# Start a new topic

When the content of a forum is shown:

* click on the *New message* link,
* complete the *Name* and *Description* fields,
* advanced settings allow us to
  * score a discussion thread as a teacher and give it a maximum score. To do this:
    * select the “Mark this thread” box
    * set a maximum score to reflect the learners participation in a discussion thread,
    * enter or update the title of the corresponding column for the assessments tool,
    * give a weight to the participation in the discussions thread in comparison to the other components of the assessment tool.
  * receive e-mail alerts if an answer is added to the discussion thread,
  * set a discussion thread to appear on top of the threads list,
  * add an attachment to any message, together with a comment,
* Click *Create thread*

![](https://748165138-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LH9CCYPqjHw1VKNcuiq%2Fsync%2Fc481ac4e32b6fdb41bfaa16f9006c9346328390b.png?generation=1610356256443364\&alt=media)

*Illustration: Forum – Discussion thread*