ASSIGNMENT:  Opinion sections of newspapers often contain letters to the editor where readers voice their opinions on topics in the news.  Write a letter to the editor in response to the October 6, 2012, article in the Trentonian “Could Longer School Day be Coming to Trenton?” 

STEP 1:  Read the article at http://www.trentonian.com/article/20121006/NEWS01/121009606/could-longer-school-day-be-coming-to-trenton

STEP 2:  Research the pros and cons of having a longer school year and/or longer school days.  Record your findings on the graphic organizer provided by yours truly.

STEP 3:  Write four paragraphs. 1st paragraph gives topic and your opinion (for or against). 2nd and 3rd paragraphs develop your two best reasons. 4th paragraph concludes your letter with a bang by leaving the readers thinking you make a good point. (You’re trying to persuade readers to agree with you.)

STEP 4:  Type your letter double-spaced, 12-font.  It MUST fit on one page only.  Adjust the margins, if necessary. Be sure to use spell check and proofread it yourself several times.

      ***Include the following:

ü  No heading/title on the paper (Your name is in the closing)

ü  Begin with salutation: Dear Editor:

ü   End with closing:

             Sincerely,

             Your Full Name

STEP 5:  Copy and paste your letter in an email and send to:   letters@trentonian.com  BCC a copy to: dosmith@trenton.k12.nj.us  If you prefer, you may print out a copy for me instead of emailing the paper and me.  If you're emailing the Trentonian, you MUST include your full name, address, and phone number for verification.

If you are very proud of your work, CC a copy to the Trenton school board President Toby Sanders(tsanders@trenton.k12.nj.us) and/or Superintendent Francisco Duran    (fduran@trenton.k12.nj.us).

[Just make sure that I get a copy, so you get a grade!]