Questions to Consider While Reading Analytic Posts

For the background and current events pieces:

1. Is the posting specific and detailed, providing relevant information that shows the blogger's expertise on his/her topic?
2. Does the posting include both specific details and a thoughtful analysis of what they mean and why they matter to this issue?
3. After reading the posting do you have a specific and informed understanding of the issue?
4. Is the writing clear and focused?
5. What questions do you have for the blogger? What else do you want to know more about in order to better understand their point?

For the literary posting:

1. Does the blogger have a clear point about the interpretation of the topic offered by the story? Does the blogger answer the question, "What does the story tell us about this issue?"
2. Does the posting include specific details of the story (character names, events, symbolism, setting) and interpret them in terms of their point? Are these explained sufficiently for a person who has not read the story?
3. Is the writing clear and focused?
4. What questions do you have for the blogger? What else do you want to know more about in order to better understand their point?