Writing Effective Opening Paragraphs: Hooking the Reader and Stating Your Thesis

This lesson teaches how to start a written response by first engaging the reader with a hook, then presenting a thesis statement, and finally explaining the importance of the argument. The example used is a persuasive letter about getting a pet, where the writer plans the response, crafts a hook, states the thesis, and concludes with reasons supporting the argument. The lesson emphasizes the importance of considering the audience and structuring the opening paragraph effectively.

What is the first step in responding to a writing prompt according to the lesson?

• Identifying the audience

• Hooking the reader

• Revising the response

• Planning the response

Why is it important to start with a hook in your writing?

• To summarize the main points

• To immediately state the thesis

• To engage the reader's interest

• To provide background information

What should follow the hook in the opening paragraph?

• A personal anecdote

• The thesis statement

• A detailed explanation

• A counterargument

In the example provided, what is the main argument for getting a pet?

• Pets are easy to train

• Pets are inexpensive

• Pets teach responsibility and science

• Pets require little care

What is the purpose of combining the main ideas and reasons in the opening paragraph?

• To emphasize the importance of the argument

• To introduce new ideas

• To make the paragraph longer

• To confuse the reader