A letter to the Editor, lesson #5

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Thursday, February 16th

Programme

- Revision time

- Recap: Structure of a letter to the editor

- Final practice round

Can you edit the following sentences?

Make groups of 3/4 and discuss.

1. I’ve read your article on the topic that prince Harry is a spare to the family.

2. Just like you, I think that the role of the spare in the royal family is nowhere near as useful as it was a hundred years ago.

3. This statement is something I can get behind.

4. I hope that with this letter I can help you improve your writing.

5. And I would like to give my opinion regarding the article because I believe there are some things that need to be adressed.

6. Healthcare has improved a ton since then, and so I think there’s no need for multiple spare’s, or even any spare’s.

6.

I’ve read your article on the topic that prince Harry is a spare to the family.

I am writing with reference to/ in response to the article ‘’Beware the ‘spare’: let’s drop the need for a second-in-line, and let Harry be last’’ by Kate Williams, published on June 2nd, 2022 in the Guardian.

Just like you, I think that the role of the spare in the royal family is nowhere near as useful as it was a hundred years ago..

This statement is something I can get behind.

I hope that with this letter I can help you improve your writing.

And I would like to give my opinion regarding the article because I believe there are some things that need to be adressed.

Healthcare has improved a ton since then, and so I think there’s no need for multiple spare’s, or even any spare’s.

Avoid

1. Making mistakes at the reference stage, e.g. forgetting to add the date

2. Misunderstanding the context, stay on point!

3. Using 'And' or 'But' at the beginning of a sentence.

4. Using contracted forms, such as don't and I'll ('do not' and 'I will'). Remember that cannot is one word!

Must do

1. Read the instructions and guidelines carefully!

2. Read the article and highlight interesting parts for your letter.

3. Manage your time wisely, for example:

- read the article (5 min)

- Brainstorm ideas/ content) + plan (5 - 10 min)

- Write your letter (20 - 25 min)

- Proofread (5 - 10 min)

4. Use linking words (however, moreover, furthermore, due to, etc.)

Final practice

Choose 1 of the 4 remaining articles on the Magister studyguide and write a letter in response.

Take into account all that we've discussed today.

If you would like some feedback on your writing, then please send me an email with your work.

Next week

No class tomorrow. Have fun!

Thursday:

SE Writing, 50 minutes

Bring your own dictionary (Dutch-English)