Letter to the Editor

1) Plan:

Introduction: reason for writing + opinion about the topic

Body # 1: first problem + consequences or suggestions + results
Body # 2: second problem + consequences or suggestions + results
Conclusion: summary of opinion using different words
N.B. Register: formal or semi-formal

2) Useful Expressions and Linking Words/Phrases:

Time fixers: Nowadays, Recently, these days, more than ever before

To begin your letter: I am writing to express my approval/disapproval of..

To state your opinion: I feel/think/believe, I am totally in favour of, I strongly agree/disagree

To express consequences/results: This will/would mean; Therefore, ; Consequently,.; If we

do this; Obviously; Clearly,

To list your points: Firstly,; Secondly,; Furthermore,;What is more,; Lastly/Finally,

To end your letter: I hope my comments/suggestions will be taken into consideration

I hope the government/the Local Council will.

I hope something will be done about this urgently.

3) Sample:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing about Trent Councils decision to build a large shopping centre in our town. I strongly
disagree with this decision, and I believe it will have negative effects on the town.

Firstly, a shopping centre will turn Trent from a quiet, peaceful neighbourhood into a busy shopping
area. Obviously, there will be an increase in the amount of traffic and the number of people coming
into town. As a result, we will suffer from both air and noise pollution.

Secondly, the appearance of our town will change completely. In order for the shopping centre to be
built, some of our oldest and most beautiful buildings will have to be torn down. Therefore, Trends
surroundings as well as its character will be destroyed.

To sum up, I am totally opposed to the Councils decision as I believe it will be disastrous for Trent.
Consequently, I hope that the Council will reconsider its decision.

Yours faithfully,

Mary Swanson
Notes to help with your writing:

1) Its high time:

N.B In providing solutions to problems, giving suggestions like letters to the editor and letters of
advice, its preferable to use this form:

IT'S (HIGH) TIME + PAST SIMPLE TENSE

It's (high) time + past simple expresses that something should be done and that it is already a bit late:

It's time you went to bed. You'll have to get up early tomorrow.(advice)
It's high time you bought a new pair of jeans. (suggestion)
It's about time this road was completed. They've been working on it for months.(letter to the editor)
Finish these sentences.

1- Its high time we stopped__________________________________________________________

2- Its about time we cared __________________________________________________________
3- Its time we did _________________________________________________________________

2) Not only.., but (it, she, he, they) also

This inversion improves your sentence structure. Follow these steps:

- Smoking destroys the health. It causes bad breath.

- Does smoking destroy the health?
- Not only does smoking destroy the health, but it also causes bad breath.

Use not only in these ideas in a way that states your opinion whether youre with or against.

1- Cancelling of the wearing of school uniform

2- Cars
3- Constructing wind farms in your city
3) Use synonyms for these words.
Advantage: Merit, benefit, asset, privilege, gain, positive
aspect, convenience
Disadvantage: Demerit, drawback, hindrance, downside,
negative aspect, harmful effect, deficiency,
inadequacy, shortcoming, inconvenience
Argument: Controversy, hot potato, debate, dispute

3) Use verbs like:

Enables / creates / provides / facilitates / aids / assists / permits / allows / makes..possible / generates
/ offers / presents / transfigures / transforms