English Unlimited HAK/HUM 4/5, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM (mit Handelskorrespondenz)

184 Writing guide Blog Definition A blog (from ‘weblog’, a compound of ‘web’ and ‘logbook’) is a regularly updated website or webpage, typically written by an individual or a small group. Entries are called blog posts or blog entries ; the latest one is usually displayed at the top of the main page. A blog is a dynamic and interactive medium; it can be updated and allows the visitor to communicate with the author by leaving a blog comment attached to each individual post. Blogs focus on various topics and subjects, e.g. on culture, politics, social issues, education, technology, travelling, hobbies, etc. Purpose The aim of many blog authors (‘bloggers’) is to provide their readers with information , to open discussions or share opinions , emotions and experiences . Another important function can be the documentation of the blogger’s life and activities. Many institutions and businesses also use blogs to promote their services and products (e.g. corporate blogs or consumer-generated blogs). Structure and layout When writing a blog post or a blog comment, a (user) name and the publishing date should be provided as well as a catchy title which attracts the readers’ attention and persuades them to read on. Use paragraphs to make your blog reader-friendly and also pay attention to the structure ( introduction , body , ending ). In your blog comment , pay attention to what has been said in the post / entry you are responding to. If necessary, include facts, figures and opinions of others to strengthen your arguments. Style and register The language of a blog post or blog comment can range from quite informal to rather formal, depending on the purpose and the audience. However, since a blog is a very open and flexible medium, which is mostly used to express personal opinions and subjective views, it is usually written in an informal or colloquial style. Using the first-person ‘I’ , ‘you’ and direct questions are strategies frequently employed to engage readers and invite them to leave a comment. Useful expressions Did you know that … ?  Do you want to learn how to … ?  Why is it that … ? Have you heard of … ?  I regularly find myself thinking /wondering …  I came across … recently and couldn’t believe …  In this post I’ll share ten ways to …  This post will make you … ! On the one hand …, on the other …  Considering / regarding the fact that …  As you can imagine …  Don’t get me wrong, but …  It goes without saying that …  In retrospect, … What’s it like in your country / at your school / in your family … ?  What would you do / suggest? What’s your opinion on that?  Shouldn’t we … ?  Do you have any experience with … ? I would like to comment on …  Having read your most recent post, I was wondering …  Something you might want to consider is …  I would strongly urge you to …  This is why you … Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des V rlags öbv