What is a hook in writing?

A hook in writing is an engaging opening sentence or statement designed to capture the reader's attention and draw them into the text. This technique is essential in both essays and creative writing as it sets the tone and piques interest right from the beginning. A well-crafted hook can provoke curiosity, evoke emotion, or create an intriguing premise that encourages readers to continue exploring the writer's ideas.

The other options do not accurately define a hook. A closing statement typically summarizes or summarizes the argument and does not serve the purpose of drawing readers in. A long paragraph explaining the main ideas serves a different role by providing content and context after the initial engagement. Lastly, while rhetorical questions can occasionally serve as hooks, a rhetorical question without a clear point or connection may not effectively engage an audience compared to a strong opening sentence. Therefore, C accurately captures the essence of what a hook is in writing.