Accountable Independent Reading (AIR) Due Date:

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Persuasive Writing: The Business Letter

Assignment: Write a business letter to the English Department of your school to explain why you believe or do not
believe the book you read for AIR does or does not have a place in the curriculum. When determining the value of the
text, consider the following: level of difficulty, historical significance, character building, writer’s craft, etc. You may
address the letter to me (Ms. Britton-Nix) or to the director of the department (Ms. Tina Mangano).

The body of your business letter should have three parts: introductory paragraph, three supporting paragraphs (where
supporting details are provided), and a concluding paragraph. Even though the model I am giving you has one
paragraph for supporting details, your letter should have three supporting paragraphs. Each supporting paragraph
should highlight an aspect of the text to support your argument. You must develop and support your argument with
specific and relevant evidence from the text.

In your writing piece, be sure to do the following:

 Follow the conventions of the standard business letter format (block format, single-spaced, Times New Roman
or Arial, 12 pt. font).
 Write one full page.
 Include author and title.
 Include an introductory paragraph, three supporting paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph in the body of your
letter.
 Use specific and relevant evidence from the text to support your ideas. Cite page numbers for quotes.
 Write in a clear and logical manner.
 Exhibit a clear and logical pattern of organization.
 Use language that communicates ideas and information effectively. Use domain-specific vocabulary.
 Follow the conventions of standard written English. Proofread and edit your writing.
 DO NOT WRITE A MERE PLOT SUMMARY.

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OUTLINE FOR PERSUASIVE LETTER

Introductory Paragraph:
1. Introduce yourself (who you are and where you go to school).
2. State the purpose of the letter. Why you are writing the letter?
3. State the title, author, and genre. Give a brief summary of the book. #s 2-4 not necessarily in this order
4. Briefly list three supporting ideas (in the same order that you will write about them in the supporting
paragraphs).

Supporting Paragraphs:
1. Paragraph 1: Using specific details from the text, elaborate on the first supporting idea.
2. Paragraph 2: Using specific details from the text, elaborate on the first supporting idea.
3. Paragraph 3: Using specific details from the text, elaborate on the first supporting idea.

Concluding Paragraph: Your conclusion should follow from the course of piece? It should bring the piece full circle by
providing summary, reflection and/or closure.