Learning to Write Publicly: Promises and Pitfalls of Using Weblogs in the Composition Classroom

An “A” blog post…

…clearly states an opinion and describes that stance using logic and sources to support it.

…includes working links to relevant sources.

…follows online linking conventions (ex. only underlining links).

…has been proofread and is free of grammatical and mechanical errors.

…has a clear title that forecasts the content of the post and contains your main argument or claim

…is formatted for on-screen readability, which may include bullet points, lists, and shorter paragraphs.

…is of a suitable length to maintain interest and appropriately deal with the topic.

A “B” blog post…

…clearly states an opinion and attempts to describe and support it.

…links to external sources.

…generally follows online conventions in regards to linking and visual cues.

…has been proofread and is nearly free of grammatical and mechanical errors.

…has a clear title that forecasts the content of the post and attempts to present your main claim or argument.

…is near to a suitable length for interest and topic.

A “C” blog post…

…offers an opinion with little support, or offers details without stating an opinion.

…does not link to external sources.

…does not display knowledge of linking conventions and visual cues.

…has not been proofread and contains grammatical or mechanical errors.

…has clear title that forecasts the content of the post

…is unnecessarily long or short.

A “D” blog post…

…does not make a point, offer an opinion, or provide relevant details.

…does not link to external sources.

…does not display knowledge of conventions and visual cues.

…may ”flame” another writer or use a hostile tone of voice.

…has not been proofread and contains grammatical or mechanical errors.

…does not have a clear or descriptive title

…is unnecessarily long or short.