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Editorial writing

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Individual

Writer Column I

Majority ofschool paper

staffEditorial We

OPINION-EDITORIAL

(OP-ED) PAGE

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The editorial is the soul of a

newspaper. It is the standand the collective view ofthe paper of a burning issue.

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Editorials aim to inform,influence or entertain.

Types of editorials:

Interpretation

explains a burning or current issue/devt Criticism

criticizes an action, policy, program of a certainofficial/office/group, etc.

Entertainment presents an anecdote on current situations/events

Commendation, appreciation, or tribute Cites a person, group, office for action/program/policy, etc.

that is deemed good

Argument Argues for a certain position, point, stance taken

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Editorial writing is opinion-writing and essay writing

combined. Crisp, short,informative, and clear to the

readers.

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7 questions to a strong opinion

To whom would this be written? Those in power

Average readers

Just ourselves

What's our attitude? (the tone we will use)Angry

Pleased Bothered

Befuddled

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What are we trying to accomplish?An official response

A public change of attitude

An explanation Entertainment

Giving credit where credit is due

What are we contributing to the debate? New facts

New arguments/contexts/dimensions

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Do we have something new to say about this?

Review whether what you are writing is reallysomething new or just rehashed opinions,dimensions.

Does our position survive the scrutiny?

Anticipate what your opponent will be using to argueagainst whatever your stand is

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Are we just lulling our readers to sleep?

Review whether the style of writing, content, and

overall presentation can attract and hold readersattention

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Composition

Editorials are made up of 3 parts:

Introduction Body

Conclusion

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Composition

Introduction states outright the issue to betackled.

Body gives a few background facts, relatedissues.

Conclusion usually gives a recommendedaction or if it intends to entertain, then thepunchline.

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Structure of an Editorial

v Introduction - state the problemv

Body - expresses an opinion &discusses itv Solution - offers a solution to the

problemv Conclusion - emphasizes themain issue

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Additional tips onstructuring your editorial:v Lead with an Objective

Explanation of theIssue/Controversy (newspeg).

Include the five W's and the H. Pull in

facts and quotations from sourceswhich are relevant.

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v Present Your OppositionFirst.

Use facts and quotations to stateobjectively their opinions.

Give a strong position of theopposition.

You gain nothing in refuting a weak

position.

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v Conclude With Some Punch.Give solutions to the problem or

challenge the reader to be informed.

A quotation can be effective,especially if from a respected source.

A rhetorical question can be aneffective concluder as well.

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Dos & Donts:Research your topic and find out whats happening and what

went on in the past.

Know the facts and be able to refer to them in your argument.

Use facts and details to back up your opinion and help you makeyour case.

Leave your readers with a lasting impression -- a strong pointthat will make them consider your point of view.

Dont preach to the reader. A good editorial will make readerstake notice of the situation and form their own opinions on theissue.