Letter From Birmingham Jail

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Writing Your Own Persuasive Letter”

In this activity, students write their own letter to public authorities to make an appeal for a greater good.

King’s letter is an example of utilizing rhetorical devices to make persuasive appeals for a greater good (i.e., for the benefit of many). What is an important topic in your community, state, or region? What defined action regarding this topic would benefit others? Draft a letter using persuasive appeals on the issue. Your letter can adopt the same format as a response to another letter or a situation, or instead be an initial call to action. Be sure that your letter is clear in its purpose and context. Below are some tips to get you started.

• Select a specific body to address as well as a target group.
• Be clear and focused in your phrasing and word choice; use as many direct appeals as possible.
• Depending on the historical context or present-day circumstances surrounding the issue, you may need to research the topic for factual content.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity supports creative writing within the context of persuasive appeals.