Discussion Post

The discussion forum is where you will write to explore your own development and understanding of a topic or project and engage with your fellow students to share knowledge. This guide can help you to both write a discussion forum post and respond to others' (Writing a Discussion Board Post.)

Steps
Understand your assignment

Read your assignment instructions carefully. Questions about your discussion post?  Ask your instructor or TA. 

Percent time spent on this step
10
Read or re-read relevant texts

Before beginning your post, make sure you have completed any required or supplemental reading for the week that you may be discussing. 

Percent time spent on this step
25
Construct a draft

Write your discussion post/reply.  

  • Be careful to construct logical arguments with coherent paragraphs and a strong introduction and conclusion.    
  • Use evidence to build your response and persuade your readers by supporting your claim with course readings or outside sources (if permitted or required). 
  • Make sure that each piece of evidence keeps your post focused, relevant, clear, and scholarly in tone 
Percent time spent on this step
30
Review and revise

Revise drafts of your work.  

Ask for writing help from University of Toronto Writing Centres at UTM, St. George, or UTSC.   

Percent time spent on this step
20
Put assignment in final form and submit

Proofread your work carefully.  

Cite your sources correctly.  

Check your work for academic integrity

Percent time spent on this step
15