Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Letters / 223

ANALYSIS of THE SAMPLE EDIToRIAL LETTER

The preceding sample exhibits the characteristics of a good letter to the editor. Note
particularly the following items:

• The letter consistently follows the modified-block style and exhibits good
  format—even margins; accurate spacing; and complete and accurate
  letterhead, inside address, salutation, body, closing, and signature.


• The body of the letter clearly presents the writer’s opinion.


• The opening paragraph catches the reader’s attention. Anyone is interested
  in his pocketbook, and taxes hit the pocketbook. Most people feel frustrated
  about excessive illegal drug use. And the idea of a yes-man does not please
  many. So the writer uses these three approaches to attract readers.


• The opening paragraph also states the writer’s point of view.
  
  
  • The following three paragraphs present details to support the writer’s
    opinion, each paragraph providing illustrations and examples to explain one
    point.
  
  
  • The paragraphs eliminate all wordiness, and the letter runs about 220
    words. [To see how to achieve brevity, see Sample Revision for Wordiness in
    Chapter 3, Revising.]
  
  
  
  


• By the final paragraph, the reader may agree with the writer, but the writer
  forces him or her to think once again about three major issues. The writer
  reverses the order so that he concludes with the issues closest to home—the tax
  bill.

Compare this letter with the Sample for Social Sciences in Chapter 13, Persuasion,
and with the sample paper in Chapter 12, Opinion. Note that the editorial letter
blends many of the characteristics of the two. At the same time, however, note these
differences:

• While the writer used a formal style for the persuasive and the opinion essays,
  he’s more informal in his letter to the editor. Note the use of you, the frequent
  contractions, and the sentence fragments (such as Period. and Too little, too late.).


• The letter omits many of the supporting details used in the persuasive
  and opinion essays. It includes only the most important details. Brevity
  characterizes a letter to the editor.

One final warning: Because letters to the editor may appear in print as soon as a few

days or as late as six weeks after you send it, you may want to recall your letter if it no

longer deals with current events.