Write a letter to the editor. “Letters to the editor” sections (sometimes called “Letters,” “Mail” or “From Our Readers”) of newspapers and magazines give readers a chance to comment on current controversies, news stories, etc. If you are not familiar with this section of newspapers or magazines, they are typically located on the editorial/opinion pages or usually at the front
of magazines. The letters tend to be short, and commonly attempt (but often fail) to present well reasoned arguments.
Your Discussion Question #3 assignment is to write an argument as a letter to the editor. Choose a topic, story, issue, etc. from recent events that interests you. Write a letter presenting your argument, and post a copy here on the Discussion page (for class credit).
Your argument must include at least one deductive inference and at least one inductive inference.
Getting your letter published before the end of the semester will earn you 10 extra credit points. Send your letter to a newspaper or magazine of your choosing. Each publication will have specific guidelines as to length, format, etc. Check their requirements. Just send me proof that your letter was published (e.g., link to page, date, etc. when/where published).
Posting to an electronic “comments” page or bulletin board is not acceptable for the extra credit points. Do NOT use purely online publications or organization newsletters for this assignment. Use recognized magazines and/or newspapers. You can use local, regional or national publications. Here is the contact information for the main local Las Vegas daily and weekly papers:
• Las Vegas Citylife http://www.lasvegascitylife.com/opinion/letters/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
• Las Vegas Review Journal http://www.reviewjournal.com/about/print/press/letterstoeditor.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
• Las Vegas Sun http://www.lasvegassun.com/opinion/debate/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
• Las Vegas Weekly http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/content/about-us/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.
If you are not in Las Vegas, you can still use the Las Vegas publications by submitting your letter online. Otherwise use a publication in your area, a regional or national paper/magazine.
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GRADING
Providing a plausible deductive and inductive argument. The letter is presented in an organized fashion and totally free of grammatical or sentence construction problems. = 50pts.
Addressing the requirements but being disorganized, or unclear on some point. One flaw in reasoning is present. Some grammar or sentence construction problems are present but none that are serious obstacles to clarity. = 42pts.
Making a good faith effort but providing minimal detail or making multiple errors. = 36pts.