Engaging a Reader

Engaging the Reader

Recognise the importance of engaging content. Regardless of the subject, it is your job to ensure that the reader is interested enough to continue reading your response.
Remember your audience. Your writing is meant to be read by someone, so always keep the reader in mind. Aim to keep them enthralled, informed and connected to your writing.

Keep it relevant. Whether the task at hand is a comprehension response or a personal essay, ensure that your content is closely related to the question or topic given. Relevance keeps the reader’s interest.
Vary sentence structure and length. This will help make your writing more interesting to read. Long, complex sentences can be used to detail and describe, while short sentences can provide a powerful punch or a memorable statement.

Utilise sensory language. By integrating all five senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—into your writing, you can immerse the reader in the scene or subject you’re describing.
Play with words through the use of literary devices. Figurative language like metaphors, similes, and personification can colour your writing and keep the reader engaged.
Employ the active voice over the passive voice. Doing so adds energy to your writing and makes it more direct and compelling.

Divide your text into manageable sections. This helps to organise your thoughts and makes the reader’s journey through your writing smoother.
Use echoes and links between different parts of your text. This can involve calling back to a point or scenario previously mentioned, which gives your writing a sense of cohesion and completion.

Wrap up effectively by summarising key points, reaffirming your opinion or providing a solution (depending on the type of text). An effective conclusion reinforces your main points and can leave a lasting impact on the reader.
Leave room for thought. Engaging writing is often thought-provoking. Whether you pose a direct question or offer a new perspective, encouraging the reader to contemplate further helps maintain engagement even after reading.