Letter to the editor

Letter to the editor

Let's see what you know about letters to the editor...

What is the purpose of a letter to the editor?

1. to summarise news articles
2. to express personal viewpoints or opinions
3. to advertise products
4. to provide weather updates

Who is the typical reader of a letter to the editor?

1. the general public
2. the author's family and friends
3. the editorial staff
4. politicians and policy makers

What is the style of the letter to the editor?

1. conversational yet persuasive
2. formal and academic
3. humorous and light-hearted
4. impersonal and detached

Letters to the editor are often used in exams as well. We will now practise one: havo 2023 I: text 11

Before we write though, first some reading/conversational practice. Read the information on the next slide

'Tidy your room!': a teenager's guide to arguing with your parents

 

As a teen, it can feel like everything your parents say and do is meant to ruin your fun. But if they understood what was happening to your brain, things might be different ...

So, you’re a teenager, or soon will be. You probably have lots on your mind, and are feeling pretty stressed thanks to all the expectations and demands you have to deal with. Then there are the drastic and chaotic changes occurring in your body and brain.

But at least you can rely on your parents to see things your way, to support your decisions, no matter what. Right? In fact, your teens are usually when you argue with your parents more than ever.

You share the same lives, the same homes, often the same DNA – you might think your parents should agree with you on practically everything. So why is it so difficult? Much of it is, of course, down to biology, specifically the differences between your developing brain and your parents’ more rigid ones. But it’s not hopeless: there are things you can do to get along better. ....

What are things your parents do or say that cause problems?

group work

You will now be put into groups and given a text to read and some assignments. Be ready to present your case to class. 

writing: choose one of these two tasks to do. Write 450-600 words

(HL) You have read an article in your local newspaper which suggested that, because of teenagers’ sleep patterns, it would be beneficial to start the school day at a later time. You think this is an important issue, which requires public discussion. Write a text in which you describe the experiences of you and your fellow students, explain possible solutions, and give your overall opinion on the topic.

(i) Letter to the Editor .... (ii) Set of guidelines .... (iii) Email

(HL) You have recently read an article in a newspaper arguing that, although social media is a useful tool for spreading information quickly, all news items should be banned because the information cannot be trusted. You think that the ideas in the article refer to important issues which need to be debated publicly. Write a text which describes the issues raised by the article, considers arguments for and against, and concludes with arguing your overall opinion.

(i) Letter to the Editor .... (ii) Essay .... (iii) Interview