Letter to the Editor
Purpose:
How many times have we heard someone complaining about something happening in our communities–but offering no solutions for the problem? This assignment is designed to develop your problem-solving skills and engage you in a substantive conversation concerning a current local issue. This assignment will also encourage you to begin seriously considering your audience as a writer. When you are writing a letter such as this, you’ll want to consider who will be reading it, particularly in terms of what words, examples, facts, or appeals might best convince this particular group.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Papers on the following topics will not be accepted:
* abortion
* capital punishment
* euthanasia
For the Letter to the Editor, you should also be choosing a topic that is far more specific and local than any of these broad controversial issues.
The Assignment:
Write a two to three-page double-spaced (minimum of 550-750 words) letter to the editor, proposing a solution to a current local problem.
List the newspaper to which you would be sending this to at the top of your paper.
Begin the letter with: “Dear Editor,” Throughout the paper, be as specific as you possibly can in terms of:
1) Defining/describing the problem and who it affects
2) Describing your solution
3) Defending your solution as the best means of dealing with this problem.
4) As you’re writing this letter, also do keep in mind your audience.
Answer preview
Drugs winning the war on drugs! Drug use in the state of Vermont has spiraled upwards despite the massive attempts made to curb drug use in society. The state currently holds the second position in the rate of drug abuse within its society just after Colombia. The situation of drug abuse in the state is a really wanting one that needs to be addressed. From research, the state holds a high record for drug abuse of all the drugs from cocaine to marijuana. All of which are illegal. The situation is so serious that Vermont is nicknamed “Americas Heroin Capital”. The youth, in particular, have fallen victim to this situation and the outcome is so saddening. The locals are very much aware of whatever is going on but most attempts have proven to be futile. The situation of drug use is very wanting and needs to be addressed if we are to save our youth from the jaws of death. The situation has kept on shooting as time goes by. The abuse of drugs is very wanting and specifically due to the implications it has on the youth. I feel like the authorities in this state have not performed to the expectations of society(680words)