Letter-to-the-Editor

Instructor: Farah Habib

This time you will write a letter-to-the-editor to The Observer, BCC’s student newspaper, about a campus issue of public concern that has affected you personally. The purpose of the letter is to voice an opinion and possibly present a solution to a debatable or controversial issue or problem on campus. You may choose to express your opinion on:

·        An ongoing debate or argument on campus

·        An on-campus problem or issue that you want addressed.

·        A problematic classroom policy or rule that should be changed

·        BCC course requirements that you believe are unnecessary

·        Academic or extracurricular programs that BCC should offer

·        Services or resources at the college that you believe could be improved 

Your letter should express a clear opinion that is well supported with evidence from personal experience. You are not required to do research for this assignment, but you may use personal interviews with students to support your claims.

The letter should be about 3 pages long and be written in an essay format with a clear introduction that establishes your purpose and a thesis statement that states your opinion on the issue. 

As you consider your response, keep in mind that your readers are your peers as well as faculty and administration who read the paper. Be mindful of how you argue your position, and use your knowledge of argumentative appeals to persuade your writers. Also, be selective in your choice of words, your tone and examples you use to support your points.  Use the letters we have read in class to guide you.

REMEMBER TO:

·        Submit a rough draft on Nov. 2;

·        Submit a final draft (two copies) on Nov. 7

·        Double-space

·        Use 12 point font size

·        Attach a rough draft I’ve commented on to the back of one of the final drafts.