Write a Letter to the Editor/Write Persuasive Compositions
A letter to an editor of a newspaper or magazine is a way to get your thoughts heard by a large group of people. You may have read an article about a current event that is of interest to you. You can write your thoughts on the subject in a letter to the editor. If the editor thinks your letter makes a good point, he or she may publish it in the next issue.
ELA Standard 2.4
Before you write a letter to the editor,
- Find a recent article or news story that you have strong feelings about.
- Research! Read other articles and books to learn more about the topic.
- Decide your point of view or position on the subject.
- Write down your main argument or thesis statement.
Use a two-column graphic organizer to list arguments for and arguments against your thesis statement. Be sure to include evidence to support the arguments you list!
Make sure your letter has the following:
- Date
- Salutation or Greeting ("Dear Editor,")
- Opening Mention the article to which you are responding. State your position on the issue.
- BodyThis is the main part of the letter in which you will try to persuade your readers of your point of view. Be sure to provide evidence that supports your arguments. You should also mention some arguments against your position. Explain why these arguments aren't convincing. Because you want your letter to be printed in the paper, you should try to be brief. A short and direct letter will hold your audience's attention better than a long and rambling one.
- Conclusion End your letter with a paragraph that summarizes your arguments. Your final sentence should rephrase your main point in a powerful way.
- Your signature
You may want to identify where you are writing from or if you are writing on behalf of your school or some other group.
Look at the sample letter to the editor below to see where all the parts of the letter go.
Read your letter to the editor over. You might even show it to a friend or a teacher. You and your friend or teacher should read the letter and decide:
- Does the letter clearly state the article and subject you are writing about?
- Does the letter persuade the reader of your point of view?
- Does your letter discuss the arguments of people who would disagree with your point of view?
- How do you feel when you read the letter? Is it how you wanted the person reading the letter to feel?
Rewrite your letter so that it accomplishes all of the above goals.
You should also edit your work by checking:
- Spelling: make sure all words are spelled correctly.
- Format: make sure that the date, salutation, body, closing and signature are in the correct places on the page.
When you are happy with your letter to the editor, you can type it on a computer and print it out. Don't forget to send it! Also, save a copy for your portfolio.
