Summarize the following:
Make sure that it has several sides and that you are familiar with the topic. Do some research to make sure that you are aware of all of the different sides on this topic, so that you can represent them in the pros and cons charts. If you're given a range of topics for a school assignment, write about something that you're passionate about. For example, if you're passionate about the wellbeing of marine animals, you could choose to write about the ethics of using them for product testing and experimentation. It's difficult to write a convincing letter about something you don't care about. " This will ensure that your topic is defensible and well worded. Your topic should be clear-cut and should have strong arguments to support it. A topic like "Should cigarettes be marketed to teens?" is better worded than a topic like "Should cigarettes be marketed to teens, adults, and the elderly?" because it is more specific. For example, the topic "murder should be legal" is not defensible, since there are no convincing arguments that support an answer of "yes." So, a topic like: "Should the state pass legislation forbidding drivers to text while driving?" is much better. Researching is an important component of preparing to write a persuasive letter. Start your research by searching for opinion pieces about your topic online. Also look for articles about your topic by respected online and print news media. For example, there may be valid reasons that someone would object to the state passing legislation to prohibit in-car texting. But, you'll never be able to account for and counter these reasons if you don't put in the research to find them out in the first place. Maybe many people feel that that legislation wouldn't go far enough, and that the state should ban cell phones in cars altogether, no matter what they're being used for! The tone and content of your written letter will differ based on the intended audience. So, are you writing to students and kids who are your own age? Your school principal? Adults? Political representatives and decision makers? When dealing with an older audience, you can use a more sophisticated vocabulary. The inverse applies when dealing with a young audience. For example, for an older audience, write something like, "A lasting political commitment to phone-free driving will ensure the survival of many who otherwise could lose their lives to a distracted driver on the phone." On the other hand, for a younger audience, write, "Not allowing people to use phones in the car will reduce accidents. This will help keep more people alive."

Summary:
Pick a topic that you would like to write your letter about. Word your topic so that it's answerable by a "yes" or a "no. Research both sides of the topic to ensure you fully understand it. Determine the age and occupation of the letter's audience.