Start Writing!

By now, all students in this program have had the Viral Video lesson, and should know what to do. I've asked you to choose a video and post it on your blog along with some casual obeservations. Most of you have yet to do this.  Keep in mind that you will have to write 5 paragraphs about at least 500 words about your video, so if you should ask yourself two questions:

1. Is it truly "viral" enough? If you google the YouTube title (such as Annoying Orange or Charlie Bit My Finger) and nothing comes up, then it will be hard to find the background information on the video. 
2. What can I write about it? This is the part you have to plan.  What is the purpose of each paragraph in your essay?  Here is a suggestion:

• Intro First Paragraph: Hook your reader. Briefly describe the events in the video as if you are watching it in present tense.  At the end of the paragraph, tell us the title, who made it and why, and how many views it has.  Also introduce how it may have changed the person's life in it.
• Body Paragraph One:  How did the video come to exist?  Is there any interesting quote you can find from the maker?  Wikipedia always has useful links at the bottom of the page.  Follow them.  
• Body Paragraph Two:  Discuss how the video has impacted the world, and the life of the person who made it.  Are there good things and bad things?  Maybe you can find a quote from a user on YouTube.
• Body Paragraph Three: Discuss another interesting fact.  Are there parodies of the video?  Can you compare it to another video?
• Conclusion: Briefly restate your opinion on the video - why you like it (or even dislike it).  Your conclusion should be similar to your introduction, but not repetitive.  

If you are having trouble choosing a viral video, here is a list of some really good ones:

1.  Charlie Bit My Finger Video/Article/Wiki
2.  Double Rainbow Video/Article/Wiki
3.  Annoying Orange Video/Article/Wiki
4.  Star Wars Kid Video/Article/Wiki
5.  Kittens Inspired By Kittens Video/Article/Wiki
6.  Diet Coke and Mentos Video/Article/Wiki 


Need more ideas?  Why not consult  
TIME Magazine's list of top 50?