Prime Time 5/6, Writing, Arbeitsheft

3 28 Text types 3.1.2.3 E-mail/Letter to the editor g Prime Time 6, page 166 In an e-mail/a letter to the editor you want to write about a topic which is important for you. In most cases you will write about something you have read in this paper or seen on screen, but you can also write an e-mail/a letter to the editor on a new topic which you think is important for other readers of the paper. Purpose: •• to highlight a problem •• to express your opinion •• to discuss a topic •• to influence public opinion •• to correct information Target group: •• the readers of the paper •• the public Layout and structure: •• Beginning: –– Include a reference line in which you specify about which article/topic you want to write. –– Then start with a formal salutation, e.g. “Sir, …”; “Madam, …”; “Dear Sir, …”; “Dear Madam, …”; “Dear Mr/ Miss/Ms/Mrs XYZ, …” –– Say why you are writing. Clearly express what you want to write about. –– Refer to a given article if you comment on a text you have read. •• Body of the e-mail/letter: –– Organise all the important information from the task prompt in a clear and logical way. You can add some extra ideas of your own. –– Use a separate paragraph for each aspect. –– Support your ideas with evidence/hard facts. •• Ending: –– Write a conclusion. –– End with a closing sentence. –– Sign with your name and add the place where you live. Style: •• polite •• formal Useful language: Referring In the article, it says … . The author suggests that … . The article discusses … . The article presents the author’s view on … . In the article/report … is discussed. The issue discussed was that … . The report blames … for … . The text published on October 3 rd refers to … . The comment on page four condemns … . … is presented in a positive/negative way. How to write an e-mail/a letter to the editor •• Formal requirements –– Use the right layout (see page 15). •• Aspects to consider –– Address the editor of the paper/publication/website. –– Explain why you are writing. –– If you refer to a specific text, name the article on which you want to comment. –– Choose only a few points about which you want to write. –– Make clear what you want to say. –– Give reasons for your views. –– Explain why the issue is important. –– Provide evidence to prove your point. –– Suggest what should be done. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv