Letter to the Editor

The goal in writing a letter to the editor is to get it
EDITOR: published so that you can influence the opinions of others. In selecting a topic for your letter you first need to select a statement to react to. Most letters are published in response to a specific editorial, article, or letter that has already appeared in the paper. So, read through recent copies of the newspaper and find something that you feel passionate about.

Pay particular attention to the letters to the editor. Note the types of letters the paper is printing—are they long or short? Are they well balanced and objective or are they incendiary? Examine the article carefully. What point is it trying to make? What are the argument’s strengths? Weaknesses? Did the author leave out some important aspect?

Identify one or two specific points you would like to make about the topic discussed in the article.

• Point out and the correct inaccurate, false, or misleading information in a recently published news item, editorial, or letter;

• Supplement, reinforce, refute, or clarify a recently printed statement with new information;

• Offer a new point of view on a current issue or a recently printed statement.

Begin by making an outline of the point(s) you want to make—no more than three points (one or two is better). You are limited to a maximum of 300-500 words. Remember you will have to support your points with persuasive arguments, facts, and a clear explanation of the issue you are addressing.

It is important to make your point right off, so your topic sentence should be the main point you are trying to make. The second sentence should identify the article, editorial, or letter to which you are responding. Next make a concise, logical argument for the point you are making. Remember, letters that are extreme or inflammatory are less effective than those that are thoughtful and balanced. You also want to write a letter that will stand on its own—one that the reader can understand without having to read other materials. In addition, remember that letters don’t always have to be critical. It is also helpful to point out the competencies and the successes of others.
Use a standard business letter format—single spacing in the text and addresses; double space between paragraphs and elements of the letter. Be sure to proofread your letter, nothing turns off a reader, or an editor, more than a poorly written and grammatically incorrect submission. Your letter will be graded and returned with comments.