Open Letter (Leaving Cert English): Revision Notes

Open Letter

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Open Letter Structure

Title

The title should provide context and immediately inform the reader of the letter's purpose.

Dear [Recipient's Name/Group/Community],

In the first paragraph, state the purpose of the letter. You might be trying to reach a wide audience, express a strong opinion on a topic, or make an appeal. Consider who will be reading the letter and maintain a formal yet engaging tone throughout.

In the second paragraph, expand on the subject of the letter. Present your main arguments or points clearly and logically. Ensure there is a natural flow from one point to the next, and skip a line before beginning each new paragraph to maintain readability.

In the third and subsequent paragraphs, continue to develop your points. Support your arguments with evidence or examples, and address any counterarguments if applicable. Maintain a respectful tone, avoiding slang and overly informal language.

The final paragraph is usually quite short. Summarise your main points, reiterate the importance of the issue, and call for specific action or responses from the reader. Encourage engagement and reflection by posing questions or suggesting further reading or actions.

Yours sincerely,

(if the letter is directed to a known individual)

Yours faithfully,

(if the letter is directed to an unknown or general audience)

[Your Name]

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Using TAGS to Plan your Response:

Topic: Aim to reach as wide an audience as possible, often targeting both specific individuals or groups and the general public.

Audience: Maintain a formal yet engaging tone. Avoid contractions and informal language. You might be trying to defend yourself or your position, express a strong opinion on a topic, or make an appeal.

Genre: Give the open letter a title to provide context. Clearly state the purpose, expand on your points with logical arguments and evidence, and call for action or response.

Style: There is no need for your address or the recipient's address. Aim for around 300 words, keeping the letter concise and focused. There is no rule on how you sign off.

How to Write an Open Letter

1. Title:

• An Appeal for a New Public Park

2. Opening Paragraph:

"Dear County and City Council, I am writing to you to express mine and my community's desire for the construction of a new public park in the Yellow Rd. area."

3. Body Paragraphs:

• Discuss specific issues, such as community relations or biodiversity, provide evidence, and suggest potential solutions.

4. Closing Paragraph:

"Thank you for taking the time to consider this matter. I urge you all to take immediate steps towards improving our community."

5. Closing:

• "Yours sincerely, [Your Name]" if addressed to specific individuals.
• "Yours faithfully, [Your Name]" if addressed to a general audience.

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Literary Techniques Used in Open Letters:

Literary Technique	Description	Example
Rhetorical Questions	Engage the reader and provoke thought.	"Do we not deserve a green space where our children can play safely?"
Appeals to Emotion (Pathos)	Elicit feelings of sympathy, urgency, or concern.	"Imagine the joy on the faces of our children playing in a safe, green park."
Appeals to Logic (Logos)	Use facts, statistics, and logical arguments to persuade.	"Studies show that public parks improve community health and reduce crime rates."
Appeals to Credibility (Ethos)	Establish the writer's authority and trustworthiness.	"As a lifelong resident and community advocate, I have seen the positive impact of public parks in other areas."
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.	"We need a park. We need a safe space. We need a community hub."
Metaphors and Similes	Create vivid imagery and comparisons to illustrate points.	"A park is the heart of a community, pumping life and energy into its surroundings."
Alliteration	The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words to create rhythm and emphasis.	"Parks promote peace and public health."
Hyperbole	Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect.	"Without a new park, our community will continue to stagnate."
Direct Address	Speaking directly to the audience to create a sense of involvement.	"Councillors, you have the power to transform our community."
Call to Action	Encouraging the reader to take specific steps or actions.	"Approve the plans for a new public park and give our community the green space it deserves."