Page 143

Writing Guidelines

A blog lets you communicate with your teachers and classmates about important topics. When you write a blog entry, tag it with subjects so people can find it. When you respond to someone else’s blog post, always be polite and clear in your comments.

Prewriting ■ Choosing a Topic

• Use the PAST strategy to analyze the writing situation. (See page 30.)
• Select a topic and research it as needed.
• Form a focus (thesis) and organize supporting details.

Writing ■ Creating the First Draft

Beginning ■ Introduce your topic and focus in an interesting way to get your reader’s attention.

Middle ■ Explain or support your focus with specific details. Address main points in separate paragraphs.

Ending ■ Conclude your post by restating your focus, giving a final thought about it, and/or welcoming readers to comment on your ideas.