Journal Three: Getting Organized for Writing a Letter

These ideas are offered to help you with the letter writing assignment. Select one or more of the topics, and write on it nonstop for 10 minutes.

Establishing a Style: Among the letters found in Call to Write, which one is written in a style that is most like your own style of writing? Explain how your style of writing is similar.

Editorials: Editorial letters are often written in response to a newspaper article or editorial. Think of a topic that has been in the news recently that interests you. What is your opinion on the topic? Write a draft of a letter to the editor.

Letter about High School: Reflect on your high school experiences. What might you tell a high school teacher, guidance counselor, coach, or club director?

Selecting a Subject: "Is there a particular subject that has been making you curious, or angry, or grateful? If so, [write a] letter as a way to express your opinions, or to learn more about the subject, or to respond to something someone else has written about that subject" (Trimbur 141).

Finding a Purpose: "Is there a person that you want to write to? Do you need to settle a score, clear up a confusion, or work out a problem? Do you want to let someone know about the impact they have had on your life? Do you want someone to know more about the way you approach your life? Is there a friend with whom you don't want to lose contact? Any of these options might provide you [with a purpose for writing a letter]" (Trimbur 141).

Letter of Advice: Following Baldwin as model, write a letter of advice, perhaps to a younger sibling, another family member or friend. What advice do you want to give this person? What is the basis for this advice? How can you get this person to heed your advice?

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Last revised August 15, 2001

J. Arzt