Opening Hooks
Your first sentence decides whether markers lean in or tune out. A great hook creates instant curiosity, drops readers into action, or makes a promise they need to see fulfilled.
First Impressions Matter
Same story, completely different opening:
"One day, I woke up and it was a normal morning."
"The glass shattered before I even opened my eyes."
Why Your Opening Matters
Markers read hundreds of papers. They're tired. They're busy. And they make snap judgments. A weak opening signals a weak writer. A strong opening signals that this paper might be worth paying attention to.
Your opening line has one job: make the reader want to read the second line. That's it. Don't try to summarize your whole story. Just create enough curiosity or excitement to keep them reading.
The "So What?" Test
Read your opening line and ask "So what?" If the answer is "nothing much," rewrite it. Your opening should make readers ask questions: "What happened?" "How is that possible?" "Who is this person?"
Types of Hooks
Here are six proven ways to start your writing with impact.
Action Hook
"The glass shattered before I opened my eyes."
Best for: Adventure, suspense
Dialogue Hook
""If we get caught, we're dead.""
Best for: Character-driven stories
Surprise Hook
"My goldfish saved my life on a Tuesday."
Best for: Quirky, memorable narratives
Sensory Hook
"The smell hit me first—copper and something burning."
Best for: Atmospheric pieces
Mystery Hook
"The letter had no stamp, no return address."
Best for: Building intrigue
Emotion Hook
"My heart slammed against my ribs."
Best for: Personal, emotional stories
Before & After Examples
See how rewriting your opening transforms the entire piece.
Technique: Start with action—drop the reader into the middle of something happening.
"This is a story about the time I got lost."
"The last signpost vanished behind the fog three hours ago."
Openings to Avoid
These overused openings signal to markers that the writing might be generic.
- ✕ "Hi, my name is..." or "Let me introduce myself..."
- ✕ "This story is about..." or "I'm going to tell you about..."
- ✕ "One day..." or "Once upon a time..." (unless required)
- ✕ "It was a dark and stormy night..." (cliché)
- ✕ "Have you ever wondered..." (rhetorical questions often fall flat)
Why NSW Markers Notice This
Content Score
A strong opening contributes to your Content & Ideas score by demonstrating creativity and the ability to engage readers immediately.
Structure Score
Your opening sets up your Structure & Organization. A hook that connects to your ending creates a satisfying circular structure that markers love.
The 30-Second Rule
Markers often form their first impression within 30 seconds. Your opening needs to signal immediately that you're a strong writer. Make those first words count.
Try It Yourself
Rewrite this weak opening with a stronger hook.
"One day, I woke up and it was a normal morning."
Pro Tips for Better Hooks
1. Write Your Opening Last
Sometimes the best hook comes to you after you've written the whole story. Don't get stuck on the first line—write something temporary and come back to it.
2. Start Later in the Story
If your first paragraph is all setup ("I woke up, ate breakfast, went to school"), delete it and start at the interesting part. You can fill in background later.
3. Make a Promise
Your opening should hint at what's to come. "My grandfather could smell rain" promises a story about this unusual ability. Make sure your story delivers on that promise.
4. Connect to Your Ending
The strongest structures circle back. If you open with shattered glass, can your ending reference it? This creates a satisfying sense of completeness.
Practice Opening Hooks in the Writing Gym
Our Writing Gym has exercises specifically designed to help you master the art of the opening line. Get instant AI feedback on your hooks.