THE open letter it is a textual genre with the function of direct any message, question or request from a particular individual or group to some person or organization with public recognition. Through this text, the author seeks to defend a point of view and convince not only the recipient, but also the public who have access to the letter..
The structure of this genre resembles those of the personal letters, but has an argumentative character, given that he always defends an opinion. In this way, the open letter is structured in a strategic way, to convince the author and other readers about their opinion, thus becoming a public textual genre.
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What is open letter?
The open letter is very similar to an ordinary letter, has sender and recipient, date, place and signature, as well as a direct message, objectively directed from the author to the reader. However, this genre is produced in different contexts and with different functions, focusing primarily on a
social role.O adjective "open" serves to mark your public character, as it is used to position oneself, question or request something from a person or institution that has visibility and social recognition. Thus, with this gender, one can exercise citizenship functions, through the publicizing its critical position, requesting and suggesting policy measures.
Unlike the personal letter, the open letter is necessarily public, that is, it is disseminated in the media, in order to share the message and position shown in the text. Thus, in addition to the specific recipient, the open letter also addresses a large audience, intending, with this, to participate discursively in social issues.
In addition to these characteristics, the open letter genre is also marked by its character. argumentative, because, in view of the discussion of social issues and submission of requests, it is necessary substantiate your request and strengthen your point of view and suggestions presented, based on solid arguments.
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Structure and characteristics of the open letter
The open letter is structured and divided into six essential parts:
title;
introduction;
development;
conclusion;
farewell;
signature.
All of them are necessary to build a good text of the genre as well as it is necessary to respect the established order, as she is responsible for ensuring the fluidity and organization of the letter. Below is an explanation of each of the topics in the structure.
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Title
The title is the name you will give your open letter. Commonly, the title is objective and punctual (eg, “Open Letter to the Ministry of Education”), indicating both gender and recipient. Must come centered on top of text.
Introduction
The introduction it's the beginning of your letter, is the time for presentations on the ideas and themes that will be discussed, from the sender of the letter and, several times, even from the recipient. The main function of the introduction is situate the reader about what will be addressed. In this sense, it is important to remember that, as it is not only aimed at the recipient but also at the general public, the author can often present information aimed at different readers., in order to contextualize them about details that may not be known by everyone.
The open letter is mainly used to criticize, request or suggest something from social character, thus, it is common that the introduction also presents the first information about the problem detected, so that, at the end of reading this part, the reader can identify the main information in the text.
Development
The development is the part of the text where the questions presented in the introduction are deepened.. It is the space in which the concepts presented or the situation of the problem addressed can be better explained, deepening how it interferes in people's lives or why this is a problem.
Also, in this part, it is essential that you introduce yourselfm and developm the arguments that support the critical position defended, being able, for this, to make use of other texts, as data statisticians, graphics, reports, surveys, among others, in order to strengthen their point of view.
Conclusion
In conclusion, debates are closed about the question presented and moves towards an outcome, in which a suggestion for the identified problem. In addition, it is also possible to make a critical conclusion, suggesting, to the recipient and to all readers, a reflection on the subject.
farewell
The farewell is a short sentence in which the sender thanks you for your attention and says goodbye to the recipient with a degree of formality. Commonly, the form “Sincerely,” is used. This little sentence is separated from the big text and located on the left side of the sheet.
Signature
The signature is the official sender ID and it can refer to a person or to a group or institution. Thus, the name that identifies who is addressing the letter is written below the farewell line and on the right side of the page.
How do you make an open letter?
To make an open letter, it is necessary, before text production:
identify and punctuate the exact recipient to whom the text will be addressed;
define the issue that will be addressed and the arguments that will be presented.
Also, it is important reflect on the organization of this material, selecting what will be presented and in what order.
First start the letter signing date and place in the left corner of the beginning of the sheet, because every letter needs the spatio/temporal marking. Then make a space down and, in the center of the sheet, insert your title. On the next line, start your big text with the introduction.
In the big text, present the main ideas, the provocative questions and the problems identified at the beginning of the text, followed by the deepening of these issues, in the development, and closed with a possible proposal for improvement or reflection, in conclusion.
Completing the previous phase, give a space to the line below and, on the left side, insert a small mark of farewell, indicating the completion of the letter. On the next line, on the right side, enter your signature or that of the group you belong to.
Open Letter Example
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OPEN LETTER TO THE CITY HALL OF SÃO PAULO AND THE TRANSPORTATION SECRETARIAT I come to express my deep dissatisfaction and indignation with the news of the increase in tickets in our city. Despite the routine change in price, which takes place annually, it is unacceptable that the worker spends such a sum to access public transport. As stated at the outset, it is known that the price is updated annually, however, given the current conditions of public transport in the capital and from the average income received by workers, it is an assault for the price to reach this value, without on the other hand showing any improvement. significant. Ignoring the price condition, it is necessary to ask, why not create ways to reuse the cards of transport, either increasing the time of integration or the amount of use for the same ticket. In addition, it is urgently necessary to present to society what are the expenses with transport that justify such a high value, after all, in addition to of the ticket paid daily, we contribute as citizens through our taxes, therefore, we have the right to access such information. I am sure that, given the public manifestation of this indignation, those responsible will take steps to improve this situation. Graciously, Marília Cecilia São Paulo, July 24, 2018 |
The text above is a fictitious letter which serves as an example for how to write an open letter. It is noticed that, from the beginning, the title is recognized, which informs the recipients of the message. In sequence, in the introduction, the author informs the reason for her writing, pointing out the problem of increasing the passage. In development, she follows her discussion, raising the demands and presenting her arguments, such as paying taxes and the right to clarification. In conclusion, the author chose to encourage a positive attitude, demonstrating confidence in the recipients. He closes the text with his formal farewell and dated signature.
By Talliandre Matos
Writing Teacher
