Part I–Letter to the Editor

Directions: You will be writing a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. Choose one of the following topics to write about.

  1. A service provided by the federal government
  2. A service provided by the state government
  3. A service provided by the local government
HOW TO DO IT
  • Pick a topic you feel passionate about.
  • Think of an original way to write about the topic with a unique solution to the problem.
  • Limit your opinion to 200 words or less.
  • Include the major points in the first few paragraphs.
HOW TO FORMAT IT
  • Indent paragraphs
  • Double space between lines
  • Spellcheck and proofread
HOW TO SIGN IT
  • Sign your name at the bottom off the page
  • Include your mailing address
  • Include your telephone number

Part II–Response

Directions: Find an editorial on one of the above Websites. Write a response to the writer's opinion.

The topic of the response must be either related to something in this chapter or a service or product provided by government.

HOW TO DO IT

  • Find a letter to the editor that refers to a product or service provided by any level of government.
  • Write a response to the letter as if you are sending it to the newspaper for printing.
  • Your response should either strongly disagree or agree with the writer's opinion.
  • Support your answer with two facts.
  • Limit your response to 200 words or less.
  • Include the major points in the first few paragraphs.