Letters / 217-^ express clearly, probably in the first sentence, your opinion,
-^ provide details adequate to support your opinion,
-^ anticipate the reader’s point of view and potential questions,
-^ indicate thorough knowledge of the subject,
-^ follow an organizational plan that best attracts reader attention,
-^ suggest, if possible, a solution to the problem or issue and offer as well a
means of implementation,
-^ omit phrases such as I think, in my opinion, it seems to me, or I, for one as a
letter to the editor is already recognized as your opinion,
-^ avoid name-calling, sweeping generalizations, and unfair accusations,
-^ maintain a courteous, polite tone,
-^ include your signature and typewritten name as newspapers and magazines
rarely publish anonymous letters,
-^ include a phone number where you can be reached, preferably during the day,
for verification,
-^ follow either a business-letter format or a less formal but more easily read
format as described in Step 6 later in this section.
While the organization of letters to the editor vary as much as the writers them-
selves, good writing techniques enhance any letter. Thus, using a comparison or con-
trast, cause and effect, analogy, description, definition, or any of the other methods
of development will improve the letter’s effectiveness. [See chapters 8, 6, 5, 10, and
9 (Comparison and Contrast, Cause and Effect, Analogy, Description, and Definition,
respectively) and chapters describing other methods of development in Part II.]
Similarly, good sentence structure and accurate grammar, usage, and mechanics will
likewise improve your letter’s effectiveness. [See Chapter 3, Revising, and rules and
examples for grammar, usage, and mechanics in Part IV.]
PRoCESS
Writing a letter to the editor requires much the same process as developing an opin-
ion paper. [See Chapter 12, Opinion.] Because it may also try to convince the reader
to reach agreement, it follows a process similar to that for developing a persuasion
paper. [See Chapter 13, Persuasion.] The following summarizes the steps.
STEP 1: Prewriting—Stating Your Purpose
Before you write the first word, think about what you really want to say. Recognizing
that a letter to the editor must be brief (no more than 300 words, preferably fewer),
you should be able to put your idea into a single sentence. If not, then you may have