Blogging Instructions

Overview

The following guidelines apply to what you post on your blogs (check your calendar for due dates…plan ahead!). It is based on whatever you “read” from the links I have provided (or other online sources you might find). This assignment, both the reading and the writing, has several important goals. Through this bi-weekly assignment, you will:

• read a variety of types of text (images, essays, films, articles, poems, stories, and multimedia productions)
• improve your familiarity with how to use the web and its resources
• reinforce and extend your knowledge of how to write paragraphs that are focused, organized, and developed using examples and details
• write about a subject of interest to you (REMEMBER “YOUR SENTENCE” IS YOUR GUIDE…if you don’t know what “your sentence” is review this video and this video) and your audience that demonstrates your ability to read a variety of texts with insight
• write with an emphasis on clarity and correctness

Step One: Decide what you will read

Take time to investigate the sites listed in Websites For Your Blogs.

Step Two: Read the text you choose

I say “text” because you might choose an image, a web-based documentary, a painting, a poem, or a video essay. Before you begin, jot down some questions about the text you chose, questions that will help you read it better. If you are not sure how to take your reading to the next step, reference: Reading Articles , Reading Short Stories, Reading A Poem, Reading A Website, Reading An Image.

Step Three: Write your response on your blog. Make sure your post:

• Includes a citation. For the “citation” simply copy the full link of the site you got your information. Put the link at the bottom of your page.

Things I look for when grading your blog:

Blogging Writer’s Checklist

Content

• I  select an interesting topic and take a clear, compelling position on the topic.
• My post begins with an interesting lead that grabs the reader’s attention, making him want to read the rest.
• I include a thesis that clearly states my position on the topic.
• Organized in a logical manner, my arguments make sense and support my position.
• I use specific details, examples, illustrations to support my ideas.
• When using information and ideas from other sources, I am careful to attribute sources (via hyperlink or in-text citation), recognizing I am entering a global conversation, and showing I value and respect the ideas and work of others.
• I include compelling commentary that connects the dots between the source material and my own ideas.
• If appropriate, I include graphics (attributing sources, if necessary) that support and enrich my ideas.
• I conclude in a way that brings closure to the post and encourages readers to learn more about the topic, take action, or perhaps comment on my post.

Style

• Written for a blogging audience, my post is artfully composed in a less formal fashion.

• I include a catchy title that reveals topic and peaks reader’s interest.
• My voice shines through in the post—with reader’s “hearing” my viewpoint.
• My word choice is selective, pinpointing my message in a memorable manner.
• I use a variety of sentences and rhetorical devices to express my ideas with flair.
• My tone is appropriate to the topic. If critical, I criticize in a constructive manner, aware of my global audience and the potential impact of hurtful words.

Mechanics, Usage, Grammar

• Before publishing my post, I have carefully edited and have used a word processor to check spelling and grammar and punctuation.

Thank you to Jim Burke for this assignment

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