Question

This introductory paragraph is missing a hook:

Nutritionists say that seafood is healthier to eat than other kinds of animal protein. It is low in fat and cholesterol, and high in the omega-3 oils that promote both heart health and brain development. Current United States Department of Agriculture guidelines suggest that Americans eat two to three seafood meals a week. Unfortunately, most Americans do not consume that amount of fish. However, even if Americans were willing to eat more fish, would the world’s seas be able to provide it? Where will all this fish come from? Many people think that the answer is aquaculture.
Which of the following options would be the most effective hook?

Saltwater fish, fresh fish, and crustaceans all provide health benefits to consumers.

The average family rarely includes fresh fish in their diet for various reasons.

Most Americans eat beef, poultry, or pork on a regular basis.

If you enjoy eating baked fish, shrimp gumbo, crab cakes, or boiled lobster, you’re in luck.

Answer 1

The best hook for the given introductory paragraph on seafood is the one mentioning popular seafood dishes. This hook is engaging and relevant to the topic of seafood's benefits and sustainability. It sets the context for discussing dietary recommendations and environmental considerations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most effective hook for the introductory paragraph about the benefits and availability of seafood consumption would be: "If you enjoy eating baked fish, shrimp gumbo, crab cakes, or boiled lobster, you’re in luck." This hook is engaging as it draws in readers who may have a personal affinity or interest in seafood dishes, setting the stage for the subsequent discussion on seafood's nutritional benefits, recommended intake, and environmental impact.

It is important for individuals to select a variety of protein foods to improve nutrient intake and promote health benefits, including nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, poultry, soy, and seafood. The recommended consumption amount for seafood for adults is two 4-ounce servings per week. However, concerns such as the accumulation of heavy metals like mercury and cadmium in certain types of seafood are significant, as they highlight the importance of choosing the right kinds of fish, like salmon, tilapia, shrimp, pollock, and catfish, which are lower in mercury.

Moreover, the balance between increasing seafood consumption for health benefits and the environmental impact of fishing and aquaculture is vital. With wild fish populations and sustainable fishing practices being subjects of concern, the question arises of how to meet the growing demand for seafood without compromising the health of our oceans and the species that inhabit them.