The Art of Writing a Letter

Background: In today’s world, we can contact people in almost every country on the planet through telephone lines and the internet. But not long ago, writing letters was the only means of communicating across long distance. Your assignment for homework this week is to create a letter to your American penpal that is more than a simple letter, but is also a work of art that will be memorable and meaningful to both you and your penpal, and that will leave an impression for students on a continent on the other side of the world!

Directions:

1. Take a few minutes to decide the format of your letter after you read these directions. Do you want to make a unique shape? Do you want to add art or photos or other items?

2. Your letter must include the following elements:

○ The date in upper right corner

○ Greeting: “Dear (your penpal’s name)”

○ One paragraph introducing yourself. Include your name, age, year in school, where you live, who you live with, who is in your family, etc.

○ At least oneparagraph describing your average day. When do you wake up? What do you do at school? What do you usually eat for your meals? What responsibilities do you have? What after-school activities do you do? When do you go to sleep?

○ At least one paragraphanswering the questions your penpal asked you.

○ Add questions for your penpal at the end. You should have at least 3 questions for them.

3. When you have finished your final draft, add creative elements to your letter.

○ Drawings around the writing related to your letter.

○ Some Sesotho words translated to English.

○ Any other creative ideas you have! Have fun making your letter original!!!

The final copy of the letter is due next Thursday (27/3/2014).

The letters are worth 30 points each.