Letter to Elected Official
3 letters represent 10% of your academic grade
An A letter looks like this:
· Ideas were expressed in a clear and organized fashion. It was easy to figure out what the issue was about. LETTER MUST BE SCHOOL APPROPRIATE
· Letter specifically addresses an issue and the writer clearly states position and requests action/information. Letter sent to appropriate person and is appropriate topic.
· Complied with all the requirements for a business letter. Address was correct.
· Writer makes no errors in grammar or spelling.
· Letter is typed, clean, not wrinkled, and is easy to read with no distracting errors. It was done with pride.
· Sentences and paragraphs are complete, well-constructed and of varied structure.
· Grade will be reduced if
o student does not SIGN the letter!!
o student sends to the wrong person
o letter has no clear purpose or request for action/information.
o Letter will be a zero if on a non-school appropriate topic.
o address (either return address or mailing address) is incorrect.
o incorrect salutation. Dear President Obama, NOT Dear President Barak Obama
o there are spelling/grammar mistakes
o format is incorrect (spacing, location of date, return address and mailing address
o illegible signature
DUE DATES: OCTOBER 4 (school), NOVEMBER 4 (federal/state),
DECEMBER 6 (county/local)
LAB October 3, November 3, December 5
Government
Business Letter Format
Remember, if you send a corrected copy to the official and get a response, it’s extra credit for each letter. It will bump the letter grade up a step (B+ to A-). Easiest method is to copy the letter directly into an email (NOT attachment) and send it that way. You are much more likely to get a response. You can either forward me the email, take a screenshot of it or bring it in for me to give you the extra credit.
DO NOT COPY ANYTHING THAT IS BOLD FACED!!
Return Address – not your name here
10635 Dunham Road
Hartland, MI 48353
1 space
DATE
1 space
The Honorable Debbie Stabenow full name (with The Honorable if elected)
United States Senator title
123 Any Office Building office address
Washington, DC 20510 city, st zip
1 space
Dear Senator Stabenow: salutation with title and last name
1 space
Introduction topic and position
1 space
2nd Paragraph supporting data
1 space
3rd paragraph conclusion, restatement of position
1 space
Sincerely, Closing
1 space
1 space legible signature goes between closing and name
1 space
Barbara Gazda typed name