Posted: September 13th, 2017

English

English

Paper details:
Requirements

Topic: Create content that could contribute to a blog, demonstrating expertise in a subject other people are likely to want to read about. Although your personal experience with the subject can be incorporated, this should not be a personal memoir. Ideally, the topic would relate to your career path, but if you can successfully create a “niche” that is not directly related to your major or career, that could work too. Please do not choose a topic developed for another class, an overly broad issue, or a subject you are not connected to on a personal or professional level.

Consideration for your audience: Reflect about the type of person who is likely to read about your topic—age, gender, education level, language, nationality, etc. Also consider less tangible attributes like interests, beliefs, and values. Think about the kinds of questions they might ask and how you can make your blog valuable to them.

Writing Style: Choose words and sentence structures that create an upbeat, conversational tone, but remain concise and professional. Do not be afraid to use the first person and express your personality. Avoid dry, long winded sentences and paragraphs that can make your writing boring or complex.

Design: Construct a reader-friendly look by breaking up material into smaller chunks, helping readers to find key points at a glance. Consider how you use white space, margins, line length, columns, font size and style, justification, heads and subheads, lists, captions, and color. Do not clutter the page—aim for simple, clear, and flowing.

Visuals: Use 2 tables or figures that engage readers, simplify concepts, emphasize key relationships, or condense information. All visuals need clear relevance and should complement your written work—not replace it. Be sure to reference the visual in the text and insert it appropriately. If you do not create your own visuals, cite your sources. If you plan to publish it, make sure you have permission.

Links: Include 3-5 strategic links in the text of your blog. Instead of including a web address, turn key words or phrases in hyperlinks. Consider linking to your sources or places where the reader can find more information about your topic.

Research as support: Include at least 3 credible sources that will provide evidence to back up your claims. Facts and data, coupled with specific examples or anecdotes, can add depth and authority to your writing. The stronger your sources, the better impression you make on your readers. Although it may be possible to find what you need on the internet, I encourage you to use the library as well (online or in person).

Documentation of sources: Use either APA or MLA to document your sources both in-text and with a list of references providing full citations. Cite words, ideas, and visuals that are not yours. Make it clear to your audience where your content ends, and someone else’s begins, and give readers what they need to find the original source.

Thoughtful, attention-grabbing title: Draw your readers in with the headline, but make sure it doesn’t mislead them in anyway. It is usually best to remain succinct while providing a clear message about your content.

A clear organizational strategy: Employ methods you’ve learned in other writing classes. Start with an introduction that tells the reader what you are writing about. Create a body that expands you your ideas using specific details—don’t forget topic sentences for each paragraph. Finally, conclude by summarizing your main points and leaving your readers with something interesting to think about. Your ideas should transition smoothly from one to the next and be in a logical order.

Sentence level correctness: Adhere to proper standards for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage. Eliminate wordy or awkward phrasing. If you deviate from these standards, it should be a clearly intentional choice that adds to your effectiveness.