Letter to Representative

Part 1. Introduction (Establishing Ethos + Purpose)

Rhetorical goal: Establish your credibility, identify exigence, and state your purpose.

Include:

Who you are
Your connection to the district/community
The issue
The bill(s)
Your position

Example sentence structure:

My name is __________, and I am a __________ grade student at __________ High School in your district. I am writing to you about __________, an issue that directly affects students, families, and communities across Utah. I am particularly concerned about __________, which is connected to proposed legislation such as __________ (Bill # and name). I respectfully urge you to __________ because __________.

Part 2. Context & Exigence (Logos + Public Meaning)

Rhetorical goal: Make the issue understandable and urgent.

Include:

Why the issue matters to more than just you
What the legislation addresses
Why the moment matters now (i.e. exigence)

Example sentence structure:

This issue is significant because __________. The proposed legislation __________ seeks to __________, which would affect __________. Given the current conditions in our state, this issue requires serious attention because __________.

Part 3. Evidence & Reasoning (Logos + Ethos)

Rhetorical goal: Support claims with credible, integrated evidence.

Each evidence move should include:

Claim
Evidence
Explanation
Impact

Types of evidence:

Data (stats, numbers, trends)
Experts (doctors, scientists, researchers, professionals)
Anecdotes (stories of people impacted by issue, real-life examples)
Historical examples (past patterns, past policies)
Ethics (fairness, justice, values)
Civics (laws, government, public responsibility)
Comparative examples (other places doing better/worse)

Example sentence structure:

One major concern related to this issue is __________. According to __________, __________. This matters because __________, which directly affects __________.

Research from __________ demonstrates that __________. As a result, __________, placing __________ at risk.

Part 4. Personal Positioning (Ethos + Pathos)

Rhetorical goal: Humanize the issue and establish moral credibility.

Include:

Why you care
How this issue intersects with your lived experience
Why this matters to teens and/or the general public

Example sentence structure:

This issue matters to me personally because __________. I have witnessed __________, and it has shown me that this is not just a policy debate—it is a lived reality for people in our community.

Part 5. Civic Action Request

Rhetorical goal: End with a call to action.

Include:

Specific bill(s)
Clear position
Respectful civic language

Example sentence structure:

I respectfully urge you to support __________ (Bill # and name) because __________.

I ask that you reconsider your position on __________ in light of __________.

Part 6. Conclusion (Rhetorical Closure)

Rhetorical goal: Leave a professional, thoughtful final impression.

Include:

Restated concern
Appreciation for public service
Forward-looking tone

Example sentence structure:

Thank you for your time, service, and commitment to our community. I appreciate your consideration of this issue and hope you will continue working toward policies that serve the long-term well-being of the people of Utah.

Examples of formal closings:

Sincerely,
Respectfully,
Thank you for your service,

[your name, address…]

DMU Timestamp: February 12, 2026 21:16