Letter to the editor (intro)

The salutation in a letter to the editor begins with...

• Dear editor

• Dear Sir/Madam

• Dear manager

• Dear valued customers

Answer explanation

The correct salutation for a letter to the editor is 'Dear editor', making this the correct choice among the options provided.

What is/are the main purpose(s) of writing a letter to the editor?

• To bring an issue to the attention of the public

• To offer suggestions to an issue

• To apply for a job at a newspaper

• To propose a topic for the upcoming issue of a magazine

Answer explanation

The main purposes of writing a letter to the editor are to bring an issue to the attention of the public and to offer suggestions to an issue.

A letter to the editor is a genre of ____ writing.

• expository

• persuasive

• narrative

• descriptive

Answer explanation

A letter to the editor is a genre of persuasive writing because it aims to convince readers of a particular viewpoint or argument.

How should the conclusion of a letter to the editor be written?

• With a call to action

• With a joke

• With a personal anecdote

• With a list of demands

Answer explanation

The conclusion of a letter to the editor should be written with a call to action, urging readers to take a specific step or action.

What is the recommended tone for a letter to the editor?

• Formal and distant

• Casual and slang-filled

• Angry and confrontational

• Respectful and persuasive

Answer explanation

The recommended tone for a letter to the editor should be respectful and persuasive, as it aims to convey a strong argument while maintaining a level of professionalism and courtesy.

Which of the following is NOT a common feature of a letter to the editor?

• Personal anecdotes

• Statistics and data

• Emotional appeals

• Advertisements

Answer explanation

Advertisements are NOT a common feature of a letter to the editor. Letters typically include personal anecdotes, statistics, data, and emotional appeals to express opinions or concerns.

Who is/are the intended reader(s) of a letter to the editor written to the SCMP?

• the editor only

• the general public

• the policymakers

• students

Answer explanation

The intended readers of a letter to the editor written to the SCMP are the general public and policymakers, as the content is meant to address and influence a wider audience beyond just the editor.

A letter to the editor should adopt a/an ___ tone.

• casual

• formal

• aggressive

• offensive

Answer explanation

A letter to the editor should adopt a formal tone to maintain professionalism and credibility when addressing important issues or concerns.

Which of the following language features are common in a letter to the editor?

• passive voice

• direct quotations

• It is + adj + that

• increased use of noun phrases

Answer explanation

Common language features in a letter to the editor include passive voice, 'It is + adj + that' structure, and increased use of noun phrases.

What is / are commonly seen in an introduction of a letter to the editor?

• background of an issue

• purpose of writing

• a rhetorical question

• a metaphor

Answer explanation

The commonly seen elements in an introduction of a letter to the editor are the background of an issue and the purpose of writing, making them the correct answers.