Writing an Editorial
Another Tutorial by:
Alan
Weintraut
Annandale High School
Annandale, VA 22312
Atraut@aol.com
CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL
WRITING
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue.
It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of
the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned.
Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument
and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant
to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause
people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated
news story.
Editorials have:
1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues
the writer addresses
5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials
engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty
tactics of persuasion.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can
gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach
to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion.
Give it some punch.
Four Types of Editorials Will:
1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to
explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject.
School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body
effort like a food drive.
2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions,
decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified.
Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the
solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged
to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples
of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for
something done well. They are not as common as the other three.
Writing an Editorial
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest
readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation
is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details,
figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition they must have some good points
you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge.
Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis
statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"
A Sample Structure
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W's and the H. (Members of Congress, in effort to reduce the
budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held
)
II. Present Your Opposition First.
As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically
who oppose you. (Republicans feel that these cuts are necessary; other cable
stations can pick them; only the rich watch public television.)
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. (Republicans believe public televison is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than $40,000 per year.)
IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education )
V. Conclude With Some Punch.
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed. (Congress should look to where real wastes exist perhaps in defense and entitlements to find ways to save money. Digging into public television's pocket hurts us all.)
· Editorials
· Editorial Cartooning
· Commentary and Columns
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