How to write a good discussion board post and reply.

1. Tricks and Tips to Getting Great Grades

2. The Initial Post
 Have I answered all the questions for the assignment?
 Can someone read my answer and know what I am
talking about without reading the prompt?
 Have I used proper spelling, grammar, and
punctuation?
 BONUS: Have I used outside resources or data?

3. Sample Initial Post
Prompt:
Introduce yourself and give
one thing a good writer
should know how to do.
Good Post:
Hi! I go to Hill Valley High.
I like school because I
enjoy being with my
friends. At home I also
enjoy playing video games
and hanging out. A good
writer would need to know
how to spell well.
Bad Post:
Hi! I go to Hill Valley
High. I like school.

4. Amazing Post
Hi! I go to Hill Valley High. I like school because I enjoy
being with my friends. At home I also enjoy playing
video games like Madden and hanging out with my best
friend who lives next door. A good writer would need to
know how to stay focused. According to the website
Lifehack in their article “8 Qualities of Powerful
Writing,” the second most powerful quality is focused
writing. If you are focused, your reader will be able to
understand what you are talking about and will not get
lost or confused about what you have to say.
Wax, Dustin. “8 Qualities of Powerful Writing.” Lifehack. 17 September 2014.
<http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/8-qualities-of-powerful-writing.html>

5. The Reply
 Add something to the conversation. This can be
something you agree with plus one more point or
something you disagree with and one or two points
why.
 Be respectful.
 Ask a meaningful question that furthers the
conversation.

6. Sample Replies
Unacceptable Reply:
***********$$$$You stink!
Amazing Reply:
Wow! That’s cool. I love to
play Madden, too. I live
and breath football! My
family are big time BSU
fans. Have you ever gone to
a college or professional
game in person? I think
that would be a lot of fun!
Someday we will make it to
a BSU game.
Bad Reply:
Wow! That’s cool.
Good Reply:
Wow! That’s cool. I love to
play Madden, too.

7. Responses to Your Posts
Don’t forget to respond to the questions other ask in
your initial post. You can get some extra points by
answering questions that others ask you so don’t forget
to go back and look to see what they may have said!