Writing Strong Discussion Board Posts

1. Reflections, Critical Reviews, and Essays Writing Strong Discussion Board Posts

2. How to Write a Good Discussion Board Entry • Prepare yourself before writing. • Read the discussion posting directions carefully. • Think about the point you want to make to your fellow classmates. • Gather your references or sources of information. • Follow the rules of discussion postings. • Post on time.

3. Writing Reflections • Take notes as you read. • Organize your ideas into an outline. • Write an introduction that tells the key points you will discuss. • The final sentence of your introduction should sum up your feelings in a thesis statement. • The body paragraphs should go into detail on your reaction to the subject. • Each paragraph should flow logically into the next (transition). • Include a short summary of your concluding feelings on the subject, based on the points and evidence provided in the body of the essay.

4. Critical Reviews • Critical reviews identify, summarize, and evaluate ideas and information an author has presented. • Be sure to read your assignment before you read the article or book for specific guidelines from your instructor. • Decide on the strengths and weaknesses of the text. • Make your position clear at the beginning (introduction) of your review. • Make a few key points (do not discuss everything the author writes). • Include recommendations for how the text can be improved. • Restate your overall opinion of the text (positive/negative). • List source(s).

5. Writing Good Essays • Know your topic/subject. • Assume that your audience has no knowledge of the information you present. • Describe in one sentence the main point you want to make. • Decide on three points you want to make. • Make an outline. • Write an introduction. • Each subsequent paragraph should present information on one of the three points you want to make. • Conclude your essay by restating your claim(s);make suggestions for reflection; show why your claim is of importance.