Question

Dear Principal Farley,

Our study hall classes are for studying. However, what you may not realize is that not much studying is taking place. Most students think this time is for socializing with their friends. As a result, not much studying is occurring. I have a solution to propose. I know that our school has a policy against bringing MP3 players to school. The school board says that MP3 players are a distraction at school. However, the students who are whispering to their friends are much more distracting.
Recent studies show that students who play music while doing school work make higher grades. Listening to music increases a person's attention and focus. As you know, many teenagers have a difficult time focusing on their studies. Allowing MP3 players would help students to focus better. Like many students, I have a difficult time concentrating on my work during study hall mainly because of the students who constantly whisper in study hall. They prevent me from adequately focusing on my school work. If students could listen to MP3 players during study hall, then they could more easily drown out those distracting classmates. Plus, allowing MP3 players in study hall might just be the help the habitual study hall socializers need in order to focus on studying. If they decided to listen to their MP3 players in study hall, they would less likely carry on a conversation with other students. Stopping the conversations would definitely cut down on the noise in study hall.
I know that you want academic performance to increase at the school. Providing a means for students to focus better during study hall would help. Please consider allowing students to listen to MP3 players during study hall.

Sincerely,

Jonas Brown, 8th grade student
1
Which sentence goes best at the end of the introductory paragraph?
A.
Students should use their time wisely during study hall.
B.
Talking to others will be hard if students are listening to their MP3 player during study hall.
C.
MP3 players are great at drowning out background noise.
D.
Allowing MP3 players would greatly improve how students use their time in study hall.

Answer 1

D. Allowing MP3 players would greatly improve how students use their time in study hall.

This sentence states the letter’s main point (thesis) and fits naturally as the concluding sentence of the introductory paragraph.