1. Level 6 Activity 2.12

2. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Purpose of 2.12: To identify style, format, and genre conventions of letters to the editor To analyze an author’s rhetorical choices To evaluate the impact of tone in a letter To write a letter to the editor

3. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Editorial vs. Letter to Editor EditorialLetter to the Editor UnsignedSigned Official position of Newspaper Opinion from someone in the public Professional 500 word max article Sometimes formal/informal 300 word max article Voted upon by the boardChosen by paper to publish

4. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor How to Write a Letter to the Editor Read the steps of writing a letter to the editor on page 152. Mark the key features of a letter to the editor.

5. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor The Herald: We will examine letters to the editor. Use the first few parts of the graphic organizer on page 153 to make notes on these letters. Are any of the letters effective? Why?

6. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Page 154-155: We will now read the letter to the editor about cell phones (‘Why I Hate Cell Phones’). Mark words or phrases the reveal the tone (sarcasm) of the writer. What effect does the tone have on you as a reader?

7. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Assignment: You will now write your own letter to the editor. Your letter should be a response to Reihani’s editorial on cell phones. Be sure to follow all the guidelines for writing a letter to the editor – be prepared to share your letter.

8. Review WNB: Academic Vocab Section Rhetorical Appeals: Pathos is a rhetorical appeal to the reader’s or listener’s senses and emotions. Ethos is a rhetorical appeal that focuses on the character or qualifications of the speaker. Logos is a rhetorical appeal to reason or logic.

9. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Peer Edit Pass your paper once to the right. Read the paper one time through, making no markings On the second read, underline the author’s main point (should be in the first paragraph/sentence). If you cannot find it, make a note Also, highlight specific statements/phrases that address the original editorial.

10. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Peer Edit Pass your paper once to the right. Read the paper one time through, making no markings On the second read, look for phrases that address an intended audience. Write who you think the audience is to the side – if you cannot tell, write this note to the author on the paper. Also, circle slanted/biased language – look for emotionally charged words/phrases and suggest a different word/phrase

11. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Peer Edit Pass your paper once to the right. Read the paper one time through, making no markings On the second read, put a star by the evidence given. If no evidence is present, write a note to the author on the paper. Also, play ‘devil’s advocate’ even if you agree with the writer. In the margin, write questions/comments from the opposition’s POV.

12. 2.12 – Letters to the Editor Peer Edit You should now have your own paper back Read through the markings and comments – make your own revisions on the paper, so you may make changes later.