Write Like You Want to Be Read
A letter to the editor on student-led adult literacy
A letter to the editor is the most powerful single-page format in journalism. The editor reads it, often their staff reads it, and a small but influential set of newspaper readers reads it. The format below — taken from Kaveri's Points to Remember — is what editors expect. Stick to it. Then make your paragraph 2 specific — that's where good letters separate themselves from the pile.
As a socially responsible citizen, you strongly believe that students can contribute significantly in promoting adult literacy. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps conducted by various organisations. Discuss the benefits of such initiatives for both students and society. Suggest effective ways to spread awareness and encourage more students to volunteer for this noble cause.
- ▸Stick to the format. A letter to the editor that opens like a friendly chat will not be taken seriously.
- ▸Use **one specific example** — a number, a story, a real institution. Generic appeals bounce off readers.
- ▸Keep your tone civil even when the issue is urgent. Editors publish letters that argue, not letters that shout.
- ▸Word count: 150–200 is the sweet spot for a printable letter. Anything longer gets cut.
Look again at Paragraph 2 of the model letter. Which single specific detail in that paragraph makes it persuasive? Could a generic version of the same paragraph — without that detail — achieve the same effect?
Take a moment to form your answer before reading further.
Q1.Where does the sender's address go in a letter to the editor?
A letter to the editor is the most powerful single-page format in journalism. The editor reads it, often their staff reads it, and a small but influential set of newspaper readers reads it. The format below — taken from Kaveri's Points to Remember — is what editors expect. Stick to it. Then make your paragraph 2 specific — that's where good letters separate themselves from the pile.
As a socially responsible citizen, you strongly believe that students can contribute significantly in promoting adult literacy. Write a letter to the Editor of a local newspaper emphasising the importance of student participation in adult literacy camps conducted by various organisations. Discuss the benefits of such initiatives for both students and society. Suggest effective ways to spread awareness and encourage more students to volunteer for this noble cause.
- ▸Stick to the format. A letter to the editor that opens like a friendly chat will not be taken seriously.
- ▸Use **one specific example** — a number, a story, a real institution. Generic appeals bounce off readers.
- ▸Keep your tone civil even when the issue is urgent. Editors publish letters that argue, not letters that shout.
- ▸Word count: 150–200 is the sweet spot for a printable letter. Anything longer gets cut.
Look again at Paragraph 2 of the model letter. Which single specific detail in that paragraph makes it persuasive? Could a generic version of the same paragraph — without that detail — achieve the same effect?
Take a moment to form your answer before reading further.
Q1.Where does the sender's address go in a letter to the editor?