1. Angel Miller, LMS Loachapoka High School Loachapoka High School Media Center

2. Objectives Today our goal is to : write a letter to our representatives/ senators about something important To do this we will: 1. we will use 2 “powerful words” from the list provided 2. we will use the dictionary to look up unfamiliar words 2.we will use the business letter format 3. we will use an interactive graphic organizer

3. Why should we write our senators and representatives? It's important for you to express your views and let adults know what your generation cares about. So, get out that pencil and paper and write some letters about what is important to you. It's good to learn how to write effectively and persuasively, so your message is easy to understand.

4. What are some persuasive strategies?

5. Copyright 2006 IRA/NCTE. All rights reserved. ReadWriteThink.org materials may be reproduced for educational purposes. Images ©2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

6. State your argument Example: I am going to try to convince you that chocolate is a healthy snack. How can we improve this example?

7. Big Names Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines. Important people or experts can make your argument seem more convincing.

8. Logos Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy. Facts, numbers, and information can be very convincing.

9. Empathy Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home. Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.

10. Your concerns The more letters you write, the more you can accomplish. Ask your friends to write letters. Today you will write a letter expressing your concerns. You CAN make a difference.

11. Who do you write to? You can write to your Senators and Representatives who, as part of the Legislative Branch of government, propose ideas for laws and then discuss these bills and vote to decide if they should come into effect.

12. Their duty It is the duty of all Senators and Representatives to take into consideration how their constituents feel about a bill before they vote for or against it. It is the responsibility of constituents, like you, to let Senators and Representatives know how you feel about laws on important issues.

13. Links Use the links below to find the addresses for the Senators and Representatives in your area. Write to your Senator Write to your Senator Write to your Representative Write to your Representative E-mail your Senator and Representative E-mail your Senator and Representative

14. The President You can even write or e-mail the President of the United States. President Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Email: president@whitehouse.govpresident@whitehouse.gov

15. Powerful Words http://teacher.scholastic.com/LessonPlans/powerfulW ords.pdf

16. Go to http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/persuasion_map/ This will help you organize your thoughts.

17. Business Letter Your Street Address Your City, State Zip Date First and Last Name of the Person to whom you are writing Their Street Address City, ST Zip Dear Mr./Ms. Full Name: You do not want to indent when you are using this format. This is the best format to use when you are writing a persuasive letter. You want to introduce yourself and the topic you are writing about to the reader. Remember that the first rule of writing is to know your audience. In a persuasive letter, you state your opinion or your feelings about something that is important to you after you have introduced yourself. You must sound as professional and passionate as possible. You do not want to belittle the reader or they will not finish reading your letter. Your letter needs to have the facts, reasons, and examples to support your position. Address issues that your reader may have in their argument. In a second paragraph, you must have solutions. Without solutions, you are only complaining. Offer assistance in solving the problem. Remind the reader where they can contact you. Sincerely yours, A. Student Heading Inside Address Salutation Body Signature

18. Persuasive Letter Checklist I know my audience and have an appealing introduction. I have clearly described the product, service, or idea I am promoting. I have detailed reasons that make my argument worthwhile and convincing. I have stated clearly the action that I would like my reader to take (or what my reader should do) and how I can assist. I know my reader’s objections and have suggested the answers. I have told my reader how they can contact me. My letter is concise and interesting. The tone of my letter is courteous and professional. I have used at least two “powerful words” in my letter.