay?
Don't over discuss the weakness or make yourself sound very flawed. Also, mention growth or progress.
Which of these is the weakest hook?
Anecdote, dialogue, interesting question, sensory detail, setting the scene
Interesting question
What is the relationship between sensory details and imagery?
Sensory details help develop or build imagery by creating a scene or image in your mind.
"Don't ever speak to me again," Declared Cal.
D in Declared should be lower case.
What's wrong with this ending of an essay: "Ultimately, this experience really taught me a lot about myself and I have grown a lot and will be a great person to attend your school."
Show, Don't Tell. Also, don't add "I'll be great at your school."