1. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper of between 500 – 750 words using the same topic you have been researching all quarter.
2. Identify your target audience by beginning your letter with the heading “Written toward [insert name of news publication here]:”
3. Write in the style, tone, level of formality, etc. that is typical for that publication. Learn this by reviewing and reading articles from the local publication with particular attention to the letter to the editor sections.
4. Analyze the target audience for the publication and consider how their needs dictate the writing choices you will make. Think of ways you can make connections with them in your writing.
5. Include a call to action in your conclusion.
6. Use While it is likely that the publication you choose will not use APA format, since learning APA is a key component of this class, we will continue to use it here. If you do submit for publication, consult publication guidelines, and use the reference style specified.
Rubric
Letter to the Editor Rubric
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Letter to the Editor Rubric
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Criteria
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Ratings
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Pts
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Audience & Voice
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20 to >17.0 pts
A
Demonstrates clear understanding of the target audience by making stylistic choices that pertain to their needs, interests, and motivation. Target audience is addressed throughout entire letter, and the writer clearly demonstrates an audience-centric approach.
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17 to >14.0 pts
B
Demonstration of an understanding of the target audience is unclear at times. Target audience is addressed inconsistently throughout most of the letter, and the writer sometimes neglects an audience-centric approach.
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14 to >6.0 pts
C
Demonstration of an understanding of the target audience is mostly not present. Target audience is not addressed throughout most of the letter, and the writer neglects an audience-centric approach.
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6 to >0 pts
F
Lacks audience acknowledgement.
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20 pts
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Writing Fluency
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10 to >9.0 pts
A
The letter shows skillful writing fluency and exhibits few or no mechanical errors. The letter could be published as it is.
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9 to >8.0 pts
B
The letter has reasonable writing fluency and exhibits few mechanical errors. Some editing would be necessary for publication.
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8 to >7.0 pts
C
Writing fluency is sometimes lacking, and errors impact clarity at times. Major editing remains to be done.
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7 to >1.0 pts
D-F
Minimal writing fluency, exhibits numerous mechanical errors.
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1 to >0 pts
F
Writing is not fluent— unreadable.
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10 pts
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Content
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20 to >18.0 pts
A
The letter is creative, dynamic and draws reader interest/builds curiosity about the topic. The letter successfully joins the conversation on this larger topic.
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18 to >16.0 pts
B
The letter is mostly creative, dynamic, and draws reader interest/builds curiosity about the topic. The letter successfully joins the conversation on this larger topic; however, more excitement or connection could lead to a greater impact.
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16 to >14.0 pts
C
More creativity needed to create a dynamic letter that draws reader interest/builds curiosity about the topic. The letter doesn't fully join the conversation. More excitement or connection could lead to a greater impact.
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14 to >1.0 pts
D-F
The letter lacks creativity needed to create a dynamic article that draws reader interest/builds curiosity about the topic. The letter doesn't join the conversation or leave an impact.
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1 to >0 pts
F
Article lacks impact.
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20 pts
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Persuasive elements
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20 to >18.0 pts
A
The letter contains a hook, introduction, a promise or problem to be solved, uses emotional appeals, cites experts, gives advice or provides solutions, has a call to action and conclusion.
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18 to >16.0 pts
B
The letter attempts organization, and organization makes sense, but lacks 1-2 of the criteria.
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16 to >14.0 pts
C
The letter makes an attempt at organization but lacks clear direction and is missing 2-4 criteria.
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14 to >1.0 pts
D-F
Organization is unclear and/or is missing 4-6 criteria.
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1 to >0 pts
F
Organization is unclear and/or is missing 6-8 criteria.
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20 pts
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThis criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome APA
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5 to >4.0 pts
A
APA format is followed for paper set-up, in-text citations, and the Reference page.
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4 to >3.0 pts
B
APA format is generally followed for paper set-up, in-text citations, and the Reference page; however, a few minor errors are present.
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3 to >2.0 pts
C
APA format is used inconsistently for paper set-up, in-text citations, and the Reference page.
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2 to >1.0 pts
D-F
APA format is not followed in several areas for paper set-up, in-text citations, and the Reference page.
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1 to >0 pts
F
APA style is missing.
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5 pts
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Total Points: 75
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