Final answer:
An effective hook captures the attention of readers and is relevant to the subject of the paper. It should be interesting and smoothly transition into the main topic or thesis of the essay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key to writing an effective hook in an introductory paragraph is to capture the attention of your readers. An effective hook can take the form of a compelling quotation, a startling fact, an engaging anecdote, or a humorous story. However, it's crucial that the hook is not only interesting but also relevant to your paper, as it will introduce the topic and the argument you will be making. Additionally, after grabbing your reader's interest with the hook, ensure that you provide a smooth transition to the main topic of your essay, which can involve providing some background context or directly stating your thesis.