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Opinion letters are a form of writing that is meant to take a stand on an issue and persuade others to come around to one’s side of the argument. Opinion letters are used as persuasive arguments, debate topics, or as means for making cases. Opinion letters can be found in newspapers, magazines, blogs, etc.
A Stand On Or Against the Issue
Opinion letters can be used to make a point or argument, such as in an editorial for a newspaper or website. Opinion letters can even be enough to convince someone that they might want to change their stance on something.
For example, Rule 144 of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code states that investors who have a substantial interest in a company cannot sell their shares for at least three months after the company has released news to the public. However, if a 144 restriction removal opinion letter is written to the IRS with a request to waive this rule, it might be granted if there are special circumstances. The letter might say that the rule should stay in place as it is because it benefits the economy. It could also say that the rule should be changed because it is unfair to smaller investors.
In a similar vein, if you are an employee of a company and have been wrongfully terminated, you might write an opinion letter to your former employer asking for your job back. This is called a demand letter.
Debate Topic or Means of Persuasion
Opinion letters can also be used as part of a debate, whether it’s in person or online. For example, in the United States, both sides of the abortion issue often use opinion letters to argue their points.
Opinion letters can also be used as a persuasive tool. For example, if you are trying to get a new law passed, you might write an opinion letter to your congressman or senator asking them to vote for it. You could also write an opinion letter to a local politician asking them to vote for or against a bill.
The best way to get your point across is clear and concise communication, especially in an opinion letter because it can be difficult for people to understand where you’re coming from if the language is dense and confusing. To avoid losing your audience due to poor communication skills, make sure that you choose simple language and explain yourself thoroughly so that there will be no confusion.
Clear and Concise Opinion Letter
It’s a good idea to write a rough draft before you finish the final version of your opinion letter. This will help you to determine whether or not you’ve explained yourself fully and have used simple language that is easy to understand. Keep in mind that people may be opposed to what you are saying, so it’s important to use solid evidence and reason why they should agree with you. If you want other people to take action based on your opinion letter, make sure that it drives home the point that you are trying to make.
For example, let’s say that someone wrote an opinion letter arguing against a bill being considered by Congress. In this case, using emotion-based words would likely only anger the politicians who read it because they know that these words will not change their minds.
Business Opinion Letters
Opinion letters can also be used in a business setting to get ideas across or to make requests. For example, you might write an opinion letter to a colleague asking for their help with a project or give you feedback on an idea that you have. You could also write an opinion letter to a supervisor thanking them for their assistance or acknowledging their efforts on your behalf.
Before you hand in an opinion letter to your boss, make sure that it is clear and concise so that they get the message without having to read between the lines. You don’t want to get fired because you were too lazy to write a simple letter.
Legal Opinion Letters
In the legal world, opinion letters are often used by attorneys to clarify the law for their clients. For example, an attorney might write an opinion letter stating that a particular bill being considered by Congress is unconstitutional. It means that the opinion letter is not legally binding but it can be used in court as evidence.
Opinion letters can also be used to argue a case in front of a judge. For example, you might write an opinion letter stating that you were wrongfully terminated from your job.
When writing an opinion letter for legal purposes, make sure that you are clear and concise so that there is no confusion about what you are trying to say. Also, make sure that you have all of your facts straight before you write anything because if your letter is inaccurate, it will not hold up in court.
Everyday Use of Opinion Letters
In everyday life, opinion letters can be used to make a case for many different things. For example, if you are trying to get your landlord to fix a broken appliance, you might write an opinion letter stating that the issue needs to be resolved. If someone close to you is facing criminal charges, they might ask their attorney to write an opinion letter on their behalf.
Opinion letters can also be used in everyday situations for personal reasons. For example, if your neighbor‘s tree branch is hanging onto your property, you might write an opinion letter asking them politely yet firmly to trim it back.
What Not To Do
It’s important to remember that when writing an opinion letter, there are certain things that you should not do to keep from coming off as being rude or confrontational.
Don’t use expletives in your essay because doing so is unprofessional and shows poor judgment. Don’t write your entire essay in all caps because this may cause the reader to become agitated and confused. Finally, don’t use personal attacks against the person that you are trying to persuade. Doing so will only cause them to become defensive and less likely to listen to what you have to say.
Opinion letters are a persuasive argument, debate topic, or means to make a case. Opinion Letters are writing that is meant to take a stand on an issue and persuade others to come around to their side of the argument. They can be used in many different situations for personal reasons as well as for legal purposes. Just have in mind the do’s and don’ts when writing an opinion letter to make sure that it is effective.
