Letter for Change- Unit End Assignment -

Letter for Change

Letter Focus: Voice your concern over a social issue and build an argument, using evidence and logic to reach a conclusion in support of/or against current policy.Letter for Change Assignment (Microsoft Word) and Letter Rubric

 This assignment is meant to help you discover what counts as a persuasive argument advocating for change and awareness of struggles facing Canadian and First Nations peoples at the present time.

You are in a position to persuade others because we have examined social issues facing Canadians and First Nations communities and examined some topics, which are outlined below.

    •   Justice system and treatment of minority groups
    •  Youth homelessness
    •  Substance use and addiction
    •  Mental health issues
    •  Poverty
    •  Education
    •  Housing

 You can complete additional research information to persuade readers to seriously consider adopting your perspective or position on a debatable aspect of your issue.  You may also consider other social issues, which we did not discuss in the unit of study.

 Your argument will make use of the research presented in your letter, but it may also incorporate material from your own experience.

What am I looking for? 

I’m looking for a persuasive argument/ letter that is supported by evidence and structured logically that also shows an improved understanding of how we perceive social issues and problems that Canadians and First Nations communities face.

What is your question?  Your Position? 

The first step towards writing a successful argument paper/letter is identifying the question you are going to address and deciding on your position.

Questions to consider as you write:

·         About your evidence: Is the evidence up to date? Is the evidence sufficient? Is the evidence relevant? Are examples representative? Are the examples consistent with the experience of the audience?

·         If you are going to use statistics, you will want to ask: Do the statistics come from trustworthy sources? Are the terms clearly defined? Are the comparisons between comparable things? Has any significant information been omitted?

·         If you are going to rely on others opinions, you will want to ask: Is the source of the opinion qualified to give an opinion on the subject? Is the source biased for or against his or her interpretation? Has the source bolstered the claim with sufficient and appropriate evidence?

·         If you will be making an appeal to needs and values, you will want to ask: Have the values been clearly defined? Are the needs and values to which your resource appeals relevant to your readers? Is the appeal clearly related to the argument?

 Sample Letter Template

 

Bernard Trot, MP

Constituency Office

700 Kipling Avenue, Suite 200

Etobicoke, ON, M8Z 5G3

 bernard.trot.cl@parl.gc.ca

 [Date]

 Dear Mr. Trot,

 The time is overdue for the Canadian Government to introduce a tax on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from individuals and corporations. The tax could be structured similarly to those implemented by British Columbia and Quebec.  The tax could start at the $50/tonne of GHG emitted and be raised gradually.

Thank you for considering this idea and for the work you and your colleagues from all parties do on behalf of all Canadians,

 Sincerely,

 [Your Name]