After students have practiced writing the traditional, structured editorial, have them experiment with a rhetorical approach using narration or description to control the organization of the editorial and presentation of idea. A literary approach is another variation on the traditional editorial.

When using a rhetorical approach, the rhetorical device is extended to control the structuring of the essay. It therefore has become a rhetorical strategy. Every reader knows a story is being told (narration) or the appearance of person or place is essential (description) to meaning.

In a 1981 editorial in The Washington Post, the editorial writer describes the deplorable condition of Union Station in Washington, D.C. Over half of the short editorial describes the condition of the once grand building. Upon completion readers know what the repair will cost and believe because of description that this is a significant leak that should not be left for a rainy day.

"The kids' long mile" by editorial writer Guy MacMillan draws readers into the effect of a school board decision. It is a strong example of using the rhetorical strategy of narration with effective inclusion of description. MacMillan also has the facts, but he demonstrates the persuasive benefit of waiting to present those after the walk to school has been taken.

Read "The kids' long mile," a professional model of the narration approach to editorial writing.