Letter to the editor

Assignment: Choose one of the articles included in the packet and write a letter to the editor outlining your opinion.

1. Begin with a salutation; for example, To the Editor of The New York Times.

2. Use a strong hook in your opening statement.

3. Explain why the issue is important. You must recognize that other readers might not share your background, interests or experience. Explain the issue in a simple and easy to understand way.

4. State your opinion/argument. WHY do you feel strongly about this issue? Again, use plain language.

5. Give evidence for praise or criticism. Cite expert opinion, studies, statistics, etc.

6. State your opinion about what should be done. Influence readers to take action. What is the solution to this problem? What can regular people to do help? What can law makers and politicians do to help? Etc. Give specific reasons to back your claims.

7. Sign the letter.

Example: Letter to the Editor of a Student Newspaper

Dear Editor:

In response to your article “Meatless Mondays Marches to the Tune of Trayless Fridays,” I would like to compliment Kalamazoo College for joining the exciting campaign that is introducing thousands of students to vegetarian cuisine. Demand for meatless options on college campuses is growing every day, and students across the country are adopting Meatless Mondays as a result. A recent study by Aramark, a leading food-service provider, concluded that one in four college students are actively seeking out vegan options when they sit down to eat.

In fact, United Nations scientists have determined that raising chickens, pigs, and other animals for slaughter generates about 40 percent more greenhouse gases than all the cars, SUVs, trucks, and planes in the world combined. Most students are also horrified to discover that chickens have their beaks cut off when they’re only days old and that cows and pigs are often skinned and dismembered while still conscious. If these kinds of abuses were inflicted on cats or dogs, if would result in felony cruelty-to-animal charges. Yet, these practice are standard in an industry that refuses to make even the most basic improvements in the way that animals are treated.

Luckily, not only is going vegetarian the single greatest action you can take for animals and the environment, it’s also the best choice that you can make for your health. Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the American Dietetic Association have endorsed vegetarian diets. Don’t forget that people can get all the protein that they need from nuts, seeds, yeast, grains, beans, and other legumes. Going vegetarian has never been easier or tastier, with so many delicious and cruelty-free dishes, such as vegan barbecue riblets and vegan pizza. For more information, visit peta2.com to request a free vegetarian/vegan starter kit.

Sincerely,

Amelia Jensen, College Campaigns Assistant