1. YEAR 10 WIDE READING
THREE
Letter to the editor
Annie Davis

2. TASK
• Identify an issue that is covered in your
novel.
• Link this theme to the real world by
reading three articles in the Herald that
relate to this theme.
• Blog a letter to the Editor of the Herald
from the point of view of a character
from your chosen novel.
• The letter needs to convey the
characters opinion on the coverage of
the theme.

3. ISSUES
Examples of issues could be conflict, overcoming adversity,
discrimination, climate change, bullying, materialism, growing
up too fast, poverty, war, cyber safety, violence, identity,
hope, addiction, cruelty to animals, equality, racism,
education, crime, family, greed, injustice, technology.

4. FLIP IT

5. EXAMPLES

6. STRUCTURE
Salutation
Opening Statement
Opinion/Hypothesis
Argument
Argument
Argument
Conclusion

7. SALUTATION
Letter to the editor start with a salutation, usually “Dear
Editor”.

8. OPENING STATEMENT
Letters to the editor are usually written in a response
to a previous blog entry, article or in response to a
current issue.
For example in the OPENING STATEMENT, the writer
gives the details of what they are referring to.
For example
“In response to Catriona
MacLennan: NZ can drive
ending of animal testing
(New Zealand Herald, 5 th
December, 2012), I wish to
say that I agree with her.

9. OPINION
Following the OPENING
STATEMENT, the writer gives their
OPINION.
For example, “I want
to would be proud to
come from the first
country to ban testing
on animals”.

10. ARGUMENTS
Following OPINION, the writer gives their ARGUMENTS.
These arguments must be supported by evidence.
For example a quote, a statistic or a fact.
An example of an argument is,
“society knows better than to
have to test on animals”.
An example of evidence is a
quote from the article, “This
barbaric and out-dated type of
testing is illegal in the United
Kingdom and unacceptable in
the OECD”.

11. CONCLUSION
Finally, your CONCLUSION should restate your
opinion as well as summarising your arguments.
Also, your conclusion gives you the opportunity to
call for action.
For example,
“People of New
Zealand let’s
make a stand
against animal
testing”.

12. ISRAEL
Imperative - an order which helps the reader
understand the importance of what
you are saying.
Statistics - numbers taken from research that
give weight and help support your point.
Rhetorical question - a question that does not
require an answer but just some thought.
Anecdotes - stories or a personal experience
that illustrates the point you are making.
Examples - quotes or the description of an
event which supports what you are writing
about.
Listing - a list of numbers or items.

13. BLOGGING GUIDELINES
1. Only post things that you would want everyone (in school, at
home, in other countries) to know. Ask yourself: Is this something I
want everyone to see? Is there anything in my post that should be
private?
2. Do not share personal information. Ask yourself: Could someone
find where I live based on this information?
3. Think before you post. Ask yourself: What could be the
consequences of this post? Is anyone harmed in any way by this
post?
4. Know you are communicating with people all over the world. Ask
yourself: Who is going to look at this, and how will they interpret my
words?
5. Consider your audience and that you’re representing Orewa
College. Ask yourself: Do I have a good reason/purpose to write

14. TIPS
It is okay in a letter to the editor blog to use the
personal pronoun “I”. eg. “I am Sure…”
Your expression should be emotive, if you use
strong language there is greater likelihood that
you’ll impress upon the reader. eg. “I was
absolutely appalled that…”

15. SUBMISSION
Due: Term two Week four
Post your letter to the editor on your blog.
Tweet a link to your blog
E-mail your letter to your teacher.
a.davis.orewa@gmail.com