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.

“Letter to the Editor”

This persuasive essay writing exercise allows students to practice argumentative writing skills while drawing on components of the novel’s central plot.

In the novel, Ana Rosa writes persuasive articles to raise awareness about her village losing their land. Pretend that you are Ana Rosa and you are tasked with writing an article about stopping the development in your community. Work together with your group to develop an argumentative and persuasive written case for why the government should not sell your land to hotel developers, a piece that could serve as a letter to the editor in the local or national newspaper. Consider the following questions as you formulate your essay:

• Who is your audience (i.e., the people you want to persuade)?
• Where will this newspaper article be published?
• What is the main problem?
• Why is this problem important?
• How can other people help your problem?

Utilize peer editing strategies or peer critique circles to help in revising and editing your work.

Teaching Suggestion: This activity supports students with developing persuasive writing skills from the perspective of the novel’s protagonist.