Name : _____________________________________ Date: __________ PD: _______

Make a Difference: Persuasive Letter Writing  

“The art of communication is the language of leadership”. James Humes 

Project Idea:
Have you ever disagreed with a policy, choice, or change that happened within the Richmond City public
School system? Maybe you don’t like the start time for high schools or the way students can’t leave campus
for lunch. One of the best ways to express your educated opinion is to write a persuasive letter ​to the right
people​ discussing your reasons for change.

Upon completing the packet, and typing the letter, Ms. Thompson and Mrs. Bailey MacRae will deliver letters
to their intended audiences as an actual of good faith in social change.

Directions:
Use this booklet to​ brainstorm, draft, and revise your 5 paragraph persuasive letter to an RPS​ staff member about
something that you take issue with. Then, type and email it to your teacher.

wthompso2@rvaschools.net​ ​sbailey@rvaschools.net

Part 1: Determining the Issue

What do you wish you could change about John Marshall High School or Richmond Public Schools?
Brainstorm and write at least 5 things.

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Now, circle three that you feel ​most strongly​ about.

REASONS WHY IT IS THE WAY IT IS

Issue 1:

Reasons Supporting the Issue Reasons to Change the Issue

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Issue 2:

Reasons Supporting the Issue Reasons to Change the Issue

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Issue 3:

Reasons Supporting the Issue Reasons to Change the Issue

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.
There are four important parts to a business letter. 

● The Greeting, which is also called the salutation.  

○ A safe greeting is To Whom It May Concern 
○ If you know the audience, you may address the reader as their title or the office of 
■ Ex. To The Office of Dave Brat:  
● The Introduction 
○ Set the tone for the letter by using formal and industry appropriate vocabulary! 
○ Start by restating the reason you’re writing (I am writing to discuss….) 
○ State the way you feel and provide your reasoning (I think…. I feel…) 
● The Body.  
○ Don’t indent  
○ Do start with a topic sentence and support with details, anecdotes, and data! 
○ Do use transition words such as First, Second, Last, Next, etc.  
● The Complimentary Close.  
○ Usually you’re asking something of the reader, so it is polite to thank them! 
○ Additionally, you’ll want to close your signature with a positive and respectful word 
■ Respectfully, Sincerely, Best, etc.  
● The Signature Line. 
○ The signature is in CURSIVE; if you’re not good at writing cursive, your initials followed 
by a squiggle can be a safe way to fake a signature! Doctors do it! 

Try writing an introduction to your issue here!

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Now, write your first topic sentence for your first body paragraph, further explaining your perspective!

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Now, write your first topic sentence for your second body paragraph, further explaining your perspective!

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Now, write your first topic sentence for your third body paragraph, further explaining your perspective!

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Take this to your teacher / partner for revisions!

Peer Comments Teacher Comments

Three Things You’re Going to Revise:

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Now! Rewrite the REVISED letter here!

To Whom It May Concern:

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__________________________________ (Your Signature)

__________________________________ (Your Name Printed)