Correspondence Letter Writing Part 2

To develop an engaging idea reflecting depth of thought with specific facts, details, and examples, consider and select one of the strategies below.

Looping

In this strategy, you will conduct several freewrite activities and make connections between them. Use the following steps to employ this strategy to develop your idea.

1. Select an idea from your prewriting process.

2. Write a sentence that describes a fact, a detail, or an example for the idea you intend to write about.

3. Freewrite to discover other facts, details, or examples about the idea.

4. Pause after five minutes and read your notes.

5. Circle a new idea, sentence, or phrase that you can use in your writing.

6. Repeat the freewrite process using the new idea.

Listing

In this strategy, you will generate a list of facts, details, or examples about your idea or topic. Use the following steps to employ this strategy to develop your idea.

1. Select an idea from your prewriting process.

2. Think about what you want to communicate in your letter and generate a list, including notes about the following:

• the dream you want to pursue
• details about the club, class, or activity you would like to propose adding to your school’s offerings
• the recipient of your letter, or the person you will write to
• your argument in favor of this new club, class, or activity
• a counterargument that recognizes a possible objection and responds to that objection

Model:

Cameron followed the process in the listing routine of the Identification and Application section to develop details for her letter. Read below to see how she develops ideas for her first draft.

Dream

• I want to pursue a career that blends technology and art to make beautiful products.
• Beautifully designed sneakers inspire me—being a shoe designer would be fun.

School Addition

• More STEM skills and hands-on experience creating things would help me pursue my dream.
• Our school should add a makerspace.

Addressee

• This seems like an extracurricular activity.
• Mr Abernathy, the head of extracurricular activities, seems like the person to start with.

Argument

• Makerspaces help students succeed.
• Experts say makerspaces prepare students for the real world.
• The number of STEM jobs is increasing.
• This is a big opportunity for my classmates.

Counterargument

• Makerspaces might be expensive and not a top priority.
• But we can start small with what we already have and raise money to grow over time.