Writing Strong Discussion Board
Posts
Reflections, Critical Reviews, and
Essays
How to Write a Good Discussion Board Entry
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Prepare yourself before writing.
Read the discussion posting directions carefully.
Think about the point you want to make to your
fellow classmates.
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Gather your references or sources of information.
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Follow the rules of discussion postings.
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Post on time.
Writing Reflections
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Take notes as you read.
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Organize your ideas into an outline.
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Write an introduction that tells the key points you will discuss.
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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.
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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.
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Make a few key points (do not discuss everything the author writes).
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Include recommendations for how the text can be improved.
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Restate your overall opinion of the text (positive/negative).
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List source(s).
Writing Good Essays
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Know your topic/subject.
Assume that your audience has no knowledge of the information you
present.
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Describe in one sentence the main point you want to make.
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Decide on three points you want to make.
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Make an outline.
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Write an introduction.
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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.