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Introduction

Task

Process

Resources

Evaluation

Conclusion

Teacher Pages
Process #4
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Writing a Letter to the Editor
It is now time to write your Letter to the Editor. The editor is Debbie Babcock at the TCM Times, located at 3000 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.

In order to get your opinion across to readers, you need to make sure you are understood in your writing. By making your Letter to the Editor clear and concise, you have a better chance of getting your letter published and more importantly enduring its effectiveness.

The basic rules:
  1. Make sure your letter includes your name, address, date, the person’s name and address to which you are sending it. Be sure it is in this style:

    Your name
    Address

    Date

    Recipient’s name
    Address

    Salutation

    Body of Letter

    Closing of Letter

    Your signature

  2. Check very carefully for grammar and spelling errors!
    3.
  3. If you are writing in response to someone else’s Letter to the Editor, be sure you state the author, title and date when that letter was published.
  4. Be sure your letter is short, not over 300 words.
  5. Be sure all your facts are true, not rumors.
  6. Write the letter to the editor, not to the people reading the newspaper. Remember it is called a Letter to the Editor.
  7. Write about only one topic. If you have opinions on several topics, write more than one letter.
  8. Don't criticize people. State your opinions without making fun of someone else’s opinion.


Once you have completed this, click on Evaluation to check your work.
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