Option A
Write two short but substantive letters to the editor, each expressing an opinion on an issue. One letter will be submitted to any newspaper, magazine, broadcast news show or online news site of your choice; another must be written to the LMC student newspaper. Each must be on different topics of interest to the audience you are writing for. Here are the specifics:
Letter to commercial news media: Type your opinion (generally 150-300 words, but actual word count depends on the requirements of individual publication or online site) about an issue you are concerned with. Turn in one PDF copy to the instructor via Canvas and submit the other copy via online to the media agency you have chosen.
Letter to the college newspaper: Type your opinion (200-400 words) about an issue you are concerned with, and of interest to the LMC campus audience.
Upload your letter in PDF format to Canvas. Please make sure to title your letter. Follow the following format: J100-LETTER-LASTNAME. For example, J100-LETTER-SMITH
The instructor will forward the electronic copy for the college newspaper to the editor of the Experience for possible publication in the college newspaper. Please check out The Experience Newspaper websiteLinks to an external site. to read examples of articles and guest columns.
Option B
Write one guest column for the college newspaper (650-700 words) expressing a persuasive opinion on a substantive issue. If you opt to write a column, address the following:
Provide (insert) a head shot photo of yourself into the document for the Experience to publish with your column.
The column may be social commentary or express an opinion on world, political or legal events and issues.
The column topic itself should be newsworthy or on an issue relevant to LMC readers.
The column should contain an element of research: whether it’s personal research and observation, more formal interviews, computer-assisted research or library documents, facts must be used to support your opinions.
Upload your guest column in Word or PDF format to Canvas. Please make sure to title your letter. Follow the following format: J100-COLUMN-LASTNAME
As you write your column or letters, make sure to express your opinions clearly and concisely, and support them with fact. It may also be helpful to read several published examples from the Experience newspaper via the Perspective (Links to an external site.) page before you begin your letter. Remember, you do have a voice: make it heard through the media.
