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An effective letter to the editor:
- Shows multiple sides to the issue
- Shows the weaknesses of other positions
- Has examples
- Uses personal experience
- Uses facts & figures
- Is organized
- Is short and gets to the point
- Has a strength of voice: the opinion is clearly expressed, writing is clear
- Pays attentions to the emotions of its readers
- Demonstrates that the writer has authority to speak
- Has a strong conclusion
- Issues a call to action
An INEFFECTIVE letter to the editor:
- Shows only one side to an issue
- Expects you to accept the writer’s opinion without any supporting evidence
- Uses no facts, figures, or examples
- Has no rhyme or reason to its structure
- Rambles, whines, isn’t snotty or complaining
- Is too short
- Doesn’t recognize other side, knows everything, shouts at you, treats you like you know nothing
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