CLASS BLOG INSTRUCTIONS

Being up to date on current events is a major part of AP Language and Composition.  By participating in this blog, you will be able to:

• analyze and interpret samples of good writing, identifying and explaining an author’s use of rhetorical strategies and techniques;
• apply effective strategies and techniques in their own writing;
• practice writing concise rhetorical analysis
• be up-to-date on current events
• analyze arguments
• analyze effectiveness of arguments
• use your knowledge as evidence in a general argument prompt on the exam
• synthesize information​

You will be instructed to create one of the following blog posts:
- current events post
- class-related response
- essential question post

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In general, posts should be between 400 and 600 words long. I am aware that there will be times when your posts will be longer or shorter. This is a general guideline to help you have an idea of what’s expected.
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Images are not required, but I do suggest using them from time to time. People are largely visual these days, and image/video helps to engage your audience.

If you do choose to include an image in your post, you should add a caption to cite the source and/or explain the image’s significance.

YouTube monitors its videos for copyright already, so you are welcome to use YouTube videos without fear. 🙂

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​- single space paragraphs
- double space between paragraphs (to indicate a break in paragraphs and to give your reader’s eye a rest)
- do not indent paragraphs
- embed links to further reading in your posts.

1. In general, two or three links should be all you need (maybe even one or four). The actual number may vary, depending on the purpose of your post. 
2. Do not copy/paste long URLs into the text of your post. Instead, highlight the relevant words in your post and create a hyperlink right there.​

​- You should write your posts in your own style. This might mean being witty clever, or it could mean being serious and straightforward. There is no one way to do this, as long as you remember to be school appropriate. 

- You may express your opinions in your posts, but remember that any time you take a side for anything, you need support for your argument. If you just sound off about something you don’t like, it’s not arguing; it’s whining. 🙂

- Be respectful of others even if you disagree with their points.

- Debate the idea, not the individual. Be respectful of others even if you disagree with their points. No mean-spirited posts about individuals allowed.

- Your comments should contribute to the discussion.

-If you want to be silly and comment with school-appropriate inside jokes and whatnot, that’s fine, but they don’t count as your required comment.

-Two of the comments you turn in may be on your own post if you are responding to a comment someone has left you.

- Periodically, I will ask you to submit your best five comments for my review. You may submit your comments in hard copy or share a GDoc with me.