The following strategies can provide a hook for your reader, whether you are composing a traditional essay or a multimodal work such as a slide show presentation or a video.

Offer a startling statistic or an unusual fact

Ask a question

Introduce a quotation or a bit of dialogue

Provide historical background

Define a term or concept

Propose a problem, contradiction, or dilemma

Use a vivid example or image

Develop an analogy

Relate an anecdote