How do I write a hook in debate?

Question

My topic for the debate is, is civil disobedience morally justified in a democracy?

Answer 1

HI Jenna --

I love teaching debate or civil discussion in class. I've often encouraged my students to do something to really grab the audience attention. You could start with a quote from Dr. King - One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” ― Then explain why or how this applies. For a more dramatic opening, list a few names to make a point: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, etc. and then go into the quote and talk about how sometimes you have to break laws to make a point so you can be heard. If you watch Hamilton,this civil disobedience to acquire democracy is the theme and one that carries on today. Bottomline, you need to commit to the position you choose and stick with it.

Answer 2

Hi Jenna!

Hooks are used to get readers or listeners interested in what you have to say, and it can often help to try to connect your topic to something your audience might know about or be interested in. Hooks can be stories, questions, quotations, surprising facts or statistics, or anything that you think would make your topic interesting to someone who is listening.

For example, if I was in a debate about whether pineapple belonged on a pizza, and I was arguing that pineapple does not belong on pizza, I might start my argument with a hook like this:

"This week, I had the worst slice of pizza I'd ever had! I was expecting a delicious, meaty pizza, but instead I bit into something soft, slimy, and sweet."

By telling a story as a hook, I would be able to engage my audience more than if I just started by saying, "Pineapple doesn't belong on pizza."

Hopefully this cheesy, pizza example is helpful for you! For your debate, try to think of ways that civil disobedience and your position on it relate to things that your audience cares about.

Good luck!