Writing Letters

One way to express your beliefs is to write a letter. If you write it to the editor of your local newspaper it might be published. Then everyone in your community can read it.

Carl Franklin wrote this letter to his local paper after deciding that his school needed a new community teen center.

738 Grant Street Heading

Oakland, CA 94601

October 10, 2008

Sentinel Gazette Inside Address

11 Henson Avenue

Oakland, CA 94601

Greeting Dear Editor,

I think that Reed Middle School needs a new community teen center. Introduction

Here are the reasons.

  • 1. The center is too small. When it was built, there were only 300 students in our school. Now there are over 400 students. Many of us, in addition to students from other local schools, use the center. Body

  • 2. The computer lab equipment is outdated and needs to be replaced. The gym floor needs to be repaired. The uneven surface is unsafe to run or even walk on. We could also use new tables and chairs in the tutoring center.

The teen center is important to our town. Students use it all the time-during and after school and on the weekends, too. I think the town should build a new one. We, the students who use it, will help raise funds. Please think about this issue. Conclusion

Closing Sincerely,

Carl Franklin

Before You Move On

  • 1. Personal Connection What issues in your community would you write a letter about?

  • 2. Judgment What details in the letter might help persuade others?