Writing: The Structure of an Essay
B2 Lesson 4: Writing Powerful Introductions (The "Hook")
Before You Start 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
These are the key ideas for building a great introduction.
Why Your First Sentence is Everything
Your introduction is a "first impression." A boring hook tells the reader the essay will be boring. A powerful hook makes them feel excited to read your ideas. Compare these two examples for an essay about plastic pollution.
WEAK HOOK 😴
"Plastic pollution is a big problem in the world today. It is very bad for the environment. In this essay, I will talk about plastic pollution."
POWERFUL HOOK ✨
"Every 60 seconds, over one million plastic bottles are purchased around the world. Most of them end up in our oceans, creating a crisis that threatens our entire planet."
The Funnel Introduction (Top-Down Structure)
A great introduction is like a funnel. It starts broad to catch your reader's attention, then narrows down to your specific, main point.
"What if you could add ten healthy years to your life simply by changing what you eat?"
"Many people believe that diet is the most important factor in long-term health, affecting everything from energy levels to disease."
"Therefore, schools must teach nutrition to children to build healthy habits for life."
Your Hook Toolkit: 4 Ways to Start 🛠️
Start with a shocking statistic or fact that makes the reader think, "Wow, I didn't know that!"
"The average person will spend nearly seven years of their life on social media."
Ask a "thinking" question that your essay will go on to answer. (Don't ask a simple "yes/no" question).
"Is it possible for a country to be a popular tourist destination and also protect its natural environment?"
Tell a very short (one or two sentences) personal story that connects to your topic.
"When I was ten, I took my first trip to Angkor Wat and was amazed, but I also saw trash left by tourists..."
Paint a picture with words. Use strong adjectives and sensory details (sight, sound, smell).
"The air in the Phnom Penh market was thick with the smell of sweet mango, spicy chili, and aromatic prahok."
What to AVOID 🚫
Click to see common B1 hook mistakes
These hooks are weak, boring, and overused. Do not use them in your essays.
- The "In this essay..." hook:
"In this essay, I will talk about the benefits of exercise."(This is not a hook, it's a plan.) - The "Dictionary definition" hook:
"Webster's Dictionary defines 'teamwork' as..."(This is a cliche and shows no original thought.) - The "Since the dawn of time..." hook:
"Since the beginning of time, people have looked at the stars."(This is too broad and meaningless.)
Practice What You Learned 🎯
Quiz: Identify the Best Hook
Read the essay topic, then choose the *strongest* hook. Click "Check Answers" when done.
1. Topic: The benefits of learning a new language.
Which hook is STRONGEST?
2. Topic: The negative effects of social media.
Which hook is WEAKEST?
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Hook
The first 1-2 sentences of your essay. Its job is to "hook" the reader.
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Engaging
Interesting and holding your attention.
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Thesis Statement
The main argument/point of your essay, usually at the end of the introduction.
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Anecdote
A very short, personal story used as an example.
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Rhetorical Question
A question asked to make a point, not to get an answer.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
Practice the "Hook Toolkit"
Your mission is to practice writing different types of hooks for the same topic.
Topic: The importance of tourism in Cambodia.
In your notebook, write THREE different introductions (just the hook, 1-2 sentences each) for this topic:
- Write one hook using a Surprising Fact.
- Write one hook using a Rhetorical Question.
- Write one hook using a Short Anecdote.