Study Guide: Writing a Persuasive Letter

Essential Tips

1. Keep it concise. Limit the length of your letter to one side of one page—or less than 500 words.
2. Keep it courteous. Avoid personal attacks, insults or threats.
3. Identify your topic. Clearly state your topic in the first sentence.
4. Stick to your topic. In the rest of your letter, stay focused on this topic.
5. Be persistent. If your first letter is ignored, follow up with at least two more letters, each time referencing the earlier letter(s), and politely requesting a response.

Opening

1. Begin with a topic sentence: “I am writing to you because I am concerned about…”
2. Show the relevance: Identify yourself and your relation to the recipient (client, fan, constituent, etc.). Explain why this topic matters to you personally. Use “I” statements and cite specific times, places and examples. Explain how the issue affects your life, or the lives of people around you.

Supporting Paragraphs

1. Demonstrate understanding: Demonstrate your understanding for their situation or point-of-view. Show that you understand the constraints they work under (funding challenges, widespread false propaganda, diverse public opinions, excessive corporate influence).
2. Be fair-minded and factual: Rely on factual evidence, not opinions or rumors. State your ideas, and support them with well-reasoned evidence or proofs. When possible, site the sources of your information.
3. Be constructive: Be positive and goal-oriented. Think win-win. Add a clear call to action. Offer specific recommendations for how you suggest they should resolve the issue.

Closing

1. Be helpful: Offer to provide additional information if needed, and include your contact information.
2. Show appreciative: Thank them for their attention. If you get a response, remember to thank them for that too.

More Information

1. Sample Persuasive Letter
2. CA Education Code CHAPTER 6. Pupil Rights and Responsibilities