Skip to Main Content

Blogs, Journals and Other Writing

A guide to other types of writing

Blogging academically!

Remember. It is an academic blog, so:

  • It addresses the assignment brief.
  • It brings academic rigour, evidence of research and sources of information that are cited and referenced correctly.
  • It uses credible sources of information. 
  • Critical thinking is applied to the argument being made. Points are supported with evidence.
  • Writing is well planned out, logically organised, clear and structured well.
  • It is written in an academic style with a professional tone using clear and precise language.
  • It has been proof read well for errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar.
  • Can be a place for a researcher to present their unique perspective or examine emerging ideas (adapted from Cottrell and Morris 2012). 

 

But...

  • It may not be quite as formal as an essay or report
  • It includes evidence but also your thoughts and perspective
  • You can include images, links and videos but they all need to be relevant and referenced correctly
  • Paragraphing can be shorter, bullet points, bold titles and headings, italics and underlining can be used, but always check this with your assignment guidelines (Adapted from University of Newcastle 2021).

 

 

Do I need to cite and reference?

It is an  'academic' blog so yes, references will be expected. 

  1. Choose sources of information about your topic that contain reliable information like books, journal articles and reputable websites. When you are writing, use this information as evidence to back up the points that you are making.
  2. When using information from a source, when quoting, paraphrasing or summarising, always use an in text citation and give a reference list at the end of your writing.
  3. Analyse and evaluate information when you are reading it. When you write don't just describe what the source says, but say how and why the evidence contributes to your topic.
  4. Use the correct referencing system - check with your course handbook, and use it consistently.

Blog checklist

Have you…?

ASSIGNMENT BRIEF

Yes

No

Action points

Read and fully understood the assignment brief?

Met all the requirements of the assignment brief

AUDIENCE

Thought about/designed blog with your target audience in mind?

Provided sufficient background information so that the issue can be understood?

Developed a clear argument?

Covered any alternative perspectives fairly?

Used language to signpost/direct the reader. Thought about your tone, level of formality and language used.

Thought about how to make key messages stand out.

PLANNED AND STRUCTURED WELL

Structured writing well and in a logical order

Written in a way that makes it easy and interesting for the audience to read

LENGTH

Checked it is the correct length for the brief given

DESIGN

Made sure any graphics or images used are relevant to the content

Chosen colours and font sizes carefully for clarity and readability

Broken text into sections as needed?

CONTENT

Used subject specific words

Done your research well. Brought in sources of information to back up points made that are correctly referenced

Discussed critically points made

Proof read for sense, spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Adapted from: Cottrell and Morris (2012). 

References

Adapted from:

Cottrell, S. and Morris, N. (2012). Study Skills Connected : Using Technology to Support Your Studies. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

University of Newcastle. 2021. Reflective writing and blogs: How to write a blog. Available at: libguides.newcastle.edu.au/c.php?g=914193&p=6586115 . [Accessed 11 September 2025].