How to Hook Your Audience: Academic Essays
A-State Online Writing Center
A hook is a sentence or series of sentences that grab the attention of the reader and make them
interested or curious about the essay’s contents. All forms of writing can benefit from a
captivating hook. Moreover, there are a variety of ways to capture a reader’s interest, from
making a strong, assertive claim to posing a thought-provoking question.
General Tips & Strategies
Consider the Title
Titles can also serve as a part of a hook. Think of when you conduct research or you’re
searching for a book to read. Titles matter because they convey the purpose of the piece and/or
leave readers with questions regarding the content matter. Consider how the title can engage
readers without convoluting the subject matter. Of course, incredibly technical content is more
black and white, but essays in the humanities disciplines can often possess more leeway.
Example: PopTherapy: coping with stress through pop-culture
The title is intriguing overall, and the subtitle is evergreen as the masses consume pop culture
and navigate stressful situations. The reader may be tempted to learn how pop-culture can
serve as a therapeutic device.
Make a Strong Claim
Engage your reader by asserting a strong statement that is connected to your thesis
statement. These claims will be supported by evidence throughout the paper, with counter-
arguments in place as well. Whether or not your reader initially agrees with you, they may
be interested in your argument.
Example: “Nutrition is a major environmental influence on physical and mental growth and
development in early life.”
