BLOG CHECKLIST
Name of Author: Name of assessor:
Conceptual Understanding
Heading: Catchy title - Is the Make the headline more compelling: and emotive words / words
headline interesting enough to with stronger connotations / puns / captivating questions / how to /
make us want to read? not just a sentence
Name of writer, date? Remember to write your name and the date just beneath your
headline
Is there something to hook the Add either a relevant quotation / interesting anecdote / starting
reader? statistics / rhetorical question before your first paragraph to
encourage the reader to read on
Have you included related Blogs need pictures to keep the audience interested. Don’t put too
picture(s)? many in though!
Ideas organised into short, clear You could have a one-sentence paragraph / irony / humour /
paragraphs – different lengths for drama / insight into your paragraphs
effect?
Conclusion: Blog – Request for Encourage responses from the reader by asking what they think /
comment & comment box invite the reader to add a comment to the comment section below.
Comment box must be included.
Register: Does your blog have the If you a casual audience, use contractions (I’m), conversation
right register for the task? speech, simple linking devices (so) / If for a formal audience, no
contractions
Address: Has a direct address to Include inclusive language “you, me, us, we” to show you have
the readers regular readers. This is important!
First person speaker? ‘I’ Blogs are personal, so add your voice to it
Language
Mixture of simple, complex, Make sure all your sentences don’t start the same way; vary the
compound sentences / sentence lengths of your sentences to keep readers interested. A mixture is
length for effect? important!
Uses a range of punctuation for This can make it more interesting when you use do this.
effect?
Uses a range of vocabulary Make sure you have a good variety of language. Don’t pick SAT
appropriate to the task language or colloquial if it’s not appropriate.
Does it have the right tense? Tense is important otherwise it can cause a lot of confusion to the
reader
Is the spelling accurate and Constant spelling mistakes are not good and bad word choice is
appropriate word choices? not great either!
Is the grammar accurate? Make sure you have a peer check your work for grammatical
mistakes.
Are there appropriate linking words Use linking words before paragraphs. However, be careful of
between paragraphs? being too formal if this is not formal register
Are there linking words between Make sure your sentences flow: add words like: - so, although etc.
sentences?
Message
Does the blog focus on one topic Make sure you tell your readers why this topic is important to you.
only?
Is there a clear topic sentence for Ensure your paragraphs have a main sentence stating the topic
each paragraph? and comment
Are background details provided? Without context a blog is difficult to follow and understand.
Is the writer’s opinion clear Blogs are written to give an opinion – This should be very clear
throughout? throughout.
Does it contain facts and opinions? Make your opinion clear: For? Against? Not sure?
Add relevant facts – this should not be a mindless rant
Are the ideas supported by Provide examples from real life / use stats / show you know what
examples? you are talking about
Is your advice practical? Doable? Ensure your advice is easy to follow and not vague and impractical
Did you cover all points required of Analyse the task requirements. Missing a point will keep your
the task? message capped