Last Word List

Writing a list is a good way to give your readers valuable information they can use and take away from the blog.  Your job is to select an angle for your list post that relates to your blog topic:  a list of examples, important products/places/people, what to do OR not to do, etc.  Be creative, have fun and do a bit of research about your topic to see what you can find to help create your list.  Your list should be an original angle and should include the following:

• A title that catches the angle of your post
• At least 5 and no more than 10 items
• Clearly numbered/labeled items that are parallel in type
• Provide relatable examples or valuable take-away explanations for each item, that show how/why it made your list
• Show some logical order/organization (alphabetical, chronological importance, etc) based upon the angle you chose
• Be grammatical, proofread for errors and easy to read/scan for readers.

Review Something

Writing a review is part of a blogger’s job. People who blog often have access to new products, events, or services early and can get the word out about what works or does not.  It is important to choose a service/event/product that your readers should know about and be honest about how it works.  For this blog, you will do just that.  Your review should include:

• A title
• A descriptive summary paragraph
• An evaluation of Pros
• An evaluation of Cons
• A review
• A call to action

React!

Probably the most engaging and interesting way to get readers interested in a blog is to write opinion pieces.  The best way to write an opinion or editorial piece is in response to something else that other bloggers or reporters have written.  For this post, research an opinion piece or argument pertaining to your blog post…..see what kind of controversies are out there!  Read and annotate the article.  Then react to it!  This reaction piece will become blog post #3.  It should include:

• A complete summary of the original article (1 paragraph) that follows the requirements of summary
• A clear expression of your point of view: Do you agree, disagree or both?  Make sure your position/claim are clearly stated.
• Engage 2-3 specific issues or ideas suggested in your chosen article.  Quote these AND discuss what you think about them.  This is your evidence section.
• Then explain your position.  What are your reasons for agreeing/disagreeing/both?  Be clear, factual, and logical.  Explain YOUR solution/opinion. Although it is not required, you may use other research to support you.
• Follow the ten requirements for writing a controversial topic without regrets.

Instructions for Process

Once you have a blog, you need to become the voice of authority.  One way to do this is by writing trustworthy instructions so blog readers can perform a skill or process.  You will select a blog-related subject that you can write and post the instructions for your readers.  Use the planner to create your post. This should include the following items:

• An introduction section
• A list of needed materials
• A step-by-step process for performing the task, with no missing/out of order info
• A warning/caution section
• A conclusion

Introduce Your Persona/Audience

The first post required for your blog is based on the in-class style lessons for steps #1-4, where you  created a distinct core statement, the persona you want to portray and your audience.  

Your job is to write 3 paragraphs:

• In the first paragraph, introduce your topic, including your “core statement” at the beginning of the paragraph.  Then, give some explanation of what you plan to write about here, what angle you will cover and what you hope readers will get/learn from your blog.  What will readers expect to see that is different from other blogs like yours?
• In the second paragraph, introduce yourself.  Write 3 essential personality traits of your blogging “persona”. Include why you have passion for the topic, what assets make you credible and why you think there is demand for your ideas.  You should also include some details about your writing style and attitude.
• In the third paragraph, who is your ideal reader?  Use the AUDIENCE preparation in step #4 to write a profile with 4-5 traits you expect from those who would find your ideas interesting.