Students from the below groups will receive PIN numbers via email weekly to access activities on my iDoceo Connect platform and submit their exercises for correction.
200, 202E, 209S, 215, 220B, 268, 269, 276
The solutions to exercises will be published when the above groups have submitted them.
STRUCTURE
- Note to students
- Session 2: contents
Blogging theory
Types of blog posts
Project skills
Writing about yourself
Important or not?
Tips
Writing
Expressing your opinion
Speaking
The pros and cons of blogging
MAKE UP YOUR TEAMS!!
- Four/five students per team.
- Email your teacher to say who you are working with.
- If you do not have a team, email your teacher and s/he will assign you one.
I. BLOGGING THEORY
A. Types of blog posts
Match the type of post with the type of information you could include in it. Then write the number of the description corresponding to each type in the yellow boxes.
Blog type
Description
a. Tutorials and How-to Guides
1. These are fantastic because it is likely that your readers have already googled these terms in hopes of an answer. You could write one long post answering all your reader’s frequent questions. But it may be more beneficial to create a blog series by answering a common question once a week.
b. Checklists
2. From charts to lists to myths vs. facts, almost anything can be made into that type of content. Admittedly, the more professional the look, the better, but you can still make an incredible post by producing a chart you made in PowerPoint. The key is to create a chart or graph that helps explain things.
c. Listicles
3. We all look for tests and opinions about a product before purchasing. So why not write a post giving your opinion on the latest gadget or service you’ve bought? Write down the pros and cons, and give your recommendation.
d. Infographics
4. There is a reason why these posts are so viral — people need to eat! For SEO purposes, be sure to include any alternate names for your dish or drink, as well as giving very precise measurements and cooking instructions.
e. Profile
5. This type of content is simple to create. You probably make lists all the time such as your grocery list, supplies lists, to-do lists, etc. All you have to do is take that same concept and apply it to your blog. To perfect the content, take a common task and break it down into short, actionable items.
f. Reviews
6. We all enjoy these, especially if we can compare our results to everyone else. So why don’t you create a fun quiz for your readers? Don’t forget to add a social share to the bottom of your quiz results for others to see and join in.
g. Inspirational Stories
7. This type of post can be written about anybody. The post should give some biographical information about the person and links where users can find more about them. You should put information on why you chose this person, but also consider adding some facts that aren’t well known so your post can stand out.
h. Quizzes
8. Use your current blog as a random plug for your favorite destination spot. Let others live vicariously through you! Just remember to include pictures.
i. FAQs
9. Create a post around a controversial issue and dialogue from different sides of the topic. Many times this is done as a blog series. The fun part is that you can play devil’s advocate and argue for the side you disagree with.
j. Rants
10. Although controversy sells, so does inspiration. Hopeful stories go viral because it is something people want to experience themselves. So share your story of hope and watch it inspire others to do the same.
k. Debates
11. These posts are easy because they involve you talking about things you are already familiar with. The most important thing is to break down your content into the smallest steps and into the simplest terms. Don’t assume your readers know what they’re doing.
l. Recent Travel Experiences
12. These are always among the most shared on the internet. You can create a list of just about anything. Perhaps it is a list of your favorite places to eat, your summer reading list, or your favorite web apps. The possibilities are endless.
m. Recipes
13. Yes! Speak your mind! Be free to share your frustrations! Just remember that whatever is posted on the internet stays on the internet. So do ample research and have someone else read your post before you publicize it. While these posts can become viral, they do have the potential to burn relationships.
Descriptions adapted from optinmonster.com/73-type-of-blog-posts-that-are-proven-to-work/
IN-CLASS
Do this exercise and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
II. PROJECT SKILLS
B. Writing about yourself
PART 1: Read the four texts A—D and check everything you learn about Mayumi from those texts.
A
B
C
D
PART 2: Choose which text (A-B-C-D above) corresponds to the descriptions below.
This text is a formal application and is aimed at a university course coordinator. It is formal, but also uses emotive language to show commitment to the subjects. It also underlines prior achievements.
This text is intended for an informal audience so Mayumi writes in a relaxed manner.
This text is intended for both a professional and personal audience of amateur art lovers and professionals. Prospective employers or buyers might read this text, so the writing has to be professional.
Mayumi wrote this piece primarily for herself, for pleasure or self-expression. In this text, she uses language to paint a picture of a specific time and place in her life.
Do this exercise and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
C. Important or not?
Delete the irrelevant piece of information in the following texts.
A
Jordan is a writer and photographer with a particular interest in island landscapes. His photo journal of a journey to the remote island of St Kilda won him a prestigious photography prize. He regularly contributes to The Islander online magazine. He has a great sense of humour.
B
Friendly, easy-going nurse in his mid-thirties seeks male and female friends to enjoy walks and relaxing times with. Loves the outdoors: camping, sunset and mountain walks. Graduated with a degree in nursing five years ago. Looking forward to hearing from you!
C
Astronomy has always played a central role in my life. I also really enjoy flower arranging and meeting friends. Ever since I was a child the night sky has fascinated me, and this interest has continued throughout my school career. In my first year of high school I set up an astronomy club during the winter months. I also volunteer at my local observatory where I give talks to visiting school parties.
Do this exercise and then discuss your answers with your nearest classmate.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Send your guesses to your teacher, using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
III. TIPS
LANGUAGE NOTE ‘Show, don’t tell’
This advice is particularly important to bear in mind when you are writing about yourself. Rather than telling your reader you are something, you need to show it, by using examples and illustrations. This will also help you to avoid sounding egotistical. Compare:
Layla is an extremely hard-working person.
On top of being a full-time student at the University of Maryland and editing the university’s newspaper, Layla also maintains her own photoblog.
USEFUL TIPS
Before you start writing, consider these questions: Who am I writing for?, What information should I include or leave out?, What tone should I use?
Think about the length of your piece. Professional biographies are usually quite short, for example.
Reading samples of other people’s work will give you an idea of the appropriate tone, length, and style. For example, if you are writing a biography for your blog, visit other blogs similar to your own and read the biographies written there.
IV. WRITING
D. Expressing your opinion.
Choose a situation below and write a short text which suits the context.
1. You are opening a Twitter account and need to supply a biography for your account which will appear in search results next to your name. In no more than 160 characters, describe who you are, list your accomplishments and explain what your Twitter feed is all about.
2. You have moved to Dublin, Ireland to study for a year. You are lonely at the weekend and would like to meet people who you can enjoy free time with. Write a short profile about yourself for a friendship website.
3. The university you are applying to has asked for a short personal statement, explaining why you want to study your subject. Write about yourself, focusing in particularly on your subject and the importance it plays in your life.
IN-CLASS
Write your text and volunteer to read it aloud to your colleagues.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Send your text to your teacher using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
V. SPEAKING
E. The pros and cons of blogging
In groups of 4, create 2 teams who will constantly disagree on the statements presented about the pros and cons of blogging. The first team chooses one of the 16 statements, reads it aloud and starts to support or to oppose the statement.
Example: “Of course it’s true, because...” The opposing team will have to find convincing arguments to disagree. Example: “How can you be so simple? Don’t you know that...?”
After debating the first statement, it is the opposing team’s turn to choose another statement and to support or oppose it, and so on. If a team does not choose a statement in 15 seconds, the opposing team chooses for them.
All bloggers are narcissists.
Nobody reads your blog or cares about what you have to say.
To be a successful blogger, you have no choice but to blog about popular topics.
Blog design and maintenance requires too much work.
Life moves too quickly to waste time blogging: What you blog about today will be irrelevant by tomorrow.
Technology changes too quickly: the skills you learn today will be obsolete in three years.
Blogging makes you vulnerable to criticism and ridicule.
All of your hard work can disappear in an instant if the Internet ceases to exist.
There is no practical, real-world benefit to blogging. You are living in fantasy land.
Being honest can lead to trouble.
Starting a blog is easy.
A blog gives people a reason to visit your website.
Blogging can help create a sense of community.
Blogging allows you to get feedback on things that make you think.
A blog is a precious archive of your personal sources of inspiration.
You never know who might find your blog, from potential clients to the love of your life.
IN-CLASS
Do this oral activity with three other colleagues.
DISTANCE LEARNING
Choose one topic and try to convince your teacher that your opinion is the correct one (20 words max.), using the dedicated iDoceo Connect platform (only for groups specified above).
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