Editorial Writing

“An editorial is a battlefield of arguments and a warzone of evidences.” -Ferdinand Bulusan

Editorial
 The official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue
 It is a personal commentary written by any of the editors who comments or gives the newspapers’ or the
staff’s opinion about various aspects of an issue.
 It is a critical interpretation of significant, usually contemporary events so that the readers will be informed,
influenced, or entertained.

Characteristics of an Editorial
1. It follows a pattern.
 An editorial is an essay like a feature story. This means that the editorial article should bear an
introduction, body, and conclusion.
2. It simplifies an issue.
 An editorial is an objective explanation of the hottest issue within the coverage of the paper’s
release. Hence, it usually simplifies complex issues by eliminating extraneous parts of the news. In
other words, it puts the news in its proper perspective.
3. It provides opinion from the opposing viewpoints.
 Although an editorial showcases a stand of the paper, it attempts to be objective by presenting views
that refute directly the same issues the group addresses.
4. It shows evidence delivered in a professional and formal manner.
 Formality encompasses the use of the language and the style of argumentation. Good editorials
engage issues, not personalities. Editorial writing is direct to the point and yields a serious tone.
5. It offers alternative solutions.
 One prime function of editorials is to effectuate change in other’s beliefs and stands. The editorial
does this by offering a suggestion to remedy the problem or issue being criticized. A good editorial
should take a proactive approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and
giving solutions.
6. It proffers a solid and concise conclusion.
 Towards the end of the editorial often lies the powerfully summarized opinion. In other words, it
gives the readers and 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
issue 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’s stand.
4. Praise
 Editorials are also used to commend people and organizations for having contributed something to
champion progress, development, and peace.
Types of Editorial
1. Editorial of Interpretation.
 To put the news in its proper perspective
 The paper may take a neutral stand on the specified issue and may give the responsibility of choosing
a side to the readers themselves.
2. Editorial of Criticism
 Points out the faults in a situation or in an issue mentioned in a news
 It uses a scientific method by defining the problem, examining the evidence available, and then,
perhaps suggesting a solution.
3. Editorial of Argumentation or Persuasion
 The most common type, usually used in dailies
 Follows the principles of argumentation and debate
 It takes a stand on a controversial issue and tries to convince the reader to adopt this stand
4. Editorial of Commendation or Tribute
 Praise a worthy deed done by a person or by an institution,
 The paper should qualify the tribute and therefore see that such contribution impacts on the lives of
the reading public or the academic community.
5. Editorial of Entertainment
 Discuss issues lightly but often have a serious point gently and subtly suggested and sometimes
satirically
6. Editorial of Crusade
 Endorses a thought or course of action
 It promotes a concept, and idea or an advocacy. This is also called campaign editorial.

Editorial Structure
 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
Title
(clearly identifies the topic)
Introduction
(writer’s view on the issue)
Body
(provides supporting evidence and examples)
Conclusion
(restates the writer’s view and provides a final appeal
for the reader with agree to that view)
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.
c. Brainstorm a variety of strategies you can use to gain reader support for your view on the issues. These
might include acknowledgment of the reader’s current viewpoint, listing the benefits of the view you
are promoting, providing reliable evidence, and using sound reasoning.
d. Develop logical and ethical arguments; avoid purely emotional rhetoric. Remember, you are not a priest
to moralize the issues 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. This is called the direct approach.
b. The first-person plural voice (we, our) is most common in editorial writing and is appropriate is
establishing the credibility of the board.
c. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement. Remember to explain the issue objectively
as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important.
d. Give the opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts. Then, refute (reject) the other side and
develop your case using facts, details, figures, and quotations. Pick apart the other side’s logic.
e. Concede a point of the opposition—they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would
make you look rational.
f. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea in the reader’s mind.
g. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
h. Keep it to 300-500 words (for beginners) and make every word count.
i. Develop a strong introductory statement to capture the reader’s attention and to state your opinion.
Use a logical sequence for presenting your arguments, and an effective conclusion to maximize the
impact on the reader.

Editorial Writing: A Sample Structure

1. Start with the news peg with an objective explanation of the issue or controversy.
 The editorial lead, like in the new story, is the showcase of the write-up. However, it is not considered the
heart of the story like in the news.
 The first paragraph is usually called the news peg. A news peg is a brief statement about the news event
or issue upon which the editorial is based.
 Included in the first paragraph is your stand or reaction. Such reaction should be clear and concise.
2. Present your opposition first.
 As a writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically those who oppose you).
Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions. You may opt to give a strong position of the
opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
3. Directly refute the opposition’s belief.
 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 which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all
the options.
4. Give other original reason 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 from a respected source.
 A rhetorical question can be effective concluder.
Ex. 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, dull and dragging lead will readily turn readers away.
 It does not necessarily have to follow the traditional five W’s and one H. The editorial writer has more
freedom to display his/her creativity 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-crime rate. Peaceful. Safe. These are just some 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 25th of April marked a seemingly job interview of the Presidentiables as they engaged in the third and
last round of debate in Pangasinan.

5. An order
Example:
Stop media killings!

6. A question
Example:
Do you still remember when Rodrigo Duterte vowed to clean the country’s criminality in three to six
months?

7. Poetic
Example:
As the election nears, many Filipinos are still like small boats, tossed by the wind, yet innocent that half a
kilometer aways is a waterfall that may wallow them down to perpetual poverty. They need to say no to
vote buying.

8. Prophecy
Example:
If we do not listen to the cry of Mother Earth, we will wake up one 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:
Like a 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
 The last paragraph should give a punch to the readers. This part should encourage them to act on an urgent
issue, to take part in the call for change or to persuade them to approve your position.

1. Proverb
Example:
People look up to the home of the Ivatans as an honest and safe haven. We must then prove that “first
impression is lasting.”

2. Quotation
Example:
If we think that education is expensive, let us take it from Will Durant who said, “Education is a progressive
discovery of our own ignorance.”

3. Advice
Example:
We should start changing our system. 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. Jaun Pakleb, SSG president, revealed that the program aims only to generate funds.
(statement from authority)

According to UP Population Analysis, the prime cause of over population is….

(statement from authorities)

3. Attacks – Attacks on opposing views or the people who hold 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.
Noted: It can offend or alienate audience if overdone.

4. Rhetorical Questions – These are questions that do not require an answer. They are asked for effect only.
They engage the readers and encourage them to consider the issue and accept the editorial board’s answer
or imply that the answer is so obvious that anyone who disagree is foolish.
Example:
Do we want 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.
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
• “health issue” vs. “health crisis”
• “terrorist” vs “freedom fighter”

7. Analogy – This is a form of reasoning which compares one thiong with another in order to make a
particular point.
Example:
School is like a prison, and students are like prisoners.

8. Generalization – Make a sweeping statement about a whole group, based 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.

9. Humor – The use of humor, such as ouns, 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
• “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
that the 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.
Example:
One presidential candidate said that when he becomes the President, every Filipino will eat three times.
Yes, with his record and background marred by corruption and plunder cases, every Filipino might just eat
three times…three times a week.

12. Imagery and Figurative Language – The use of figurative language, metaphor and simile can paint a word
picture for audience, making the pint visually or may appeal to emotion. They can also make the editorial
write appear sophisticated or well spoken.

Source: Campus Journalism within Your Reach by Ferdinand Bulusan