Ms. Feiner’s Class Blog

Ms. Feiner loves reading your posts and sending you comments!  You will probably enjoy writing comments too, and the post-writer will be thrilled to receive them.  However, the best comments are those that tell the writer exactly why you enjoyed reading the post in the first place.

Here is an example of a not-very-interesting comment:  “I liked your story.”  It is not very interesting, because it doesn’t tell the writer what you liked about the story.  In fact, it’s not even clear  that the commenter even read the story. 

Here is an example of a somewhat better comment:  “I liked your memoir about visiting your Aunt Sally in Chicago.  Chicago is one of my favorite cities.”  I can tell  that the commenter read the story and appreciated the subject.  However, I don’t know what the commenter liked about the writing itself.

 The best comment will point out something positive about the writing in the story.  Here is an example: “I really enjoyed reading your memoir about climbing Mt. Everest.  The way you described the sensation of being so high up made me feel like I was there with you.  I also love the great vocabulary words you used like “exhilerated,” and “breathless.”

Before you post a comment, think about the things you appreciated in particular.  Did the poster:

• Use an interesting voice or style?
• Use fabulous vocabulary words? Be specific.
• Use great details in describing a particular part of the story?  Be specific.
• Use active verbs to bring the story to life?
• Tell a story in a funny, scary, or suspenseful way?  Be specific.

If you are commenting on a book review, and you know the book, don’t hold back!!!  Share your opinion of the plot, characters, writing style, etc.  If you haven’t read the book, but you think it sounds interesting, feel free to ask the poster any questions you might have (yes, the poster can comment on the comments)to see if it might be a good choice for you. 

We can always add to our lists above as we get more ideas.  For now, think about how you can write great comments!