directed writing sample

Sample A: Letter to school principal

Dear Mr Watson,

We are very lucky to have a patch of native eucalyptus forest in our
school grounds. These trees, a crucial part of the local ecosystem, are currently
under threat due to plans to expand the oval. I believe strongly that the
destruction of this forest must not happen. Firstly, by keeping the patch of forest we will make our own contribution to the fight against global warming. Secondly,the forest is a haven for local wildlife, especially the local koala population.Finally, the forest is a place students could go to escape the hot summer sun.


Firstly, we have the opportunity to put into action a message that we are often
taught at school: think globally and act locally. By stopping the clearing of trees
in our own schoolyard, we will make a genuine contribution to solving global
warming, a serious problem that faces the world. One of the causes of this
problem is widespread deforestation. As you probably know, trees act like
sponges, absorbing the carbon belched out by cars, electricity generation and the production of consumer goods. Recent scientific studies
reveal that a staggering 50‐football fields worth of trees and bush land is
destroyed every hour! So, what can we do? We must keep the eucalyptus forest
in our own school. Furthermore, helping to stop global warming is only one of
the environmental benefits of keeping this patch of trees.

Secondly, then, Koalas and other wildlife that live in our area can be protected by this action. As more people flood into South East Queensland, more land is
cleared for roads and houses. This urban expansion is putting serious pressure
on the fragile habitat of our wildlife. As we all know, a large expanse of
eucalyptus forest adjoining the local koala sanctuary was destroyed a few years
ago to make way for a new housing estate. The developers made little attempt to protect vulnerable wildlife by providing sufficient corridors through which
koalas and other animals could roam in safety. We have the opportunity to avoid making the same mistake. We must keep our patch of eucalyptus trees as a safe haven for wildlife. Furthermore, the saving of the forest will help also help

students who attend the school now.

In summer, the trees provide a cool, shady place where students can escape from the hot, blistering sun. Unprotected exposure to the sun can cause potentially deadly health problems including heat stroke, burning and skin cancer.Expansion of the oval and destruction of the forest would result in a vast
reduction in the shade available to students. On the other hand, with some
clearing of forest litter, and the creation of paths and seating, the school will have a safe place for students to shelter from the heat and the dangers of cancer creating UV rays.

In conclusion, I hope I was convincing that keeping the eucalyptus trees in

our school grounds will benefit the health of both students like myself and the
environment. These trees are vital to the fight against global warming. They are
vital in the protection of local wildlife, including much‐loved Australian animals
such as the koala. Finally, they are vital for their shade that provides much needed sun protection for students and helps ensure that we grow up healthy
and strong. It should be clear that the planned destruction of our forest would be a terrible idea and should not occur. Please stop the P&C going ahead with its
current plans.

Yours sincerely,

Bronwyn Fielding