This activity provides opportunities for students to synthesise information about impacts of exotic pest fish introduction to natural waterways and to bring the issues to the attention of the general public by writing a letter to the editor.

Estimated time: 45 minutes

Materials

resource sheet — letter to the editor genre planner (refer to English syllabus)
DPI EDFISH Material — Ornamental Fish Can Become Monumental Pests. See Brochures, booklets and posters.
Student resource - Latest edition

Teaching strategies

Background

The purpose of this letter to the editor is to present an argument and supporting evidence to outline the problem of exotic pest fish in local waterways.

This letter should begin with a summary of an exotic pest fish issue and a statement from the writer’s basic point of view. This is followed by an argument which provides supporting evidence. Each new paragraph presents a new idea as the point of view is developed logically. Strong and persuasive language is often used to help involve the reader. Supporting facts should also be included to strengthen the argument. The concluding paragraph or last sentence is often a call for action for overcoming a problem and uses a strong tone.

Generally, letters to the editor are short — between 150 and 200 words. Students could try to come up with an eye-catching title for their letter.

Working scientifically

(U: preparing scenarios, examining and evaluating, C: using genre)

Introduce students to the format of a letter to the editor.
Brainstorm possible positions to be taken on exotic pest fish issues. Suitable topics are listed below.
- Getting rid of pest fish should be a high priority for the government.
- The local community should help get rid of pest fish in local streams and waterways.
- People should not be allowed to keep non-native fish in aquariums because they can escape and damage native fish and habitats.
Students work in groups of four to complete a plan for the letter in note form. Individual students write their own letter. Well-expressed letters could be submitted to
the school newsletter, ICM newsletter or local paper for publication.

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Student activity c.2 Culminating

Dear editor

Outcomes

Focus

Materials

Teaching strategies

Background

Working scientifically

Student activity c.2
Culminating