PERSUASIVE LETTER GUIDELINES:

In your letter, be sure to clearly state your position and back it up with your three
strongest reasons. Use the modified block format outlined below. Leave a two-inch top
margin. Single-space the text of the letter. Double-space between body paragraphs and
after the last paragraph.
(Your Full Name)
Fossil Ridge High School
5400 Ziegler Road
Fort Collins, CO 80528
Todays Date (Quadruple Space)
The Honorable Mr. P. Michael McKinley
Ambassador of the United States of America
The Embassy of the United States of America
Kabul, Afghanistan (Double-Space)
Dear Mr. Ambassador P. Michael McKinley, (Double-Space)
State your opinion:
Introduction of the issue
Clearly state your opinion (do not include your reasons in the introduction)
Explain your reasons:
Look at your two-column table of pros and cons. Cross off the weak reasons and
circle the strong reasons. Then decide on your three strongest reasons.
Explain each reason in a separate paragraph. Include evidence from the provided
sources.
Refute counter-arguments:
Deal with counter arguments. Predict the arguments that will be raised against
your three strongest reasons and address them with evidence from your
researched sources.
Conclusion:
Repeat your position
Ask the Ambassador to take action
Sincerely yours, (Quadruple Space)

Your Name