Letters Real World Writing

Activating Prior Knowledge Have you ever had to return a product? Have you ever had to write a request for a recommendation? OR Have you ever had to persuade your Mom/Dad/Guardian to buy you something?

Standard ELA10W2 The student produces persuasive writing that structures ideas and arguments in a sustained and logical fashion; the student: a. Engages the reader by establishing a context and developing reader interest. b. Develops a controlling idea or formulates an arguable thesis that makes a clear and knowledgeable judgment. c. Uses specific rhetorical devices to support assertions (i.e., appeal to emotion or ethical belief, personal anecdote, case study, analogy, and/or logical reasoning). d. Clarifies and defends positions with precise and relevant evidence (i.e., facts, expert opinions, quotations, or expressions of commonly accepted beliefs). e. Excludes information and arguments that are irrelevant. f. Organizes points of argument effectively to achieve desired outcome. g. Addresses readers’ concerns, counterclaims, biases, and expectations. h. Achieves closure by summarizing main points of argument

What is Rhetoric? Get Started

Ethos Appeal based on the character, persona, and/or of the speaker. Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you.

Example

Introduction In the introduction to any letter, you must: Tell the reader who you are Tell the reader why you are writing This is your ETHOS. Your credibility as a communicator.

Logos Appeal to logical reasoning ability of the audience Example: A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

= DETAILS Next Statement For this letter, your next statement will contain you LOGOS. Meaning: Information about our book. Why you need more information to help you understand. = DETAILS

Pathos Appeal to beliefs/feelings of the audience. Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home.

Then For this letter, your next statement will be about PATHOS which is meant to make your audience have feelings about your situation. Ask questions that involve the reader’s expertise. Mr Burch – How did you train for your Ironman? Ms. Powers- Do you think we need an Anger Management class at SHS?

Conclusion As you finish the letter: Remind them why you are writing. Ask them to provide a date to visit. Thank them for reading your letter and responding.

Mini-Lesson – Skills Lesson Elements of a Letter Introduce yourself and tell why you are writing. (This is Ethos.) Logos appeals – Pathos appeals Restate your position and tell the recipient what you would like him/her to do with your information. Ms. Powers or Mr. Burch 7340 Fairmount Highway Calhoun, GA 30701 February 6, 2017 Dear Ms. Powers (or Mr. Burch), (Body of the Letter) Sincerely, Your Name Let’s Review!

Work Period - Your Task is to create your own letter which is written in a persuasive tone. Create an e-mail or a letter to Mr. Burch to ask him to come visit our class and tell us about his Ironman events. Be sure to introduce yourself and our class. Explain why you want him to come to the class by explaining the book and giving him an overview of the plot. Finally tell him what you would like to know about his event. For example, ask him how long did he have to train? Where did he have to swim? And other questions. Finally restate your request and ask him for day to come visit. Create an e-mail or a letter to Ms. Powers to ask her to come visit our class and tell us about Anger Management. Be sure to introduce yourself and our class. Explain why you want her to come to the class by explaining the book and giving her an overview of the plot. Finally tell her what you would like to know about Anger Management. Would it be worthwhile to start such a group here. Finally restate your request and ask her for day to come visit.

Ticket Out the Door What did you learn today about letter writing that will make you a better writer?