Q First, did you read the Module 2: Overview ? If you do not, you will not know how to format this assignment. In your causal analysis essay, you addressed the primary causes of a problem in Houston. Now, you will write two letters to two individuals in the community - one letter per person - about this same problem. These two people should be in a position to actually help solve your problem. We will actually send these letters at a future date; therefore, this person should be a real person. You will need to perform research to find two people who have the power to help solve your problem, and then you will need to perform research to learn about them - their values, beliefs, opinions, etc. These two letters cannot be identical. While similarities will exist, you are writing these letters to two different people; therefore, you must appeal to each person differently - because they are different people with different beliefs, values, ideologies, etc. Both letters must demonstrate that you know how to persuade this person - based on what you know about their belief systems and professional responsibilities. Each letter will be two pages. Four pages total. Each letter must demonstrate knowledge of your topic and the person receiving the letter. Your letters are not explaining the causes of the problem; instead, your letter should persuade and convince these people that the problem is serious and should be solved. Convince them to act using facts, evidence, and persuasive appeals like pathos, ethos, logos, and kairos. All four persuasive appeals must appear in each letter. You must cite three credible sources per letter. While you can duplicate sources in the two letters, and while you can cite each source more than once, you need at least six distinct sources total over the course of two letters. That means that over the course of two letters, I should be able to count six different sources - at least. You will not use the traditional MLA in-text citations and Works Cited page citations; rather, you will use strong signal phrases to cite at least three sources per letter. Sources must be credible and high quality (beware of junk science and amateurs; pay attention to authority, accuracy, objectivity, content, and currency). Keep in mind that journal articles and other peer-reviewed published work is a standard all can recognize. Seek a diversity of expert sources (e.g. government, university, professional, etc.). Do not quote directly from your sources. Rather, paraphrase and synthesize information to create a letter that is truly in your own words and voice. Keep in mind that even one junk source will kill your entire argument. Use one of the business letter formats addressed in the Module 2: Overview. Use 12-point font. Single space. Don't add a bunch of extra space to cheat and fit the length requirement. Follow the following format: Respectfully address your chosen audience at the beginning of the letter. Introduce yourself. Introduce your issue in an engaging way. Think of the introduction strategies we've covered in previous weeks. Assert your position and objectives. Explain why you care of this issue. Gracefully transition from your opening to your proposal. Make your case for action/change. Use various persuasive appeals to be effective. Wrap up in a compelling way by summing up your overall objective and emphasizing the importance and benefits of acting on it. Think of the various conclusion strategies we've covered in previous weeks. Close respectfully. Typically, “Sincerely” is used to close, followed the sender’s typed name and title or affiliation. Again, keep in mind that these letters must demonstrate that you know your audience, you are aware of positions they have held, and you are aware of how to persuade them to act. The most effective letters typically directly reference things the recipient has said or written in the past about the issue/problem or directly references values or opinions the recipient has made publicly known. You may upload both letters as one Word document. Please let me be clear: if you submit letters that are short of the length requirement or do not include the required number of sources, I will return the assignment - ungraded. Rubric Persuasive Letter Rubric Persuasive Letter Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAddressee Two individuals in the community are appropriately addressed. These two people are in a position to actually help solve the problem. 10 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources Three credible sources per letter are present – as required. At least six distinct sources total are present – as required by the instructions. All six sources are credible and high quality. 15 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 15 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat A business letter format is effectively used. 10 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction You respectfully address your chosen audience at the beginning of the letter. You introduce yourself. 10 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeBody You introduce your issue in an engaging way. You assert your position and objectives. You explain why you care of this issue. 15 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 15 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAppeals You make your case for action/change. You use various persuasive appeals to be effective. 15 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 15 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDue Date The submission is turned in on the due date. 5 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 5 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClosing You wrap up in a compelling way by summing up your overall objective and emphasizing the importance and benefits of acting on it. You close respectfully. 10 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 10 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRequirements The letter demonstrates a serious attempt to meet the requirements of the assignment. Overall, one who reads this letter will likely walk away believing the writers took the assignment seriously. In short, the letter is academically appropriate - for the most part. This includes careful proofreading, editing, and revising. Careless errors are not present. 10 to >0.0 pts Full Marks 0 pts No Marks 10 pts Total Points: 100