Read this passage. I recall watching the fields and pastures outside my window slowly transform into roads, factories, and high-
rises as our train rumbled east. My inaugural train trip to New York City sparked a curiosity about rail travel that blossomed even as the industry declined. What feature distinguishes this passage as an introduction? It adds credibility to the author.It offers researched facts about the topic.It is written by an expert on the book’s subject.It provides a high-interest “hook.”
When you begin an essay, you’ll want to do begin with a “hook”—an element that really catches your reader’s attention (the way a fish hook would catch a fish). Typical hooks include using quotations, asking questions to have readers ponder, providing startling statistics or facts, or telling a bit of a story which is what was done here by how the text teases readers by creating a sense of anticipation as to what will be mentioned next that got the author so curious.
