Introduction to Blog Posts and Online Commentary

Welcome to one of the most creative parts of your AS Level English Language course! In Component 02, Section A, you are often asked to write for a real-world audience. One of the most common forms you might be asked to produce is a blog post or an online commentary. Because these forms live on the internet, they are different from traditional essays or letters. They are usually more personal, fast-paced, and interactive. In this chapter, we will look at how to master the "digital voice" while still showing off your expert knowledge of language issues. Cross-reference: While this chapter focuses on digital writing, you can find tips for printed media in the "Article for a newspaper or magazine" and "Opinion or comment piece" chapters.

Understanding the Form: What is a Blog?

A blog (short for "weblog") is a frequently updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group, written in an informal or conversational style. In your exam, you aren't just blogging about your lunch—you will be blogging about a topical language issue, such as how men and women speak differently or how people in power use language to influence us.

Key Features of a Blog Post

  • Headline/Title: Needs to be "click-worthy" (catchy) to grab a reader's attention.
  • First-Person Perspective: Use "I" to share your thoughts and experiences.
  • Direct Address: Use "you" to make the reader feel like you are talking straight to them.
  • Interactive Elements: References to links, comment sections, or "sharing" the post.
  • Structure: Short paragraphs and clear sections to make it easy to read on a screen.

The "Online Commentary" Variant

Sometimes the task might ask for an online commentary. This is very similar to a blog but is often more reactive. It might be a response to a specific news event or a contribution to an ongoing online debate.
Top Tip: If the task mentions a "commentary," imagine you are writing for a site like The Guardian’s "Comment is Free" or a specialist language blog. You still need a clear argument, but you might be more "debaty" and direct in your response to others' views.

Language Levels: Building Your Blog

To get those AO1 and AO5 marks, you need to use language levels deliberately. Here is how to apply them to blog writing:

1. Lexis and Semantics (Word Choice)

Blogs usually sit somewhere between spoken and written English.
  • Colloquialisms: Using informal words or phrases (e.g., "let's face it" or "it’s a bit of a nightmare") helps build a relationship with your reader.
  • Subject-Specific Terminology: Since you are writing about language issues (AO2), you must use linguistic terms like "interruption," "politeness strategies," or "jargon," but explain them simply so a general reader can understand.
  • Evaluative Adjectives: Use words that show your opinion clearly, like "outdated," "fascinating," or "controversial."

2. Grammar and Syntax (Sentence Structure)

Digital readers tend to skim-read, so your grammar should reflect that.
  • Minor Sentences: Using incomplete sentences for impact. (e.g., "Language change. It's inevitable.")
  • Rhetorical Questions: These engage the reader immediately. (e.g., "Have you ever wondered why we all start sounding like our parents?")
  • Sentence Variation: Mix short, punchy sentences for emphasis with longer, complex sentences when you are explaining a difficult concept.

3. Discourse (The Big Picture)

The discourse of a blog is its "flow."
  • The Hook: Start with an anecdote or a surprising fact to stop the reader from scrolling past.
  • Signposting: Use phrases like "Firstly," "But here’s the thing," or "In short" to guide the reader through your argument.
  • The Call to Action: End by asking your readers to do something, like "Leave a comment below" or "Tell me what you think on Twitter."

4. Pragmatics (The Social Context)

Pragmatics is about the "hidden" meanings and shared knowledge.
  • Tone: Your tone should be authoritative but accessible. You are the expert, but you are also a friend.
  • Assumed Knowledge: Don't explain everything from scratch, but don't leave the reader behind. Assume they are interested in language but might not have a degree in it.

Meeting the Assessment Objectives (AO2 & AO5)

In Component 02, Section A, you are marked on:
AO2: Critical understanding of concepts and issues.
Don't get so caught up in being "chatty" that you forget to discuss the actual language issue! If the topic is Language and Gender, you should mention ideas like whether men and women really speak differently or if it's just a stereotype. You don't need to name every theorist, but you should show you understand the "big ideas."

AO5: Expertise and creativity.
This is where your "bloggy" style shines. Be creative! Use a metaphor, tell a funny story about a linguistic misunderstanding, or use a clever pun in your title.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Too Formal: If it sounds like an essay, it’s not a blog. Avoid "In this essay, I will explore..."
  • Too Informal: Don't use "text speak" (like "u" or "lol") unless you are using it as an example of a language feature you are discussing. Stay professional.
  • Forgetting the Audience: Always check who the task says your audience is. A blog for "teenagers" will sound different from a blog for "professional teachers."
  • Ignoring the "Issue": Ensure the language issue (Gender or Power) is the star of the show.

Quick Review: The Blog Checklist

[ ] Does it have a catchy headline?
[ ] Is the tone conversational but informative?
[ ] Have I used "I" and "you" (First/Second person)?
[ ] Are the paragraphs short and easy to read?
[ ] Did I include a "call to action" at the end?
[ ] Most importantly: Have I actually explained the language issue?

Key Takeaway
A successful blog post for OCR AS English Language combines a friendly, digital "voice" with a sharp, critical look at how language works in the real world. Think of it as being an "expert friend" to your reader.