Students will verbally be able to express both sides of an issue. The teacher introduces the lesson by reading a letter to the editor from a newspaper. It is helpful if a letter is selected that deals with an issue of particular interest to students. A number of letters were written to the paper. The teacher then brings up another issue of interest.
Students then write letters to the editor expressing their opinions.
Students should be encouraged to give reasons. After the letters are properly written, they are mailed to a local newspaper. If some of the letters are published, the class can further discuss their ability to express their opinions in a newspaper. Some of the letters may be discussed with the whole class. If desired, some may be evaluated by the group answering those questions.