Letter Writing Basics
This is how you start a formal letter, with options like "Dear ___" or "To Whom it May Concern."
Answer: What is the introduction?
In Marcus Rashford’s letter, this section begins with “To all MPs in Parliament” and sets a respectful tone for his appeal.
Answer: What is the introduction?
This letter-writing technique is used by Rashford when he shares his personal story about growing up in a low-income household.
Answer: What is using personal experience or emotional appeal (pathos)?
Both letters focus on this big idea:
: standing up against unfair systems or treatment, fighting for justice, or equality.
Dr. King’s letter helped strengthen support for this major movement in the 1960s.
Answer: What is the Civil Rights Movement?
This section of the letter tells the reader why you are writing, often beginning with “I write this letter today in order to…”
Answer: What is the explanation of reason?
Dr. King uses this section to explain that he is in Birmingham because “injustice is here,” which sets the purpose for the rest of his message.
Answer: What is the explanation of reason?
Dr. King uses this style of writing when he logically explains why waiting any longer for justice is not an option.
Answer: What is persuasive or argumentative writing (using logos)?
Rashford and King both show this quality by using their voices to speak up for others, not just themselves.
Answer: What is leadership or advocacy?
Marcus Rashford's letter was written to persuade the UK government to continue support for what types of programs?
Answer: Feeding programs for underprivileged community members.
Known as the “backbone” of the letter, this is where you clearly express what you want to say.
Answer: What is the main message or what you're trying to get across?
This is the part of Rashford’s letter where he argues passionately for extending free school meal programs, directly stating what action he wants Parliament to take.
Answer: What is the main message or the “backbone” of the letter?
Both authors use this tone when respectfully challenging authority and asking for change.
Answer: What is a critical or persuasive tone?
Dr. King writes that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” What theme does this support?
Answer: What is the interconnectedness of society or shared responsibility?
These groups of people were the main audiences of Rashford’s and King’s letters.
Answer: What are government leaders and critics (or the public)?
This part of the letter wraps things up and might begin with “In closing…”
Answer: What is the closing statement?
Dr. King ends his letter with hope and moral clarity, stating, “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away.” This is part of this section.
Answer: What is the closing statement?
This technique is used by Dr. King when he references historical and religious figures like Socrates and Jesus to strengthen his arguments.
Answer: What is allusion?
Rashford’s letter highlights how this issue, if not addressed, can impact a child’s health, education, and future.
Answer: What is poverty or child hunger?
These are the three significant details about the intended audience of MLK's "Letter from Birmingham Jail".
Answer: They were white, religious, political leaders.
You might sign off your letter with one of these polite phrases, such as “Sincerely” or “With Gratitude.”
Answer: What is a closing or farewell phrase?
Rashford signs off his letter with humility and care, using the phrase “With respect and hope.” What part of the letter is this?
Answer: What is the closing or farewell?
Rashford’s clear explanation of how food insecurity affects children is an example of this type of writing.
Answer: What is informative or explanatory writing?
Both authors believe that people in power have this responsibility when faced with problems that hurt others.
Answer: What is the duty to act or moral responsibility?
What is Mr. D's favorite color?
Blue