Editorial writing

OPINION-EDITORIAL
(OP-ED) PAGE
Individual Writer

Column

Majority of school paper staff

Editorial

We

The editorial is the soul of a newspaper. It is the stand and the collective view of the paper of a burning issue.

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 certain official/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

Editorial writing is opinionwriting and essay writing combined. Crisp, short, informative, and clear to the readers.

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

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

Do we have something new to say about this?

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

Does our position survive the scrutiny?

Anticipate what your opponent will be using to argue against whatever your stand is

Are we just lulling our readers to sleep?

Review whether the style of writing, content, and overall presentation can attract and hold readers attention

Composition

Editorials are made up of 3 parts:

Introduction Body Conclusion

Composition

Introduction states outright the issue to be

tackled.

Body gives a few background facts, related

issues.

Conclusion usually gives a recommended

action or if it intends to entertain, then the punchline.

Structure of an Editorial
v Introduction - state the problem v Body - expresses an opinion & discusses it v Solution - offers a solution to the problem v Conclusion - emphasizes the main issue

Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy (newspeg). Include the five W's and the H. Pull in facts and quotations from sources which are relevant. v

Additional tips on structuring your editorial:

Present Your Opposition First.

Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.

Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.

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 an effective concluder as well. v

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 make your case. Leave your readers with a lasting impression -- a strong point that will make them consider your point of view. Dont preach to the reader. A good editorial will make readers take notice of the situation and form their own opinions on the issue.