Persuasive Writing: Charity Appeal Letters.
Media Assignment Persuasive Writing: Charity Appeal Letters John Corcoran 11B Oxfam have created a highly persuasive letter using emotive and intensely personal language. It is very carefully and cleverly constructed and a logical argument is developed throughout. The first thing the writer does is earn the reader's trust. From the very start the letter opens an intensely direct and personal contact; four "I's" and six "you's" are used in the opening paragraph alone. The idea of personal contact is expanded upon as the writer speaks in a very polite, apologetic tone, "I hope you can forgive the intrusion." This method of communication earns the reader's trust. This trust then leads to support. Oxfam are looking for financial support from the reader. The reader needs to be convinced there is a strong reason to commit to Oxfam if they are to hand over part of their income. This is why a large part of the letter is dedicated to doing this. The various projects Oxfam helps to fund are laid out with basic detail given. Much of the article contains disturbing information which the reader may not be aware of. Much of this may shock the reader, shifting him or her into a snap decision to help Oxfam simply through surprise. Geographical information is given that describes how the work will help now and in the future, "Planted over large areas, they help stimulate local