Toyota | Drive for Change

THAT’S WRITE!
Help your students write letters that influence others.

Remind students that if they want to see a change in the environment, writing a letter can be very effective. Elected officials and local businesspeople take letters they receive seriously.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of a persuasive letter is to convince the reader to agree with your point of view or to accept your recommendation for a course of action. For instance, you might argue that a park’s drinking fountains should be built higher to prevent dogs from using them. Or you might ask for funds to organize a student task force to help clean up neighborhood streets. A successful persuasive letter will use evidence to support your viewpoint, consider opposing views and present a strong conclusion.

ETIQUETTE: Remind students: When you write a business letter, be sure to thank the person or organization for reading your letter. Remember to write a closing such as Sincerely or Best regards and to put a comma after it. And don’t forget to write your signature above your typewritten name.

ADDRESSES: Are your students not sure where to mail their letters? Click here to find addresses of your local Congressional Representative.

Here’s a sample letter:

November 1, 2006
Date
Congressman Nick Fortino
Capitol Building
Capital City, New York 10023
Name and address of the person who is receiving the letter

I am a fifth-grade student. I think that students in our school would benefit from a New York City Parks Day. This day, which would be observed by schools citywide, would give students the time to meet with environmental experts and learn more about the parks in our city.
Explanation of who the writer is and why he is writing this letter

If such a day existed, kids would have a greater appreciation for the outdoors and would take better care of the parks that we all share.
Gives the writer’s opinion on the topic

I make it a habit to visit parks, but I have friends who never have the time. They don’t know how much fun a park can be, and so they don’t care when parks start to fall apart and get dirty.
Describes the writer’s experience in support of his opinion

A New York City Parks Day would show my friends and all of the other students in our city just how important parks really are. I really think this is an important issue. Please sponsor such a day so it can become a reality.
Tells the reader what action the writer would like him to take

Thank you, Mr. Fortino, for reading my letter. I hope you will consider my suggestion.
Closing