Letters / 219Because the letter must be brief, select only those details that most directly affect the
reader. You may need no more than two or three details, certainly no more than four.
(Remember the 300-word limit.)
STEP 3: Prewriting—Organizing the Details
Choose a logical plan of organization. Here’s how. First, see chronological order, spa-
tial order, and order of importance in the Glossary so that you understand the general
plans of organization.
Next, think about the many kinds of development available to you as a letter writer.
Will your letter have a greater impact using one method of development over
another? [See Part II for a variety of development methods.]
Third, think again about the audience analysis you completed in Step 2.
Now, using all that information, list the details in their most effective order. Try sev-
eral plans to find the most effective one.
STEP 4: Writing—Following the Plan
As you write, keep in mind the items listed in the Characteristics section earlier. Begin
with some means of catching the reader’s attention. Justify what you have to say.
Follow with a statement of your opinion and proceed with the supporting details as
you organized them in Step 3. Stick to the point; avoid excess verbiage.
As part of the conclusion, suggest either a course of action, a solution to the prob-
lem, or a means by which to implement the solution.
STEP 5: Revising—Polishing the Content
Getting your ideas on paper puts you over the hurdle. Now you can polish those
ideas and put them in the best light for your reader. As you revise the content, ask
yourself the following questions:
- Have I presented my opinion clearly? Will the reader understand exactly how I
feel? - Do I give enough examples, illustrations, situations, and other details? Will the
details help the reader feel the same way? [See Sample Revision for Specific
Detail in Chapter 3, Revising.] - Would different details improve the explanation of my opinion?
- Have I been concise? Have I omitted insignificant details? Have I avoided
getting carried away by my emotions? [See Sample Revision for Wordiness in
Chapter 3, Revising.]