Identify Your Problem, Solution And Potential Research Areas

Purpose, Audience, and Message of Your Letter

Your message must be addressed to a real person at a real place and deal with a real issue (even though you are actually sending it to me. You may choose to send your revised version to the real person when this assignment is finished!) The problem you address in this letter should be the same as the one you identified in part one of the transfer assignment (your narrative) but it should be addressed to a new audience. How much does your reader know about this problem already? How much will you have to explain? Make sure you are addressing a person that can actually help to bring about the change you are requesting!
 
What do you want the reader to do about the problem? Why should the reader accept your proposal?  
 
What research might be helpful in convincing the reader to consider your problem and proposed solution? 

Based on your purpose, audience and message, decide what style and tone will be most effective in appealing to your reader.  How will you establish a relationship or common ground with the reader? How will you support your argument? How will you establish your credibility? 

First paragraph: Begin with your purpose: tell your reader why you are writing. Consider whether you need to introduce yourself to the reader and how to frame your message. The following sections might be helpful for the rest of your message:

•  Background. What situation led to the writing of this email? What is your personal connection to the problem? 

•  Problem. How will you present the problem to your reader? Will it help to situate the problem in a larger social, economic or political context? (Possible research area!) 

•  Proposed solution. What are you asking for? Propose a specific, realistic solution. (Possible research area!)

 
•  Benefits. Who will benefit from the change? How will the reader (and their organization) benefit from the change? (Possible research area!)

 
• Challenges or obstacles. What is standing in the way of your proposed solution? What objections will the reader have? Addressing these obstacles strengthens the persuasiveness of your message.

 • Conclusion. Here you might want to summarize your key points. How do you want to end the email? How do you want the reader to respond?

Find valid sources by other others that support the central argument you are trying to make in your letter For information on locating, evaluating and incorporating support from external sources, see the material in week ten of the virtual classroom Include quotations and citations from your external sources in the body of your letter.

Include a bibliography with your letter in which you list at least three sources in proper APA format

Before submitting, review your letter for grammatical problems

Review your letter for sections that may be repetitive, confrontational, inappropriate, etc.

Consider making an appointment with the Learning Center before you submit.  They can help you review your work.