A Letter To The Editor ONLINE VERSION Class 9
A Letter To The Editor ONLINE VERSION Class 9
A Letter To The Editor ONLINE VERSION Class 9
a) Purpose: what am I writing? (The purpose of a letter to the Editor is to inform, sometimes
persuade politely so that he publishes your letter in order to raise awareness among people and
attracting attention of the authority concerned. Sometimes we write letter to the Editor to give
our reaction to any incident or any news published in the newspaper.)
b) Audience: to whom am I writing? (It is basically a public letter which will be read by the
Editor, the authority concerned and common readers of the newspaper.)
c) Format: should be correct (If format is wrong then the purpose will not be fulfilled)
d) three (3) bullet points: 1st: Descriptive, 2nd: Descriptive, 3rd Reflective (Important)
a) register (word choice): The words you will use should be relevant.
d) punctuation: Try to use semi-colon, colon, hyphen other than comma or full stop.
• Use transition words/linking devices between paragraphs and sentences to build connection or
coherence.
• You may use the word ‘YOU’ or ‘I’ but do not overuse it.
• Try to use passive voice adequately. (To make your writing more formal)
• Use good vocabulary. (Should be relevant and appropriate for the audience.)
• Do not exceed the word limit. (Minimum 280 words, maximum 300 words)
Salutations:
Task 1:
A local newspaper has published an article mentioning details of plans to construct a new hotel with
tourist facilities on the neighbouring Diamond Island, a small island with a traditional rural community.
Respond to the article with your views on the effect it will have on the local people and environment.
Write your views in a letter to the Editor.
You should consider:
• the positive effect on local people and the environment.
• negative impact on people, environment and the preservation of wild life
• other possible ideas to boost the island.
Write your letter in clear, accurate English and in a polite and persuasive tone in order to interest and
convince the readers that this is a worthwhile idea. Start your letter with ‘Dear Sir’.
find it increasingly difficult to cope with rising costs. Furthermore, modernization will also preservation of wild life)
encroach upon the natural environment and hurt wildlife.
1 line gap
In conclusion, while a hotel on the island is a welcoming idea, the people affected must
4th Paragraph: Reflective:
be given fair compensation and a proper resettlement program should be implemented
Focus on the 3rd Bullet
to ease their relocation burden. While one cannot control future rising costs, it is point.
imperative that jobs are constantly being created to secure the people’s livelihoods. As
(other possible ideas to
for the environment, perhaps some sites could be embarked as preservation centres to boost the island)
minimize damage to wildlife. To boost tourism further, certain villages could be (also note the use of linking
devices)
preserved and showcased as part of the island’s history. After all, it is a slice of the old
life that tourists come for. I hope you will consider my suggestions. Thank you for your
attention.
Yours faithfully Subscription
John Woo Full name
Task 2:
A large building in your area is to be developed and refurnished for the benefit of the local community.
The following suggestions have been made: 1) a retirement old home for elderly people 2) a local health
clinic to give medical advice to the people of the area 3) a youth centre for young people under eighteen
years of age. The Editor of the local newspaper has invited readers to give their views on the matter, in a
letter published in the newspaper.
Set out your letter correctly, in clear, accurate English and a confident, persuasive tone to convince
the Editor and the readers of the newspaper that development would be best for the people of your
vicinity. Start your letter ‘Dear Editor,’ and remember to provide a suitable ending.
In recent years, the emphasis has been placed on the development of amenities for the increasing elderly
population in the community. It is imperative that the elderly should receive the companionship and
assistance they require in their old age. To cater these needs, it is ideal that a retirement home be built in
the estate.
As the population ages, the number of elderly people seen peripatetic in the area has increased. It is
disheartening to see many of them, most of whom are still healthy and mobile, sitting and staring
vacuously for hours. Some of them live in the surrounding blocks of flats but they live alone and are ill-
fated being confined alone in their homes the whole day. However, they are also at a loss as to what to do
when they leave their home. Providing the elderly with a retirement home will give them a sense of
purpose as they can be engaged in activities that will allow them to spend their time in a more fulfilling and
enjoyable manner.
Being in a retirement home also means that the elderly will be able to get help immediately in the event of
an emergency. Some of them are frail and need extra care. With a retirement home, there will be both
professionals and volunteers available to take care of them. A retirement home will certainly benefit the
community. The families of the elderly can be assured that they will be taken care of. There will also be
fewer disputes and discontent among other residents as the elderly will be happily occupied in the
retirement homes.
Yours faithfully