Writing Across Genres

Question 1

A seventh‑grade student is writing a letter to the school principal to persuade the administration to start a new recycling program. Which revision would make the letter most clear, coherent, and appropriate for the task, purpose, and audience?

Accepted Answer

Replace the informal greeting with a formal salutation, and add specific statistics about how much waste could be reduced each year.

Answer

Shorten the entire letter to a single sentence that says, “Please start recycling.”

Answer

Begin the letter with a personal story about the student’s favorite video game.

Answer

Insert the slang phrase “That’s totally rad!” to describe the recycling bins.

Question 2

A seventh‑grade student has drafted the following persuasive letter to the school principal requesting that the lunch period be extended by 20 minutes: "Mr. Principal, I think we should have longer lunches. It would be better for us. Thank you." Which revision would most improve the letter so that its development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience?

Accepted Answer

Add a clear thesis statement in the opening paragraph that states the request and its main reason.

Answer

Use informal slang and emojis to make the letter sound more personal.

Answer

Add a friendly greeting and a polite sign‑off to make the tone more courteous.

Answer

Include a detailed description of the cafeteria menu to show what is served each day.

Question 3

Sam wants the city council to install more bike racks near his middle school. He wrote this paragraph to put in his letter: "Hey Council, we need more bike racks at the school cuz it's hard to find a spot to lock our bikes. It's super important for safety and the environment. Please do something about it ASAP! Thanks, Sam." Which revision below makes the paragraph appropriate for a formal letter to the council while still trying to persuade them?

Accepted Answer

Dear Council Members, I am writing to request the installation of additional bike racks near the middle school. Many students struggle to find safe places to lock their bicycles, and more racks would promote safety and protect the environment. I would appreciate your consideration of this matter. Sincerely, Sam

Answer

Dear Council Members, We need more bike racks at the school because it's hard to find a spot to lock our bikes. It's important for safety and the environment. Please do something about it ASAP. Thanks, Sam

Answer

Hey Council, I am writing because we need more bike racks at the school. It’s super important for safety and the environment! Please do something about it ASAP. Sam

Answer

Hey friend, We should tell the council to get more bike racks at the school. It’ll help a lot. Let’s write them a note. - Sam

Try three questions

A seventh‑grade student is writing a letter to the school principal to persuade the administration to start a new recycling program. Which revision would make the letter most clear, coherent, and appropriate for the task, purpose, and audience?

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