Using an informal tone and language, the modern letter form and format, write a personal letter to a mentor, teacher, parent, friend, or stranger, who had influenced your life.
Choose one episode/scene from your relationship with that person and recreate it as vividly as possible; make the recipient of your letter remember it.
Analyze/summarize the significance of the experience and tell the person who changed your life how much you appreciate them.
Use the following letter template (review Lecture 3 for details)
Headings:
You may use a current date, preferably a real-life address and name of the addressee
Salutation/Greeting:
Turn to your addressee in an appropriate and courteous manner
Body of Letter:
Action Opening – state the purpose for writing to them in a few sentences
Background Info – provide background facts explaining the circumstances or information that is essential (when and where did the events happen, how old were you at that time, etc.) so that the reader understands the main message/situation
Details – Vividly recreate the experience (one scene) to your addressee; make them remember or envision what happened; use “showing” rather than telling
Action Closing – Summarize the experience and its impact over your character and personality; tell the recipient of the letter how much and in what way they changed your life.
Complimentary closing: wishing them well, close politely with greetings
Length: 1-2 pages double-spaced