Overview/Purpose:
In this lesson, students will learn the structure of a formal letter. After brainstorming ideas for their own letter, they will start working on a rough-draft.
Guiding Questions:
- What is the structure for a formal letter?
- How can you write a powerful and persuasive letter?
Recommended Time:
90 minutes
Common Core State Standards:
Materials:
Technology Required:
None
Lesson Design:
- Post the quote, “The pen is mightier than the sword” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Give students 3 – 5 minutes to write a quick response to the quote.
- Students turn and talk with a partner about their responses.
- Explain that the class will be demonstrating the power of the pen by writing letters to public officials or other people in power.
- Distribute and review Write to Defend handout with students. (You may provide students with a list of possible recipients for their letters depending on the issues they have selected.)
- Students use the brainstorming box to gather their ideas and then begin writing a rough draft of their letter.
- Students should bring a typed second draft to class the following day.
Rock Your World is a program of Creative Visions
Rock Your World is a Program of Creative Visions, a 501(c) (3) organization that supports creative activists - individuals who use the power of media and arts to create positive change in the world.
