A writer begins a passage with a surprising fact to engage readers. What is the author's likely purpose?

A writer begins a passage with a surprising fact to engage readers. What is the author's likely purpose?

• A. To engage curiosity at the outset
• B. To weaken the narrative
• C. To provide background
• D. To present a conclusion

Answer: (A)

Opening with a surprising fact works as a hook to draw readers in. By presenting something unexpected, the writer triggers curiosity and prompts questions like "Why is this true?" or "What comes next?" that motivate readers to keep reading to uncover the explanation or significance. This approach isn’t about giving background or delivering a conclusion right away; those elements usually come later in the piece. It’s all about grabbing attention at the start and setting up interest for what follows.

Opening with a surprising fact works as a hook to draw readers in. By presenting something unexpected, the writer triggers curiosity and prompts questions like "Why is this true?" or "What comes next?" that motivate readers to keep reading to uncover the explanation or significance. This approach isn’t about giving background or delivering a conclusion right away; those elements usually come later in the piece. It’s all about grabbing attention at the start and setting up interest for what follows.