how to hook a reader in a research paper

73 Essay Hook Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

• Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
• Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
• Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
• Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
• Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

• Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
• Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
• Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
• Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
• Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
• Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
• Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
• Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
• Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

• Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
• Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
• Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
• Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
• Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
• Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
• Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
• Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
• Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
• Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

• Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
• Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
• Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
• Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
• Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
• Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
• Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
• Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
• Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
• Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
• Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
• Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
• Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

• Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
• Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
• Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
• Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
• Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
• Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
• Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
• Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
• Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
• Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
• Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
• Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
• Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
• Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
• Philosophical Question: “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

• Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
• Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
• Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
• Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
• Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
• Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
• Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

• Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
• Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
• Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
• Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
• Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
• Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

• Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
• Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
• Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
• Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
• Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
• Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
• Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
• Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
• Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
• Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)
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How to Write a Hook for Research Paper

Published 16 October, 2023

A research paper is an in-depth study of a particular topic. A research paper begins with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and provides them with some background information on the topic. A hook is a sentence or statement that grabs the reader’s attention and encourages them to continue reading. When writing research, it can be difficult to get your paper off on the right foot if you don’t have an effective hook. This blog post provides tips for how to write a hook for a research paper.

What is a Hook in Research Paper?

A hook is a point of interest that first attracts the reader’s attention. They may also be called “shovels” or “grabs”.

A hook in a Research Paper is an engaging introduction that encourages a reader to continue reading. This can be written in various ways, but the core idea is always the same: before you get into your main argument/claim/theme, you need to hook your potential readers and convince them why they should continue reading.

Whether you are writing a research paper it is very essential to give a catchy beginning to it.  Students should be aware of the difference between research paper hook, thesis statement of a research paper, and introduction. All of them serve their independent role to ensure the quality of the paper.

Things to consider before writing a hook for a research paper

While writing a hook for a research paper, you need to consider the following things these are:

• Develop an understanding of literacy you are writing:  There are different literary works. You in order to write different academic papers need to adopt unique approaches. For example, there is a great difference between argumentative and descriptive research papers.  Therefore, it is very much essential for you to clearly develop an understanding of your work before creating a hook.
• Prepare a proper outline: Preparing a critical outline for a research paper is very much critical as it will assist you in addressing important concepts.
• Understand Audience: You need to design the research paper for a specific audience.  Each and every individual has a different level of understanding. Therefore, before designing a hook, it is very much essential for you to develop an understanding of the target audience.
• Consider Aim of research paper: You need to select a hook that perfectly suits your objective. in simple words, you should choose a hook considering the nature of the work. For instance, if you are writing a magazine, then you can utilize a humorous approach at the time of writing a hook. It is the tactics that will help you in developing the interest in reading among readers.  Another example, for writing a conference paper you need to adopt a formal approach.  At the time of writing a conference paper, you need to concentrate basically on writing style, tone, language, etc.

Note: You can not use multiple hooks in one academic paper.

Read Also: Paragraph Structure in Research Paper

How to write a strong hook for a research paper

Now you know that a strong hook is very important for the success of your academic paper. The following steps are very helpful to make a good research hook for a research paper:

Step 1. Prepare an outline of the research paper

The outline is basically a structure of a research paper that consists of key points. At the first step of writing a hook, you need to think about research objectives. In simple words, You need to think about the basic idea for the research paper.

Step 2. Identify the thesis statement

The thesis statement represents the main idea of a research paper. It is a step where you need to highlight the main ideas of writing on the basis of the topic you are going to address. Then that you need to highlight the different hook sentences and then select one which suits your requirements.

Step 3. Utilize thesis as the basis for writing

Hook has to flow in hand with the key ideas of a research paper. Thus, the hook definition lies in your thesis statement. Suppose, If you are talking about serious issues then it is not at all good to include jokes as hook sentences in your introductory part.

Step 4. Develop an understanding of the audience

A good hook is that which captures the attention of the reader. By developing an understanding of the audience you will get ease in designing hook. At the same time, you need to do an evaluation of readers and think about the things which will grab their attention. If you are writing papers for peers then you can include jokes as a hook sentence. If you are writing an academic paper, then it will be good for you to include interesting facts or Quotes as a hook sentence.

Step 5. Have the right transition to complete the research paper

After selection of the hook, you need to make sure that it has a close relationship with the main content or idea of a research paper. The hook should shift smoothly to the introduction and the entire paper. For instance, suppose you are writing an economic paper then you can utilize famous quotes by popular economists as a hook.

Tips for writing a research paper hook

Let’s discuss a few tips for writing a research paper hook to the college and university students that are unique and students must follow. Do not bother about writing arguments and research paper conclusions and just focus on these points here to start with a good hook. When you are not writing a good research paper hook but focus on its thesis statement, main part, and also on the research paper citation then no one is going to read it. There are some important points to make a good research hook:

• Your research paper hook must match the idea of your topic of research.
• Try to know the interest of your readers that what kind of stuff they expect in the research paper and mold your paper according to it.
• Make sure that your research hook is not too long to read for the readers and take them towards the main part after a short introduction.
• Try to give a brief out view of your research paper that tells all the aspects of the paper in this hook but never reveal your main gist of the research paper.

These are some important points to keep in mind while writing your research paper to impress your readers. You can follow these steps to come out with a supreme-level research paper hook for college and university research papers.

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How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

Table of contents

Yona Schnitzer

Blank screen. Cursor blinks. Clock ticks. Brain freezes.

You stressfully wonder, “How will I ever finish this essay?”

I’ve been there. 

Every time you write an essay, you want to catch your readers’ undivided attention from the very first word. The opening hook has to be *perfect* — no compromises. 

But, instead of reeling under pressure to come up with this elusively perfect essay hook at the eleventh hour, I’ve found a better way to write great essay hooks. 

In this guide, I’ll tell you what it takes to write the most compelling and attention-grabbing hooks. I’ll also break down six awesome types of essay hooks you can experiment with and share examples to inspire your next opening statement.

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening statement of an essay, written to capture readers' attention and nudge them to learn more about the topic. Also known as a lede or lead, this hook introduces readers to the topic/theme of the essay and piques their curiosity to continue reading. 

The hook creates the entire narrative for your essay. It tells readers what to expect from the rest of the essay and creates context around your main argument or thesis statement. 

6 Types of Essay Hooks You Can Experiment With

I’ve created this handy list of six different types of essay hooks. You can choose the one that best fits your essay’s context and create a stellar opening statement within minutes. 

1. Compelling fact or statistic

Lead with evidence and use a powerful fact or statistic as your essay hook. It’s one of the best ways to capture readers’ attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about the importance of time management for freelancers, you have two options to create your opening sentence:

Generic : “Managing time as a freelancer is no easy feat.”

Impactful : “Nearly 70% of freelancers struggle to effectively divide and manage their time between multiple clients.” 

This data point, linked to the original research, sets a strong tone for your essay and draws people in to read more. It communicates  

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Finding relevant statistics for any topic is one of the hardest parts of the job. 

But you don't have to spend hours looking for these data points anymore. Wordtune can do this heavy lifting for you in three easy steps.

• Open the Wordtune editor and add your essay title. 
• Type in any content you've written, click on 'Add spice,' and select the 'Expand on' option.
• Write 'statistics,' and Wordtune will add relevant data points to your content.

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2. Bold claim hook

When working on an argumentative essay , I always write with the mindset that nobody has the time to read my thoughts from start to finish. So, I have to get to the point quickly and make a solid argument worth people’s time. 

That's when opening with a bold claim works best. Condense all your views on the topic into a few thought-provoking lines that would make readers go, hmmm…

But remember, you can't open with a claim that people already know and accept as fact. It has to be something original and unique to make your readers tick, nudging them to dive deeper into your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about water crisis, you have two options to open your essay: 

‍ "In some regions, there is not enough clean water for people to use."

‍ "Imagine a world where every drop of water is a battle, a precious commodity fought over by scores of people and animals alike. This can become a reality as early as 2050."

This bold claim presents a convincing argument about the global water crisis. It also emphasizes the urgency of this argument with a research-backed statistic.

Create a bold claim suggestion using AI

Can’t think of a strong opening sentence for your essay? Wordtune can translate your thoughts into a bold claim and create a compelling essay hook. 

Open your Wordtune editor and write a few lines related to your topic. These sentences should have a consensus among your audience. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' option from the list of suggestions. 

And you’ll have a bold claim for your essay with no effort at all!

3. Story/Anecdote hook

In all my years of writing, I’ve noticed how stories have a unique effect on people. A good story can resonate with a bigger audience, pique their curiosity, and deliver a more personal message. 

That's why you can cite a personal anecdote or talk about a publicly known story as a good hook for your essay. This hook allows you to play with words and work in more storytelling . 

One of my favorite writing tips applies here: enter the scene as late as possible and leave as early as possible. You have to keep it crisp instead of rambling on and on. 

Consider these two examples:

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place. But if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t stray into irrelevant details. 

Create a compelling story with AI

I get it—not all of us are natural storytellers. But you can use AI to your advantage to create a concise and exciting story for your essay.  

Wordtune can help you write a short story from scratch or trim down your writing into a quick anecdote. Click on the expand or shorten button to edit your story any way you like. 

4. Question Hook

Humans have a tendency to immediately look for answers every time they come across fascinating questions. Using questions as essay hooks can reel people into your essay and feed their curiosity.

But questions are also fairly overused in essays. You don't want to use a generic question that makes people say, " Not another question ." 

Instead, think of questions that approach your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research—and maybe even brainstorming different questions to find the most fascinating one.

For example, if you’re writing about the psychology behind why we buy, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ “Do you know what factors compel us to buy certain things?”

Plugged in :

“Before buying anything, have you ever taken a moment to pause and think about possible reasons driving you to this purchase?”

The latter is more descriptive and creates a realistic scenario for readers to truly think about the topic of the essay.

5. Description hook

A descriptive hook works best when writing an explanatory or opinion-led essay. Descriptive hooks, as the name suggests, illustrate a topic in detail to create context for the essay. It's a good way to build awareness for and educate readers on lesser-known themes.

But a descriptive hook can easily become too plain or unexciting to read. To make it work, you have to write an engaging description using imagery, analogies, and other figures of speech. 

Remember to make your hook reader-friendly by avoiding passive voice, mainstream cliches, and lengthy sentences.

Consider this example:

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn't be shocking or unexpected, so scratch that one, too.

This example creates something unique by using analogies to describe the color of the sky and painting a beautiful picture. 

Write a gripping description with AI

Writing an exciting hook for a boring topic is more challenging than it looks. But Wordtune makes it a breeze with just two steps:

• Open the Wordtune editor and write your essay topic.
• Click on Explain or Emphasize and let it work its magic.

You can also change the tone of voice to make the text more in tune with your theme. 

6. Metaphor hook

One of my favorite essay hooks is to open with a persuasive metaphor to contextualize the topic. Metaphors can help you approach the topic from a completely different lens and wow your readers with interesting insight. 

Metaphors are also super versatile to make your writing more impactful. You can write a one-line metaphor or create a scenario comparing one thing to another and linking it to your topic. 

For example, if you’re writing about the experience of working at a startup, you can open your essay with these two options:

Short & sweet: "Joining a startup is like strapping into a rollercoaster: be ready to witness thrilling highs and sinking drops."

Long & descriptive : “Picture a small sailboat navigating the unpredictable winds and tides in a vast ocean. That’s a startup operating in a massive market. And with the right vision, this journey is filled with risks and rewards.” 

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Writing good metaphors takes up a lot of creative brain power. You can always use Wordtune to find some extra inspiration if you're out of creative ideas. 

Type your opening line in the Wordtune editor and click on the 'Give an analogy' option. You can ask for as many suggestions as you want till you find the best one! 

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay sharing your thoughts on a topic, you need to nail down a few things before you settle on the first line for your essay.

‍ Let me break them down for you. 

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of your topic

Before you start writing your essay, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to become a subject matter expert overnight. But you do need to research the topic inside out 

Your research will help you:

• Narrow your focus
• Build an argument
• Shape the narrative

Your research insights determine your essay’s structure and guide your choice of hook. 

After organizing your research in a neat outline, think to yourself: ‍Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

⚡ ‍ Take action: After finishing your research, review your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything compelling enough to be a good lead.

2. Type of essay

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

• Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
• Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
• Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece. 

A serious argumentative essay can start with a shocking statistic or a bold claim. And an expository essay can open with a descriptive hook while a metaphor hook would work best for a narrative essay.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn't fit the type of essay you're writing, whether it's persuasive , argumentative, or any other type.

3. Audience and tone

A best practice I often share with writers is to think of one reader and keep yourself in their shoes . This exercise can tell you so much about your audience — what kind of tone they like, what matters the most to them, what topics interest them, and so on. 

You can use these insights to create a compelling essay hook. Here’s how:

• For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.
• A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.
• ‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s. 

⚡ ‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

4. Length of essay

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing over 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy.  

Readers are expecting a quick read, and they don’t want to spend five minutes only going through the introduction. 

In contrast, you can approach a longer essay — like a senior thesis or a term paper — with a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

⚡ ‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks 

I’ve read hundreds of essays — enough to recognize lazy writing from the first few words. It’s equally easy for readers to discard your essays as ‘poorly written’ just by reading the first line. 

So, I made a list of three types of essay hooks you want to avoid at all costs because these hooks can only disappoint your readers. 

1. Quotations

Quotes are probably the most overused type of hook in any form of writing. What's even worse is rinsing and repeating the same old quotes from Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela in your essays. 

No matter how powerful a quote sounds, you shouldn’t slap it at the opening of your essay. It doesn’t give readers the excitement of reading something original and looks lazy.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on productivity, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work” – Stephen King

Did you know that consuming 100 gms of sugar can slash your productivity levels by over 50% in a day?  

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a hook as "a thing designed to catch people's attention." 

If I opened my article with this dictionary definition of a hook, you’d have either dozed off or left this page long back to find something more interesting. 

Here's the thing: definitions put people to sleep. Readers don't want to see a formal, jargon-heavy definition of a topic as the very first line of an essay. Your opening statement should have some personality in it to show readers they're in for an exciting read. 

For example, if you’re writing about happy hormones, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Happy hormones are known to boost the happiness levels in your body by creating positive feelings.

Ever wondered why cat videos make you instantly happy, and ice creams give you an extra dose of energy? It's all about how happy hormones control our brain chemistry.

3. “Imagine this”

Opening your essay with "Imagine this" used to be an interesting way to put your readers in a scenario and set the context for your essay. But now, it's far too cliched and just another lazy attempt to write an essay hook. 

You can create a relatable scenario for users without asking them to imagine or picture it. Use the descriptive hook format with an interesting choice of words to convey the same ideas more creatively.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on preparing for higher studies abroad, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Imagine this: You’ve been applying to multiple universities, writing SOPs, and preparing for exams without guidance. Everything can go south any minute. 

College application season is officially here. But with each passing day, you’re under more and more stress to apply to your chosen colleges and tick all the items off your list.

‍Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

This opening statement can make or break your entire essay. While I’ve broken down my best tips to create the best essay hooks, here’s a surefire way to write compelling openings :

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece. 

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you? 

Did that fact surprise you in the research stage? 

Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction.

And that’s exactly what you want.

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How to Write a Good Hook for Essays, with Examples

According to recent research, human attention spans have been gradually falling over the years, and today, most readers take less than 8 seconds to decide whether an article is of interest to them or not. 1 That is why the first few lines of an essay must be compelling enough to ‘hook’ the intended audience.   

Good hooks for essays can quickly capture the reader’s attention, spark curiosity, and push audiences to read further. Hooks also help in setting the overall tone of the essay and provide context for the author’s study. This is particularly important in academic and scientific writing, where the depth of information shared, and the complexity of arguments could sometimes deter or even confuse general audiences.  

Table of Contents

• Tips for crafting impactful essay hooks   
• Types of essay hooks for academic writing  

Most early career researchers, and sometimes even experienced academicians, find themselves struggling to craft an impactful hook for their essays. This article offers expert advice on creating good hooks for essays without resorting to sensationalism or straying from the essay theme.  

Tips for crafting impactful essay hooks

Follow these expert tips as you set out to write your essay and hook your readers from the start!   

• Assess audiences : It is essential to know who you will be addressing through your essay. Ensuring that your hook is concise, well-structured, and meets your reader’s levels of expertise goes a long way in attracting and retaining their attention.   
• Create context: Ensure that the hook is relevant to the topic of the essay. It must offer a glimpse of what the essay will discuss and should ideally create a seamless transition into the main body of the manuscript.   
• Ensure clarity: Using impressive, jargon-heavy sentences could overwhelm readers, while overly simplified hooks could undermine your credibility with experts. Instead, use language that is simple and easy to understand.  
• Spark curiosity: Starting your essay with an interesting fact or statement related to your topic can leave readers wanting to know more.   
• Use vivid imagery: Paint a mental picture that will engage readers. For example, “Imagine a world where fossil fuels run out. Let us examine the potential consequences of such a scenario and the impact it would have on the way we live and work.” This statement creates concern and may push readers to read up on solutions to this genuine scenario.  

Types of essay hooks for academic writing

Different types of essay hooks can be used to engage readers. Choosing which type to use depends on the type of essay being written, its purpose, writing style and tone. Read on to learn more about the different kinds of essay hooks that are usually employed in academic writing.  

• Anecdotal Hook : Using anecdotes to illustrate a point can prove to be a good hook for essays. Given that readers are usually interested in life experiences , using anecdotes can be a great way to create a powerful bond between researchers and their audiences.  
• Declaration Hook: An impactful statement can immediately grab the attention of readers. For example, “The revelation of the Gut-Brain Connection , a bi-directional communication system between our gut and brain, has profound implications on mental wellbeing.” 2 This is a good hook for essays because readers will want to see how you support your statement with scientific facts.  
• Question Hook : The secret to writing a compelling question hook is to pose a thought-provoking query related to your topic, one that will pique your reader’s curiosity. If it is a question that your audiences are likely to feel strongly about, it will make them want to learn more. For example, “Just how much screen time is too much for children under the age of 5?” This question may make readers think deeply about an issue that they are concerned about.  
• Statistical Hook : Take this statement as an example, “If past trends continue to WHO’s 100th anniversary, by 2048, about 86% of global deaths will be attributed to non-communicable diseases.” 3 Referencing an established authority or expert or sharing an interesting new statistic right at the beginning of your essay can help capture the reader’s attention quickly.  
• Quotation Hook : A meaningful quote from a well-known author or source that captures the essence of your study can help define its context. This adds credibility to your writing and provides an exciting perspective for readers to consider. For example, “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ Today, given the advancement of technology, this is more fact than fiction.”  
• Definition Hook : An effective way to start an essay would be to introduce your study by giving a brief definition of the topic. This would not only help readers to understand the focus of your work, but it also establishes your expertise on the subject. As an example, “Climate change, often defined as the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns in a specific region or globally, has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.”  
• Historical Hook : Providing readers with some historical perspective on the topic of your study is a good hook for essays and helps you set the stage for your analysis. For example, “The introduction of zero into the decimal system in the 13 century is perhaps the most significant achievement in the development of a numerical system, in which calculation with large numbers became feasible.”  
• Metaphors and Similes Hook : An essay that starts with an allegory can be a good hook. For example, “Like a key that unlocks a door, knowledge on the God Particle will give us access to new worlds of knowledge and understanding.”  

Once you have a draft of your hook, revise and refine it until it is as impactful and engaging as possible. Also, do remember to strike the right balance between being sensational and staying true to the overall tone and purpose of your study. By following these tips, you can master the art of crafting a good hook for essays. 

References : 

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/disrupting-disrupted-marketing-era-8-second-attention-jovel-cipriano/  
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/gut-brain-connection-how-gut-health-affects-your-mental-well-being-0gijf/  
• https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/gho-documents/world-health-statistic-reports/2023/world-health-statistics-2023_20230519_.pdf  

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Hook for a Research Paper - How to Craft One That Grabs Attention?

We all know being a student means tackling a bunch of academic tasks, and yes, that includes some heavy-duty stuff like research papers. But here's the inside scoop: the key to completing these assignments often lies in the magic of first impressions. And guess what? The secret weapon in your arsenal is none other than the introduction, especially its hook.

That's why mastering the skill of creating a captivating hook is key. So, stick with us, and we'll spill the beans on how you can nail it by offering some practical examples, hook research paper tips, and more.

Defining Hook and Its Importance

In writing, a hook is the opening of your paper – the initial sentences designed to capture your reader's attention and encourage them to keep reading. It serves as the starting point that sparks interest, urging your audience to delve further into your writing.

So, why should you pay attention to writing a hook ? Well, it's the difference between making your writing engaging and memorable or letting it fade into the background. A well-crafted hook sets the tone for your entire paper, making readers interested in what comes next.

In the academic world, particularly when dealing with research papers and various assignments, your hook acts as an introduction to your topic, aiming to convince your readers that your paper is worth their time and consideration. It's the first impression that can influence their decision to continue reading or not.

Various Types of Hooks for Research Papers

Now that we've got a handle on what a hook is and why it's important, let's explore the diverse landscape of good hooks for research papers.

Consider it as the bait on your writing fishing rod. You want it to be enticing enough to lure in your readers, making them curious about what you have to say. In the realm of research papers, where facts and findings often dominate, a well-crafted hook for a paper is your secret weapon to stand out from the academic crowd.

Different types of hooks serve different purposes. Some are meant to surprise, others to inform, and some even to entertain. Choosing the right hook depends on your writing goals, your audience, and the tone you want to set for your paper.

Unexpected Revelation

This type of hook introduces your research topic with a piece of information that is unexpected, intriguing, or even counterintuitive. It's the equivalent of pulling a rabbit out of a hat – it makes your reader sit up and take notice.

For instance, if your research paper is on the environmental impact of everyday activities, you could kick things off with a jaw-dropping statistic like, 'Did you know that a single plastic bottle takes 450 years to decompose?' This unexpected fact not only grabs attention but sets the stage for a discussion on the importance of sustainable practices.

This type of hook in your paper is a fantastic way to break through the monotony and make your readers eager to explore the insights you have to offer. It adds a dash of intrigue to your introduction, making your research paper not only informative but also captivating from the very start.

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Thoughtful Quote

This hook involves kicking off your paper introduction with a relevant and thought-provoking quote. It could be from a renowned figure in your field, a historical figure, or even a character from literature. The goal is to set the tone for your research paper and provide a hint of the insights to come.

For instance, if your qualitative research paper delves into the importance of innovation, you might start with a quote from Steve Jobs: 'Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.' This not only adds an authoritative voice to your introduction but also invites readers to ponder the significance of innovation in leadership. Using quotations is a classy way to infuse your paper with external perspectives, lending credibility and depth to your writing.

Intriguing Data

Next up is the hook type that thrives on numbers and data. Think of it as the numerical powerhouse that injects your research paper with a dose of compelling facts.

This hook for research paper involves opening your introduction with a surprising or impactful statistic that relates to your research topic. It's a straightforward approach that appeals to the logical side of your readers, providing them with concrete data to chew on.

For example, if your research paper revolves around the effects of social media on mental health, you might kick things off with a striking statistic like, 'Studies show that individuals who spend more than two hours a day on social media are 30% more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety.'

Using an intriguing statistic not only grabs attention but immediately grounds your research in factual evidence. It sets the stage for a data-driven exploration, making your readers curious to understand the implications behind the numbers.

Stimulating Inquiry

Now, let's turn our attention to the stimulating question hook – a dynamic approach that engages your readers by prompting them to think and reflect.

This type of hook involves posing a question that doesn't necessarily demand a direct answer but invites your audience to ponder the paper topic. It's like throwing a verbal gauntlet, challenging your readers' perspectives, and drawing them into the heart of your research.

For instance, if your research paper explores the impact of technology on human relationships, you could start with a thought-provoking question like, 'In a world where we're more connected than ever, are our relationships growing stronger or more distant?'

By presenting a question that taps into the core of your research, you create a sense of curiosity and involvement. Readers are compelled to continue reading, eager to discover how your paper will address or unravel the complexities hinted at by the question.

Bold Assertion

This hook involves opening your paper with a powerful statement related to your research topic. It is particularly effective when you want to make a bold introduction that leaves a lasting impression. Using a bold assertion is a direct approach that aims to capture your reader's interest and make them eager to explore the arguments and evidence you present.

For example, if your research paper focuses on climate change, you might start with a compelling statement like, 'The relentless rise in global temperatures is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, demanding urgent attention and action.'

The bold statement works by asserting a strong position or introducing a compelling fact right from the start. It establishes the significance of your research and signals to your readers that your paper will delve into a topic of consequence.

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How to Write a Hook for a Research Paper?

Now that you understand the crucial role of a robust hook, let's explore the practical side of how to write a good hook for a research paper. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:

• Make your language vivid and evocative. Paint a mental picture or evoke emotions with your words. This adds richness to your hook and draws readers into your paper on a deeper level.
• Surprise your readers with the unexpected. Whether it's a surprising fact, a counterintuitive statement, or an unusual statistic, catching your audience off guard can be a powerful hooking technique.
• Frame your hook by presenting a problem or challenge relevant to your research. This creates a sense of intrigue, prompting readers to continue to discover how your paper addresses or resolves the issue.
• Make your opening relatable by connecting it to real-world issues or current events. Demonstrating the relevance of your paper from the outset helps readers see the immediate significance of your work.
• Add some humor, as it can be an effective tool if it aligns with the tone of your research paper. A well-placed joke or a clever play on words can lighten the mood and make your introduction memorable. And if you're looking for ways to write a research paper fast , using humor is a great way to make the process more enjoyable and easy.
• Tease your readers with a hint of what's to come. This could be a glimpse of a surprising finding, a tantalizing question, or a promise of an unconventional perspective. Leave them wanting more.
• Be mindful of the overall tone of your research paper. While you want to grab attention, ensure that your hook aligns with the seriousness or lightness appropriate for your academic writing.
• Let your unique writing style shine through. If you're naturally witty, incorporate humor in your paper. If you prefer a more serious tone, stick with that. Consistency in style helps build a connection with your readers.
• Ensure that your hook seamlessly transitions into the next section of your paper. A smooth flow between the hook and the thesis statement sets the stage for a coherent and engaging read.

Now that we've shared some helpful tips, you might want to use our expertise further. In this case, feel free to ask us, - write research paper for me . Remember, we're always here to lend a hand!

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Writing a Research Paper Introduction | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on September 24, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on March 27, 2023.

The introduction to a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your topic and get the reader interested
• Provide background or summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Detail your specific research problem and problem statement
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The introduction looks slightly different depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument by engaging with a variety of sources.

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Table of contents

Step 1: introduce your topic, step 2: describe the background, step 3: establish your research problem, step 4: specify your objective(s), step 5: map out your paper, research paper introduction examples, frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.

The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.

The hook is a striking opening sentence that clearly conveys the relevance of your topic. Think of an interesting fact or statistic, a strong statement, a question, or a brief anecdote that will get the reader wondering about your topic.

For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:

A more empirical paper investigating the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues in adolescent girls might use the following hook:

Don’t feel that your hook necessarily has to be deeply impressive or creative. Clarity and relevance are still more important than catchiness. The key thing is to guide the reader into your topic and situate your ideas.

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This part of the introduction differs depending on what approach your paper is taking.

In a more argumentative paper, you’ll explore some general background here. In a more empirical paper, this is the place to review previous research and establish how yours fits in.

Argumentative paper: Background information

After you’ve caught your reader’s attention, specify a bit more, providing context and narrowing down your topic.

Provide only the most relevant background information. The introduction isn’t the place to get too in-depth; if more background is essential to your paper, it can appear in the body .

Empirical paper: Describing previous research

For a paper describing original research, you’ll instead provide an overview of the most relevant research that has already been conducted. This is a sort of miniature literature review —a sketch of the current state of research into your topic, boiled down to a few sentences.

This should be informed by genuine engagement with the literature. Your search can be less extensive than in a full literature review, but a clear sense of the relevant research is crucial to inform your own work.

Begin by establishing the kinds of research that have been done, and end with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to respond to.

The next step is to clarify how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses.

Argumentative paper: Emphasize importance

In an argumentative research paper, you can simply state the problem you intend to discuss, and what is original or important about your argument.

Empirical paper: Relate to the literature

In an empirical research paper, try to lead into the problem on the basis of your discussion of the literature. Think in terms of these questions:

• What research gap is your work intended to fill?
• What limitations in previous work does it address?
• What contribution to knowledge does it make?

You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.

Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.

The way you frame your research objectives varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).

Argumentative paper: Thesis statement

The thesis statement expresses the position that the rest of the paper will present evidence and arguments for. It can be presented in one or two sentences, and should state your position clearly and directly, without providing specific arguments for it at this point.

Empirical paper: Research question and hypothesis

The research question is the question you want to answer in an empirical research paper.

Present your research question clearly and directly, with a minimum of discussion at this point. The rest of the paper will be taken up with discussing and investigating this question; here you just need to express it.

A research question can be framed either directly or indirectly.

• This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?
• We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls.

If your research involved testing hypotheses , these should be stated along with your research question. They are usually presented in the past tense, since the hypothesis will already have been tested by the time you are writing up your paper.

For example, the following hypothesis might respond to the research question above:

The final part of the introduction is often dedicated to a brief overview of the rest of the paper.

In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.

If included, the overview should be concise, direct, and written in the present tense.

• This paper will first discuss several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then will go on to …
• This paper first discusses several examples of survey-based research into adolescent social media use, then goes on to …

Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

• Argumentative paper
• Empirical paper

Are cows responsible for climate change? A recent study (RIVM, 2019) shows that cattle farmers account for two thirds of agricultural nitrogen emissions in the Netherlands. These emissions result from nitrogen in manure, which can degrade into ammonia and enter the atmosphere. The study’s calculations show that agriculture is the main source of nitrogen pollution, accounting for 46% of the country’s total emissions. By comparison, road traffic and households are responsible for 6.1% each, the industrial sector for 1%. While efforts are being made to mitigate these emissions, policymakers are reluctant to reckon with the scale of the problem. The approach presented here is a radical one, but commensurate with the issue. This paper argues that the Dutch government must stimulate and subsidize livestock farmers, especially cattle farmers, to transition to sustainable vegetable farming. It first establishes the inadequacy of current mitigation measures, then discusses the various advantages of the results proposed, and finally addresses potential objections to the plan on economic grounds.

The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013; Meier & Gray, 2014). These studies have consistently found that the visual and interactive aspects of the platform have the greatest influence on body image issues. Despite this, highly visual social media (HVSM) such as Instagram have yet to be robustly researched. This paper sets out to address this research gap. We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls. It was hypothesized that daily Instagram use would be associated with an increase in body image concerns and a decrease in self-esteem ratings.

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

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