INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Given the appropriate occasion, such as your birthday or one of the winter holidays, consider having a wish list. It doesn't necessarily need to be a list itself, but know what you're aiming to get. For those of your family or friends who can't help but gift terribly, lay it on thick to them what it is you really want from them. If the desire is really to just avoid the bad gift, make your suggestion something cheap and easily attainable.  "I'm still working through the last CD you gave me. I'm really looking forward to [artist name]'s next release though, should be out before Christmas." "I love those socks you gave me, I wear them around the house all the time. There's these shoes though that I'm really pining after; I think they sell them at [department store name]." For the chronic bad gift-giver in your life, go out of your to find out just what they would like. Don't be afraid to even ask "what would you want to get?" If they try to demure or offer an "anything'll do," press them on it. Everyone always has something in mind, so find out what it is. The hope here is that they'll mirror your effort when it comes to gifting next. If they just won't quit, it might be time to say something before you have a room dedicated to gifts you never wanted. Hopefully you know your gift-giver enough to explain to them without offending them. If not, be prepared for them to become upset even if it's not really justified. Sometime after they've given the gift, pull them aside and tell them honestly "I'm not really sure this gift is for me."  "You know I love music, but this is just really not my style. I'm more into [style of music]." "I can't thank you enough for knitting this for me, but I'm not sure it fits with anything in my wardrobe." "I think I need to be honest: I've never found a way to pair any socks you've given me with anything I own. I can't thank you enough for the gift, but I've no use for any more socks like this."

SUMMARY: Have a wish list. Make an example of good gifts. Speak plainly.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Just like with any other lip color, it’s important to start with a smooth base. Dry, flaky lips will make the lip powder look patchy and uneven. To exfoliate your lips, you can purchase a lip exfoliator at a beauty supply store. If you’d rather go the DIY route, you can whip up an easy batch of homemade lip exfoliator with some sugar (brown or white) and a bit of honey, coconut oil, or olive oil. Dab your exfoliator onto your lips, and gently scrub them with a clean toothbrush or your finger. Let it sit on your lips for a bit, and then rub it off with a damp towel. After exfoliating your lips, it’s good to moisturize them with a thin coat of your favorite lip balm. This will also keep your lips looking smooth and nourished through your lip powder. Make sure to only apply a small amount, so that your lips are hydrated but not overly slick. If you do want to apply a generous amount, make sure to dab the excess balm off right before you’re ready to apply your lip powder. It can be a bit tricky to achieve crisp borders with lip powder, but using a reverse lip liner can help you. A reverse lip liner is applied to the outer perimeter of your lips. When you go in with the lip powder, the reverse lip liner will act as barrier to prevent the color from budging outside of the lines. You can find reverse lip liners at beauty supply stores or online.
Summary: Exfoliate your lips. Apply lip balm. Apply a reverse lip liner.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You should identify why you are writing in the first paragraph of your letter. If you don’t do this right off, the recipient might be confused and set your letter aside. Remember to get right to the point. For example, you can write, “I am writing to ask you to vote ‘No’ on the upcoming Senate bill authorizing drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. I believe drilling will cause serious harm to the environment.” Generally, you will probably send a letter to an important person because you want to change their mind about something. Accordingly, you need to give them a reason to see the issue the way you see it. This might mean you need to do some research.  Refer to books or articles by name. Cite facts, statistics, or anecdotes to support your argument. If you are relying on personal observation, then include key details—who, what, where, when, etc. If you have more than one reason for your position, then develop each in separate paragraphs. This type of organization makes it easier for the reader to follow along. If you aren’t writing a letter to argue, then simply include the bulk of the information you want to convey in the body of the letter. Remember that you are writing a letter, not a master’s thesis. Accordingly, you might want to point the reader in the direction of where they can find more fully-developed arguments.  For example, you can include the address to a website where the recipient can find additional information. You can also mention the names of books or articles on the subject. It is particularly effective to mention common counter-arguments and then rebut them. Only mention the strongest counter-arguments but provide a reason why the reader should not give these arguments too much weight.  For example, you can argue that a counter-argument is based on faulty data. You might write something like, “Supporters of Arctic drilling argue that abundant oil exists beneath the surface. However, newer data has cast doubt on those claims.” Alternately, you could argue that the counter-argument is mistaken. For example, you could write, “Preserving the Arctic will not result in higher oil costs. In fact, newer wells in Texas and Oklahoma can make up the difference.” You convey important information through tone. Tone is hard to define, but you hear tone when people are speaking. Someone can say, “That’s crazy” in a humorous tone or in a fearful one. Tone also exists when we write. You want to maintain a professional tone when addressing someone important.  Avoid using contractions, which are too casual. Write “I am” instead of “I’m.”  Don’t use slang or jargon. Write “I was disturbed” instead of “I was freaking out.” Be polite and respectful. Don’t insult someone or call them names. This can be difficult, especially if you are writing a letter because you want to argue. Your sentences should be as forceful as possible. Accordingly, write in the active voice. Active sentences are clearer and usually simpler than passive voice sentences. Compare the following:  Passive voice: “This issue was already decided ten years ago.” In this sentence, someone decided the issue—but you don’t know who. Active voice: “Congress decided this issue ten years ago.” With an active voice sentence, you know exactly who the subject is.

SUMMARY:
Explain why you are writing. Support your argument. Direct the reader to additional supporting information. Address counter-arguments. Use an appropriate tone. Write in the active voice.