“The big jump in the cost of heating a house has me concerned. I just got my utility bill in the mail, and I was shocked. Even though the weather has been mild, this bill was as high as any I have seen.”
• Tell why this is important. Tell how the problem or issue affects you or others, or tell what will happen if something isn’t done. Example: “I’m worried that some of my friends won’t be able to pay their bills when it gets really cold. If I’m not lucky, I may not be able to pay my bill.”
• Praise or criticize what someone has said or done about the issue. Make a positive or critical statement about a public action related to the issue. Example: “I want to praise our elected offcials for having the courage to try to do something about this problem.”
• Tell why this is good or bad. Explain your view a