Writing Letters to the Editor

1. Follow the prescribed format of writing formal or official letters.
2. Use simple language to enhance understanding of the message.
3. Avoid informal language and slang.
4. Avoid vague or emotional words that may provoke or make an addressee angry.
5. Be polite and show respect to the addressee.
6. Describe the purpose objectively.
7. Provide all necessary information precisely. Be direct to the point and avoid giving your personal information.
8. Make sure you provide true and researched information and not hearsay or rumours.
9. Proof read your letter before sending it to the addressee.

1. Senders address and date(all words must start with capital letters in an address).
2. Addressee address below reference number.
3. F.S ; if it has to be signed by a certain officer/person for forwarding.
4. Salutation i.e. Sir/Madame( Salutation must start immediately after the margin line).
5. The introductory sentence.
6. Purpose application.
7. Closing remarks like; yours sincerely.
8. Full name.
9. Title if you have one.

Editor

a person who is in charge of and determines the final content of a newspaper, magazine, or multi-author book.

OR

A computer program enabling the user to enter or alter text.

The editor plays a vital role in making critical analysis of all letters before they are published and read by the public through newspapers, magazines, or any other appropriate media. Letters which are sent to the news papers are always addressed to the editor, the proper form of salutation is Sir/Madame and rarely dear sir though in some circumstances you can address the editor as dear Sir/Madame

Example of a letter to the editor

The editor Mzalendo newspaper Sir/Madame it is high time steps should be taken to all private schools on student's time management. Most of them are over working the students by the preparation of a timetable which is not giving a student time to rest, for example in a certain school instead of periods having 40 minutes for a single period and 80 minutes for doubles, it 1 hour and two hours instead and no of periods are still the same.

I hope the public, parents and government as education stakeholders can make changes through this writing.

Yours truly Observer