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Chapter Scuffle of Opinions: Writing Editorials

Aneditorial is a battiefield of arguments and a warzone of evidences
-Ferdinand Bulusan

LEARNING OUTCOMES
identify various types of editorial
Distinguish the characteristics of editorial
" Compare techniques in writing editorial
. Simulate an ed-board meeting
. Defend position on a given isSue

LEARNING OUTPUTS

"Portfolio entry: types of editorial

" Actual editorial on computer shops near the
campus
Opinion survey of students
. Matrix analysis of campus papers
" Class debate on a considered hottest issue of
the week
. Simulation of an editorial board meeting

Editorial: Its Definitions and Concepts

into a class divided
As Filipino students, you might have experienced getting you were
were 40 in a class and
into opposite positions on an issue. For instance, you
Say, 25 were siding ABS
debating on which is more popular: GMA7 or ABS-CBN 2.
CBN while 15 were on GMA 7's side.
why ABS-CBN was better.
Then group one started to provide pieces of evidence
Neilsen survey that the network's
One member of the group talked about the latest
member talked about lengthier
audience share was then higher than the other. Another GMAS
of ABS-CBN. A member from
time for commercials due to numerous sponsors
producing more blockbuster films tharn
side stood and pointed out that GMA had been

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the other network. Before the bell rang each oroup bad commented a punchy turade to
defend their respective positions.
From the situation above, let us elicit the concepts and the elements that are
embedded in an editorial.
First, an editorial should be based on an issue. Such issue should be timely and
should have a high degree of sensibility and relevance to the reading public. In the
given situation, the practical issue was all about which network was better.
Second, there should be a group or a cluster of minds analyzing a given issue. In
the case ot the example above, there was aGMA 7's group and an ABS-CBN's group.
Third, there should be a stand. The identified groupshould have a position on the
iSsue. The story above gives a clear understanding that group one defended ABS-CBN,
while the other group sturdily stood on GMA 7.
Fourth, there should be pieces of evidence. If you reread the story, it would give
you a situation when the members were giving specific pieces of evidence to support
their claims.
From among the elements, it can be hard that an editorial is an article that states
the concerted opinions or single stand of the publication's staff ona particular issue.
Further, an editorial reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing
body of the newspaper. It is usually unsigned or without a byline. Like 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.
A more comprehensive definition of an editorial is, "It is a concise expression of
facts and opinions or an analytical interpretation of significant and timely topics or
issues. It is logical and pleasing to infiuence opinion or to interpret significant news
such that its importance to the reader will be clear. It is treated with formality. Through
an editorial, the paper has the opportunity to write what it thinks about issues affecting
the readers. If the editorial is well-written, it can be a vital force to make changes and
reforms."

Other Characteristics of an Editorial

1. It follows a pattern. An ed1torial is an essay like a feature story. This means that
the editorial article should bear an introduction, body and conclusion.
hottest jssue.
2. It simplifies an issue. An editorial is an objective explanation of the
within thecoverage of the paper's release. Hence, it usually simplifies the complex
jssues by eliminating extraneous parts of the news. In other words, it puts the news

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is about the imposing of higher

in its proper perspective. Say, the hottest nevws An cditorial may talk about its
grading system in the school or in the university.
stakeholders.
causes andeftects to the students, teachers and
Although an editorial
3. It provides opinions from the opposing viewpoints. presenting views that
showcases a stand of the paper, it attempts to be objective by
refute directly the same issues the group addresses.
manner. Formality
4. It shows evidence delivered in a professional and formal
encompasses the use of the language and the style of argumentation. Good editorials
petty tactics
engage issues, not personalities. It refrains from name-calling or other
and others. Feature
of persuasion like stereotyping, ad hominem, ad baculum
writing bears a set of loosely rules in the use of the language, that is, the writer may
expound the idea by using creative language. In contrast, editorial writing is direct
to the point and yields a serious tone.
effectuate
5. It offers alternative solutions. One prime function of editorials is to
change in others`beliefs and stands. The editorial does this by offering a suggestion
to remedy the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem,
but agoodeditorial should take a proactive approach to making thesituation better
by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
editorial often
6. It proffers a solid and concise conclusion. Towards the end of the
lies the powerfully summarized opinion. In other words, it gives the readers an
unforgettable punch that they can live by.

Functions of Editorial
1. Explain or interpret. Editors often use editorials to explain the way the newspaper
covered a sensitive or controversial subject. In a school setting, the publication
may explain new school rules or a particular student body effort like a fund-drive.
2. Criticize. As discussed, editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or
situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. The purpose of
doing so is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade. An editorial primarily aims at driving the readers to crusade with the
paper'sstand. Takenote that in the first chapters of this book, journalism is viewed
to effectuate change. Hence, the paper's task, being in the realm of journalism, is
to encourage others to take a specific positive action.
4. Praise. Editorials are also used to commend people and organizations for having
contributed something to champion progress, development and peace. In the
context of a campus paper, editorials may praise the initiative of the student body
to raise funds for the erection of a new dormitory.

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Types of Editorial
1. Editorial of Interpretation. The main aim of this editorial is to 511

proper perspective. The paper may take a neutral stand on the put the news in its
may give the responsibility of choosing a side to the specified issue and
readers themselves.
2. Editorial of Criticism. By criticism, it means that the
faults in a situation or in an issue editorial points out the
mentioned in a news, It uses a scientific method
by defining the problem, examining the evidence
suggesting a solution. available and then, perhaps
catu 3. Editorial of Argumentation or Persuasion. This type of editorial is the
most
common type being used in the dailies. Following the principles of
argumentation
direc and debate, this type of editorial takes a stand in a
convince the reader to adopt this stand. controversial issue and tries to

4. Editorial of Commendation or Tribute. Editorials may be used to praise a worthy

ctualk
estio deed done by aperson or by an institution, thus this type of editorial. The
should qualify the tribute and therefore see that such contribution impacts onpaper
blem lives of the reading public or the academic community. the
bette
5. Editorial of Entertainment. Some editorials also discuss issues lightly but often
ofta
have a serious point gently and subtly suggested and sometimes satirically.
achi
TS at 6. Editorial of Crusade. This editorial usually endorses a thought or
course of
action. It promotes a concept, an idea or an advocacy. This is also called a campaign
editorial.
7. Editorial liners. These are short, witty paragraphs, either serious or light.
Example
ape
Love is looking up to findconmfort in mother 's smile. It 's running and kissing
father 's hands to deserve his package. Its thinking and dreaming about a loved
one day and night. It s doing things to please the other: It s answering and writing
love letters on perfumed paper It's crying and brooding over careless words. It s
rejoicing and walking on clouds on hearing sweet things. It's loving happily day
by day.

Editorial Structure
.
An editorial is similar to an essay that focuses on a specific issue or topic, offers a
thesis and provides evidence and supporting arguments to convince its readers. The tite
clearly identifies the topic; the introductory statement includes the writer's view on the
issue; the body provides supporting evidence and examples; and the conclusion restates
the writer's view and provides a final appeal for the reader with agree to that view.

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Duties of an Editorial Writer

As stated, it is not necessary that chief editors write the editorial. Whoever is the
choice of the board to do so, he/she must remember that he/she should:
1. present facts honestly and fully:
2. draw objective conclusions from the stated facts, basing them upon the weight of
evidence and upon his/her considered concept of the greatest good:
3. never be motivated by personal interest, nor use his/her influence to seek special
favors for himselfherself or for others.
4. realize that he is not infallible:
5. regularly review his/her own conclusions in the light of allobtainable information:
6. have the courage of well-founded conviction and democratic philosophy of life:
and

7. support his colleagues in their adherence to highest standards of profession integrity.

Crafting the Editorial: Suggestions for Students
1. Planning the Editorial
a. Decide what issue you will write about and clearly define the issue.
b. Consider who your intended audience will be (for example, it may be the
general readership or it may be directed at those who hold a particular view
that may or may not already have been expressed in the media or other
public forum).
c. Brainstorm a variety of strategies you can use to gain reader support
for your view on the issue. These might include acknowledgment of the
reader's current viewpoint, listing benefits of the view you are promoting,
providing reliable evidences and using sound reasoning.
d. Develop logical and ethical arguments; avoid purely emotional rhetoric.
Remember, you are not a priest to moralize the issue and just mainly attack
the emotion.

e. Conduct necessary research both to gather information about the audience

you are writing for and to collect evidence, examples and support for the
view you are promoting.
f. Develop an outline to follow before you begin writing.
2. Writing the Editorial
a. Follow the pattern and style of editorial writing. In most editorials, the
opinion of the writer is given near the beginning, followed by supporting
evidence and reasoning. This iscalled the direct approach.

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b. 1ne hrst person plural voice (we. our) is most comnon in editorial writing
and is appropriate in establishing the credibility of the
board.
C. State your opinion brieflyin the fashion of a
thesis statement. Remember to
Cxplain the issue objcctively as a reporter wouldand tell why this situation
is important.
d. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts. Then, refute
(reject) the other side and develop your case using facts,
quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic. details, figures,
e. Concede a point of the
opposition they must have some good points you
can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
f. Repcat key phrases to
reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
g. Give a realistic
solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond conmon
knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and proactive reaction.
h. Wrap itup in a concluding punch that
statemernt). restates your opening remark (thesis
Keep it to 300-500 words (for
Count. beginners like you) and make every word
j. Develop a strong
and to state your introductory statement to capture the
opinion. Use a logical sequence forreader's attention
arguments, and an effective conclusion to
reader.
presenting your
maximize the impact on the
Editorial Writing: ASample Structure
1. Start with the news
peg with an objective
The editorial lead, like in the explanation
of the issue or
up. However, it is not news story, is the showcase of the
controversy.
considered the heart of the story like in the news. write
paragraph is usually called the The first
news event or issue upon whichnews peg. A news peg is a brief
the editorial is based. statement about the
Included in the first
should be clear and concise.paragraph is your stand or your
reaction. Such reaction
against the new rule imposed For instance, you tell right away if you agree or are
Council. Give your position atbyonce the Supreme Student
in the first or Government or the Student
opt to continue the project of second paragraph whether you
your organization.
2. Present your
opposition first.
As the writer, you
(specifically those who oppose disagree with these viewpoints.
you). Use facts and ldentify the people
quotations to state objectively
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their opinions. You may opt to give a strong position of the opposition. You go:
nothing in refuting a weak position.
3. Directly refute the opposition's beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. Pull in other facts and quotations
from people who support your position. Concede a valid point of the opposition whit
will make you appcar rational, one who has considered all the options.
4. Give other original reasons or analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. Use
a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence.
5. 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. Arhetorical question
can be an effective concluder as well (example: If the government does not defend the
interests of children, who will?).

Some Techniques in Beginning the Editorial

Editorials are likened to a feature story whose beginning statement arrests the
interest of the readers. Remember that the introduction must contain enough "sparks" to
urge the readers to read the whole article. A flat, dulland dragging lead will readily tum
readers avway. It does not necessarily have to follow the traditional five W's and one H. The
editorial writer has more freedom to display his/hercreativity than the news writer in the
writing of the lead.
1. Emphatic statement or maxim
Example:
Life is unfair, but life is what we live for
2. A striking statement about the topic.
Example:
Zero-crimne rate. Peaceful. Safe. These are just sone of the epithets
attached to Batanes province.
3. A quotation
Example:
"Many are called, but few are chosen," so the Bible tells.
4. Narration
Example:
The 25" of4pril marked aseeminglyjobinterview ofthe Presidentiables
as they engaged in the third and last round of debate in Pangasina.

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5. An order
Example:
Stop media killings!
6. Aquestion
Example: clean the
Do you still remember when Rodrigo Duterte vowed to
country 's criminality in three to six months?

7. Poetic
Example: tossed
As the election nears, many Filipinos are still like small boats,
by the wind, yet innocent that halfa kilometer away is a waterfall that
may wallow them down to perpetual poverty. They need to say no to
vote buying.
8. Prophecy
Example:
up one
If we do not listen to the cry of Mother Earth, we will wake
morning wishing to live in Jupiter and Saturn.

9. Reaction
Example:
Never did we see the Student Council dip its finger in the issue of
amending the student manual.

10. Analogy
Example:
Likea stern bowl cleaner, the newly elected president of the Student
Council is trying to clean up the controversies attached to the
organization.

Some Techniques in Ending the Editorial

a punch to the readers. This part
As discussed, the last paragraph should give
encourage them tO act on an urgent issue, to take part in the call for a change or
should
In doing s0, you may use sonme techniques
to persuade them to approve your p0Sition.
like:

1. Proverb
Example: and safe haven. We must
Poonleook up to the home of the vatans as an honest
impression is lasting.
then prove that "first
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2. Quotation
Example:
If we think that education is expensive, let us take it from Will Durant who said,
"Education is a progressivediscovery of our own ignorance. Do you want to stay
ignorant?

3. Advice
Example:
We should startchanging our systemn. Let us dress up and vote.

Some Techniques in Persuasion

Editorial writers should master the craft of persuasive language to convince others
to agree with the publication's facts, to share its values, to accept its
argument and
conclusions and to adopt its way of thinking. There are many different ways to persuade
people. Here are some of the common techniques:

1. Appeals. One persuasive technique is appealing to the audience's emotions, fears,

need to protect their family, desire to fit in to be accepted, desire to protect animals
and the environment, pride in our country and others.

2. Evidence. Using evidence is very persuasive as it makes the reader see the editorial
writer as knowledgeable, thus, the argument is more logical or reliable. One
example of showing evidence is by providing statistics, expert opinions, research
findings and anecdotal evidence.

Example:
The latest study shows that 46.9% of women students marry at the age of 15-19.
(statistics)

Mr. Juan Pakleb, SSG president, revealed that the program aims only to
generate
funds. (statement from authority)
According to UP Population Analysts, the prime cause of over population is...
(statement from authorities)
3. Attacks. Attacks on opposing views or the people whohold them can persuade the
readers by portraying views and beliefs which are contrary to the editorial board's
contrition as foolish, dangerous, uncaring or deceitful. Using humor to make fun of
these views can be particularly persuasive. Note: it can offend or alienate audience
if overdone.

4 Rhetorical Questions. These are questions that do not require an answer. Thcy ar
asked for effect only. They engage the readers and encourage them to consider the

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ISSuc and accept the cditorial board's answer or imply that the answer is so obvious
that anyone who disagrees is foolish.
Example:
Do we nwant that we will only be the higher learning institution in the country which
does not change its opening of classes?
5. Cause and Effect. Arguments may claim that there is a cause-and-effect relationship
when really there is just a relationship, and other factors should be considered.
6. Connotations. The connotation is the emotional meaning associated with the
word. Persuasive editorial writers often choose their words carefully so that the
connotation suits their purpose. For example, "Kill" and "Slaughter both mean
the same thing, but the word "slaughter" has a different connotation to "kill," as
it causes the readers to imagine that the act was particularly horrific. Another are
words like health issue" vs. "health crisis" and terrorist" vs. "freedom fighter."
7. Analogy. This is a form of reasoning which compares one thing with another in
order to make a particular point.
Example:
School is like a prison, and students are like prisoners.
8. Generalizations. Make sweeping statements about a whole group, based on only
one or two members of that group. These can be persuasive if the readers believe the
generalization is appropriate but can also undermine argument if they do not. For
example, a teacher might see one or two teenagers cheating in class Sampaguita,
andwrite a letter to the editor claiming allstudents in class Sampaguita are cheaters
and cannot be trusted.

9. Humor. The use of humor, such as puns, irony, sarcasm, satire and jokes can be
persuasive by dismissing opposing views, providing a more engaging and friendly
tone, and sway an audience by having them enter into the joke. Example: Totally
Artraged' as a pun on "Totally Outraged' when talking about controversial art.
A writer may use "Malice in Wonderland as a pun on *Alice in Wonderland"
regarding some malicious issues in school.
10. Repetition. By repeating letters, words and phrases the author can reinforce an
argument and ensure thatthe point of view being made stays in the readers' mind.
Example:
Now is the time to amend the student manual. Now is the time to arrange the
students'system. Now is the time for student development. Yes, now is the time.
11. Hyperbole. The use of hyperbole emphasizes points by exaggerating. It can be
used to mock opposing opinions, as a shock-tactics technique or an appeal to fears.

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Example:
One presidentialcandidate said that when he becomes the President,every Filipino
will eat three times. Yes, with his record and background marred by corruption and
phunder cases, every Filipino might just eat three times...three times a week.
12. Alliteration and Assonance. The repetition of initial consonant sounds (alliteration)
or vowel sounds (assonance)adds emphasis to major points and makes them more
memorable.

13. Imagery and Figurative Language. The use of figurative language, metaphor
andsimile can paint aword picture for audience, making the point visually or may
appealto emotions. They can also make the editorial writer appear sophisticated or
well spoken.
Letters to the editor
They may be in response to something the newspaper has printed in an earlier
issue, or they may be in response to something going on in the school or local
community that is causing some concern. Sometimes the letter will prompt the editorial
staff to write a response if there is some sort of misunderstanding of facts. However,
in most cases, the letter writer should be given the opportunity to state his/her
opinion
without comment from the staff, even if the letter criticizes something that the
newspaper has done. The newspaper has had its say; now it is the readers' turn.
When readers submit letters, it is a healthy sign for the newspaper. That shows
they are actually reading the paper and are using the op-ed pages as they should be
used-as a public forum. If a controversy is stirred because of what appears in the
paper, that, too, is a healthy sign. That shows that the newspaper is causing readers to
think and to get involved.

Sample Editorial with Analysis

Vandals
The walls of Mavuyuk Slate College have a new coat of paint and are
clean. Whether they retain their present state of cleanliness derends alnost entirelprsenthy
on the
students.
The first spotsappeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and
scraping the soles of their shoes on them. Some students h°e dlso taken a peculiar delight
in making long pencil scrawls on the walls as they goto classes.
The Student Government Council revealed that 6 out l0
buildings are written with
nneceSsary statements. What willour visitors say?
According to an observant parent, MSCians, more than any other group of students.

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