Opinion writing
Editorial writing is an art of convincing people.
How to write a convincing article
1. Be brief
- Do not compromise the accuracy of your article by focusing on being brief
- 500 – 700 words (aim for maximum 500 words)
- Be specific
2. Know your limitations
- Be confident. Do your research.
- Do not be presumptuous.
- Be honest.
3. Know your audience.
4. Structure
- Start with your argument
- Do not bury your argument at the end of your piece
- State your argument at the start of your article
- When using anecdotes in intro, be brief so you can proceed to your argument immediately
6. KEEP IT SIMPLE
- Anyone should be able to understand your argument immediately
- Avoid jargons
- Use simple sentences and terms
- Only use technical terms when necessary
- Simple terms do no mean simple ideas
7. Do not equivocate
- Go down hard on one side of the article
- State your side immediately
- Provide context but do not load your article with background information
- Get to the point. Convince your readers that reading your article is worth it
8. Provide real life samples
- Empathize with your readers
- Evidence makes your article authoritative
- Provide examples
9. SO WHAT??
- Consider the effect of your article to the readers.
- Why should they care?
- So what? Who cares?
- How is your argument relevant?
- Why should they read my article?
10. Make recommendations
- Do not leave your readers hanging.
- Offer solutions or a better approach
- What the point of discussing something without offering a solution?
11. THINK OF A GOOD TITLE
- It should be clear and catchy
- Strong title often include verbs.
- Avoid a title that starts with “On…” or the trope “In defense of…”
12. Choose your topic wisely
- Subject of the article should be relevant, thoughtful, and true to you.
- If you’re not passionate about your topic, walk away.
- If you don’t care about the topic, how will your readers care?
Types of editorials
1. Editorial of Information
a. Seeks to give information on facts unknown to the reader
b. Restates facts of news stories or adds other facts with minimum explanation
c. Defines terms
d. Identify persons or factors
e. Provides a background
f. Example of this is freedom of the press
2. Editorial of Interpretation
a. Explains significance of a news current, current ideas, condition, situation, theory, or
hypothesis
b. Provides both sides of the story
c. Leaves the judgement to the reader
d. Writer does not argue or criticize
e. Merely interprets
f. Example of this is a new memorandum of a school
3. Editorial of Criticism
a. Points out the good or bad of a problem or situation
b. Influences readers
c. Suggests a solution at the end
4. Editorial of Commendation, Appreciation, or Tribute
a. Praises, commends, or pays tribute to a person or organization
5. Editorial of Argumentation
a. Editorial of persuasion
b. Argues in order to convince the readers on his/her stand of a situation
6. Editorial of Entertainment
a. Evokes a smile, chuckle, or laughter while suggesting the truth
b. Main aim is to entertain
c. Usually short
7. Mood Editorial
a. Presents a philosophy rather than an argument
b. Subject matter is nature or emotion
8. Special Occasion
a. Explains the significance of a special day or occasion
9. Pooled Editorial
a. Written by two or more editorials belonging to different newspapers which they publish
in their respective papers at the same time
b. Example: Stop Tuition Fee Increase
Newspaper Columns
What is column writing?
- A recurring piece or article in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication
- Writers expresses their own opinion in a few columns allotted to them by the newspaper
organization
- Written by columnist
- States an opinion
- Said to be like an open letter
Types of columns
1. Advice column
2. Book review
3. Community respondent
4. Critic’s reviews
5. Editorial opinion
6. Fashion column
7. Features column
Qualities of a good editorial/column
1. It is an opinion maker
2. It is reconciliatory between contrary viewpoints or standpoints
3. It is balanced in its analysis of evidence and events
4. Crusading in its thrust
When writing a column, do the following:
1. Give the reader timely, helpful information
2. Develop a structure and keep it
3. Write short and simple sentences and paragraphs
4. In personal columns, use local names and places
5. Let others speak for you by use of quotes and references
6. Learn the difference between a column and a news story
