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
)
- Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
- Additional research may be necessary.
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.)
- Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
- Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting
a weak position.
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.)
- Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
- Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear
rational, one who has considered all the options (fiscal times are tough,
and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however,
).
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
)
- Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility
and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar that which
belongs to him
)
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.)
- A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected source
- A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well (If the
government doesn't defend the interests of children, who will?)
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