Instructions:
Select one of the writing prompts on page 3 and write a letter as indicated. Be sure to address every part of the writing prompt in your letter. Your letter should be 400-800 words long and will be graded according to how well you:
Adhere to the context and purpose of your letter
Tailor your letter to its audience (the recipient/s)
Develop your ideas and convey meaning
Use the appropriate level of formality
Use letter-writing conventions
Organize the content of your letter
Use clear language that is free of errors (in grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling)
Before you begin writing, take some time to organize your thoughts. Identify the main points you want to communicate, and make a plan for developing and connecting them. Be sure to stay within the given word count range for the task.
When you have completed this assessment, submit it as an assignment in your course space.
The writing prompts are below:
Written Communication Assessment
Reminder: select only one of the writing prompts below.
Imagine that you have identified a problem or shortcoming in your local community. It could be related to public safety, services, neighborhood culture, schools, or something else. You believe you have a way to address it. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper in which you explain the issue and propose your solution. Convince readers that the issue is legitimate and that your solution would be an effective and feasible way to address it.
Write a letter to someone you know who, in their line of work, did something in the past that directly helped you or improved your life. It may be a teacher, doctor, nurse, pastor, counselor, or other person you knew in their professional capacity (as opposed to a relative or friend). In your letter, tell that person what they did, how it helped you at the time, how it may have changed your life, and what you think or will do about it now.
Imagine that you have identified an issue at your workplace; it may be related to a process, a policy, or the culture at work. The executive director of your division, whom you do not know personally, has expressed a desire to receive feedback from staff whenever a problem arises. Write a memo to the executive director explaining the problem. Provide details about when you first noticed it and what you think is causing it. Then, propose a possible way to address the issue.
Write a letter to a young person in your life who is facing a change. They may be graduating from school, moving to a new home, experiencing a change in their family, or something else. Write to them to provide support during this period of change. Describe the history of your relationship with them, tell them something important that you have learned about them, and explain how you will support them. Tell them also about a change or hardship you had to face as a young person, how you dealt with it, what you learned, and what you hope they learn from your story.
Write a letter to a living public figure whom you admire. It should be someone you do not know personally, such as an athlete, artist, writer, musician, or politician. Tell them why you appreciate them and be specific about what they do that resonates with you. If they have inspired you to do something in particular in your life, tell them about it. Your letter should not resemble a fan letter written by a child or teenager, nor should it entail a list of the person’s accomplishments. Focus on your perspective as an adult, and write with depth and maturity.
