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| Saturday, 24 May 2003 |
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On writing letters to newspapers by Andrew Scott It is well known that in all reputed newspapers throughout the world there is a special section exclusively set apart for the publication of letters to the editor. But have you ever wondered why we have these letters to the editor columns and why readers throughout the world write letters to the editor of the newspaper they usually read. A letter from a reader always gets something off his (or her) chest - or for that matter off his mind. It is really an exciting thought when one feels so strongly about something that prompts him to write openly about it to a newspaper of his choice. Readers write letters to the editor due to several reasons. It may be to express a personal attitude about some subject of public interest or to express some grievance a person has been subjected to or it may even be to express one's ideas at a highly intellectual level. Variations Whatever their themes or variations, letters to the editor form a vital component of all newspapers and magazines and they also reflect much about the reading public and they serve as an effective outlet to let off one's steam on some personal problem which could later turn out to be of much public or national significance. Some letters are merely follow-ups of something that may have been published in a newspaper. Good newspapers are usually inundated with letters to the editor but only a few selected ones are published according to their merit. It must be mentioned that letters to the editor of any newspapers are among the best read items of that paper and some consider them as the heart and soul of the newspaper he reads. Letters to the editor columns also give an opportunity to the minorities to exercise their rights of expression forcefully and expressively. Today more than during any other time newspapers throughout the world give much prominence to these letters to the editor and they are even displayed under multi-coloured titles and some are illustrated with brief commentaries as well. Service It must be accepted that letters to the editor provide a unique service to both their writers as well as the public as such letters provide one the chance to be publicly heard and puts him in contact with others who share his ideas and undoubtedly letters to the editor are among the best read items in any newspaper. In fact one may say that next to the editorial, letters to the editor section is the most important component of one's newspaper. Sometimes even the editorial may make reference to and take some idea from important letters. At times letters to the editor would bring in disagreement and healthy discussion on any matter of public importance. Usually these letters reflect the public attitude on important national matters and columns dedicated to letters to the editor enhance the personality of any newspaper and provide a strong platform to exercise and exchange ideas freely and fearlessly. Writing letters to the editor can also be made a very effective means of improving the English writing skills of senior students in our schools and higher education institutions like the universities. This can be done best by the English teacher who can made an attempt to guide his students to write letters to the editor on various issues of public interest in the country and the world at large. By doing this students can also improve their general knowledge of the country and of the world. |
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