🟦 Introduction
Hello, young advocate! 📝🗞️
Have you ever seen a letter in a newspaper where someone shares their opinion about a problem or suggests a solution?
That’s called a Letter to the Press. It’s a powerful way for ordinary people — even students like you — to speak up, raise awareness, and make a difference.
Today, you’ll learn how to write clear, convincing letters to newspapers or magazines, following the correct format that the BECE expects — and that real-world newspapers love!
🟩 Key Concepts and Explanations
What is a Letter to the Press?
A letter to the press is a formal letter written to a newspaper or magazine expressing your views on an important issue.
It can:
Complain about a problem.
Suggest solutions.
Support or oppose an idea.
Create awareness of social issues.
✅ Tip: Your aim is to inform and influence readers and decision-makers!
Structure of a Letter to the Press
| Part | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Address | Top-right corner. |
| Date | Under your address. |
| Editor’s Address | (Optional for exams — assumed known.) |
| Salutation | “Dear Sir,” or “Dear Madam,” |
| Title/Subject Line | Just above or before the body. CLEAR and in CAPITALS (e.g., POOR SANITATION IN OUR COMMUNITY) |
| Introduction | State your reason for writing immediately. |
| Body | 2–4 paragraphs giving facts, examples, effects, suggestions. |
| Conclusion | Summarize your view and request action if needed. |
| Closing | “Yours faithfully,” |
| Signature and Full Name | (In exams, just your name after closing.) |
Features of a Good Letter to the Press
Formal tone: Polite, serious, respectful.
Clear language: Short sentences, easy to understand.
Facts and examples: Make your case strong with evidence.
Logical flow: Move from problem → effects → solutions.
No emotional outbursts: Stay calm and objective.
✅ Tip: Newspapers like letters that are brief, clear, and persuasive!
🟨 Sample Problem Walkthroughs
✍️ Example 1: Complaining About Sanitation
Task: Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper complaining about poor sanitation in your area.
Outline:
Your Address (top right)
Date
Salutation: Dear Sir,
Title: POOR SANITATION IN MY COMMUNITY
Body:
Paragraph 1: Introduce the problem (dirty streets, overflowing drains).
Paragraph 2: Effects (health hazards, bad smell, mosquito breeding).
Paragraph 3: Suggestions (public education, regular clean-ups, penalties).
Conclusion: Politely request authorities to act.
Closing: Yours faithfully,
Signature and Name
✍️ Example 2: Supporting a New Law
Task: Write a letter supporting the introduction of a bylaw banning plastic bags in your town.
Outline:
Title: SUPPORT FOR BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS
Body:
Introduction: Applaud the decision.
Paragraph 1: Dangers of plastic (pollution, harm to animals).
Paragraph 2: Benefits of alternatives (cloth bags, recycling).
Paragraph 3: Encourage strict enforcement and public support.
Conclusion: Hope for a cleaner future.
✅ Tip: Even when supporting something, stay formal and provide examples!
✍️ Example 3: Suggesting Improvements
Task: Write a letter to the editor suggesting ways to improve public transport.
Outline:
Title: SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Body:
State the issue: Unreliable buses, delays.
Effects: Late arrivals, frustration, accidents.
Suggestions: More buses, better schedules, training for drivers.
Conclusion: Encourage investment in safe transport systems.
🟨 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | How to Correct It |
|---|---|
| Using rude or angry language | Always stay respectful even when complaining. |
| Writing too long | Keep it brief and powerful (about 150–250 words). |
| No title/subject | Always add a clear topic title. |
| Including irrelevant stories | Stick to the point; no storytelling or jokes. |
🟨 Useful Phrases for Letters to the Press
| Situation | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Introducing the problem | “I wish to draw the attention of the authorities to…” |
| Giving facts | “Recent studies show that…” “It has been observed that…” |
| Expressing concern | “It is worrying to note that…” |
| Making suggestions | “I suggest that…” “There is the need for…” |
| Closing politely | “I hope my concerns will be given the necessary attention.” |
🟨 Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Complaint Letter
Write a letter to the editor about the dangers of students crossing busy roads without footbridges.
✅ Points to cover:
The danger and accidents caused.
How it affects students’ safety.
Suggestions for footbridges, traffic lights.
Exercise 2: Suggestion Letter
Write a letter suggesting ways to make school meals healthier.
✅ Points to cover:
Problems with current meals (too oily, too much sugar).
Suggestions (more fruits, vegetables, balanced diets).
Exercise 3: Support Letter
Write a letter supporting a campaign to ban smoking in public places.
✅ Points to cover:
Health risks of smoking.
Benefits of the ban.
Call on authorities to enforce laws.
🔁 Recap
Today, we learned:
What a Letter to the Press is and why it’s powerful.
The structure and formal style needed.
How to make your voice heard politely and effectively.
Common errors to avoid.
Useful phrases to make your letter professional and convincing.
🪞 Reflection Prompt
Think about one problem in your school, town, or country that you wish could change.
If you had the chance to write a letter to the press about it, what would your title be?
Write the title and your main idea in one or two sentences.
