Letter to the Editor

Letter to the editor

Writing a letter to the editor can be an effective way to let the public know what you think. It would be best if you express your position and opinion towards a topic clearly. These are generally short and tight, no longer than 450 words.

  • Be aware of grammatical accuracy and correct spelling.
  • Use unemotional and factual language.
  • Use a polite tone.
  • Use formal vocabulary and phrasing.
  • Don’t use informal language, exaggeration, contractions, and idiomatic language.
  • Salutation (begin with the addressee’s title above the salutation line.
    • The editor
    • The Daily Newspaper,
    • Dear Editor,
  • Opening Paragraph: Introduce the article you wish to discuss and state your opinion on the issue.
  • Middle paragraphs: Support your opinion with supporting points. Explain what would happen if something isn’t done to solve the problem.
  • Closing paragraph: make a closing remark (clincher) to summarize your point of view. Explain why your approach or solution is relevant. End with “Yours faithfully.”
  • Audience: It is the Editor to whom the letter should be clearly addressed.
  • Context: The question will usually provide the context: typically, that the Editor has published something with which the writer of the letter strongly agrees/disagrees.
  • Purpose: To present the writer’s particular, personal point of view.
  • Saad AlDin, K. & Morley, K. (2018). English B: Second Edition. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press. Page 278.