Communications Merit Badge: How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Your letter to the editor should be at least three paragraphs long; most letters will probably require five to six paragraphs. The first paragraph can introduce the topic and state your opinion; the next two to four paragraphs can explain a few points to support your opinion; the final paragraph can conclude the letter.

Here are some elements to include in your letter:

State your purpose (what article you are responding to, what subject you are writing about).
State your point: your opinion, perspective, idea, or argument.
Give a few reasons or details for your point and explain them.
Restate your point.
Express gratitude.

Remember, to complete the requirement you must:

Write a letter to the editor of a publication.
Send the letter to the editor.
Send a copy of the letter to me.

If you send a paper letter, please be sure to follow proper letter-writing etiquette (here is a guide for how to write a business letter). Please be sure to sign the letter, and make a copy of the letter to give to me.

If you send a letter by e-mail, you still need to include your street address; publications use this to verify that you are a real person. Please also put my e-mail address in the cc or bcc line so I will get a copy. My address is jefe.mcc@gmail.com.

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Requirements / Course Syllabus

Notes: Three requirements (1, 2, and 7) offer various options. For simplicity, we will focus in class on the options listed below. If you want to do a different option, that's fine; just tell me (the full requirements [with all of the options] are listed on this Web site). Some requirements are beyond the scope of this class (attend a public meeting, give a speech, conduct a Court of Honor or campfire program). You will need to report to me when you have completed those requirements independently.

Week 1

1. Do ONE of the following: [option d:] List as many ways as you can think of to communicate with others. For each type of communication, discuss with your counselor an instance when that method might not be appropriate or effective.

We will do this in class together.

2. Do ONE of the following: [option a:] Think of a creative way to describe yourself, using, for example, a collage, short story or autobiography, drawing or series of photographs, or a song or skit. Using the aid you created, make a presentation to your counselor about yourself.

You will need to come to the first class prepared with a brief (2-3 minutes) introduction.

Week 2

4. Interview someone you know fairly well, like, or respect because of his or her position, talent, career or life experiences. Listen actively to learn as much as you can about the person. Then prepare and deliver to your counselor an introduction of the person as though this person were to be a guest speaker, and include reasons why the audience would want to hear this person speak. Show how you would call to invite this person to speak.

You should come to class having interviewed someone already and prepared to introduce him or her to the class (in 2-3 minutes); the person being introduced does not need to come to class. We will discuss interviewing and introductions in the first class session.

7. Do ONE of the following: [option a:] Write to the editor of a magazine or your local newspaper to express your opinion or share information on any subject you choose. Send your message by fax, e-mail or regular mail.

We will start this in class together. I will have some issues and publications for you to respond to, but you will be welcome to choose your own if there is a different issue about which you feel strongly. We will talk about how to write a letter and discuss the issues you could talk about. You may begin to write your letter in class, but you will need to complete it (including typing it up and sending it) at home before the next class.

Week 3

6. With your counselor's approval, develop a plan to teach a skill or inform someone about something. Prepare teaching aids for your plan. Carry out your plan. With your counselor, determine whether the person has learned what you intended.

You should come to class prepared to teach something to another boy. We will briefly discuss teaching methods during week 2.

9. Learn about opportunities in the field of communication. Choose one career in which you are interested and discuss with your counselor the major responsibilities of that position and the qualifications, education, and preparation it requires.

We will do this in class together.

Independent Work

3. Write a five-minute speech. Give it at a meeting of a group.

A sacrament meeting talk or other five-minute speech in a large group setting can fulfill this requirement. Note that the requirement says to write a speech. If possible, I would like to see your written talk when I sign off this requirement.

5. Attend a public meeting (city council, school board, debate) approved by your counselor where several points of view are given on a single issue. Practice active listening skills and take careful notes of each point of view. Present an objective report that includes all points of view that were expressed, and share this with your counselor.

I will provide schedules of a few upcoming meetings that could qualify. After attending a meeting, you will need to report to me about your observations of the meeting.

8. Plan a troop court of honor or campfire program. Have the patrol leaders' council approve it, then write the script and prepare the program. Serve as master of ceremonies.

I will provide help and guidance in class on how to plan such events. You will need to create a plan and conduct the event on your own.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

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