The letter to the editor is a formal letter, expressing your point of view. The most widely-read page of a newspaper is the editorial page. When writing to the editor, it is usually about an issue with which you are concerned and it contains forceful arguments to persuade readers to share your opinion.
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When writing a letter to the editor of your local paper in support of an issue, you can ask others to do it too. Letters should be persuasive and as short as possible or else the paper will cut out some of your content which was important to you. Your letter might influence the opinion of someone you may not even know.
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Do you know what the most widely-read page of the newspaper is? It’s the editorial page! For little cost other than your time, you can influence others in your community by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper in support of your library, and you can ask others to do it too. Keep your letter as short as possible (or the paper will cut out some of your content) and remember to be persuasive. This is your chance to influence the opinion of someone you may not even know! Letters can be mailed or send by e-mail.
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The following should be kept in mind when preparing a letter for the editor.
- The addresses of sender and recipient are written as in the formal letter.
- The word 'Dear' is omitted when writing to the press. We simply say, 'Sir/Madam'.
- Include only relevant points.
- The opening statement expresses your point of view or thesis.
- The body is made up of short paragraphs with clearly stated ideas to back up this viewpoint.
- Use facts to support your argument, saving the strongest point for last.
- Language is persuasive and emotive words are used to convince readers.
- *Rhetorical questions and repetition may be used for emphasis.
- The tone may be serious or amusing.
- A strong conclusion sums up the argument.
- It is a good idea to end with a positive statement.
POSTCARDS
A postcard is usually brief, friendly and informal. It is a popular form of holiday correspondence.
- A postcard has limited writing space as there is usually a picture on the one side and the address of the recipient is written on half of the other side.
- Only concise, relevant information should, therefore, be included.
- Date and place need to be specified.
- 'Postcard licence*' allows fragmented language with phrases and incomplete sentences.
- Include as many interesting details as possible.
- The tone will vary according to sender and recipient.
SOURCE:
EBH JOUBERT: English Grammar; Writing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Letter_to_the_editor
www.nytimes.com/section/opinion/letters
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