EDITORIAL WRITING
Editorial- An article that presents the newspaper’s opinion on an issue.
• It is like a persuasive essay.
• It is an opinionated news story.
• It is a comprehensive presentation of a certain viewpoint.
TYPES OF EDITORIAL
Criticize
It the editorial criticizes, it should always be constructive.
Emphasize the positive side about what you are criticizing, or your readers will not trust
you.
If you criticize, you have an obligation to offer an alternative solution or course of
action.
Inform/Explain
Editorials that explain are somewhat like expository essays.
They attempt to interpret or inform rather than to argue a point of view.
The only expression of opinion comes in the interpretation of the facts.
Persuade/ Provides Solution
Generally, editorials that persuade offer specific solutions to a perceived problem.
They expect immediate action rather than the understanding of a situation.
A persuasive editorial can provide leadership in bringing about changes in school policy or in
student behavior.
Praise/ Command
If the editorial praises, there should be specific reasons for doing so.
Perhaps an organization or individual has gone above and beyond the call of duty and the staff
feels there should be some recognition.
EDITORIAL- 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 writers.
The official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue. It is a personal commentary
written by the editor who comments or gives insights about a news or the staffs opinions about
various aspects on an issue which is of public interest and importance to the public.
It involves a critical interpretation of significant, usually comtemporary events so that the
readers will be informed, influenced, or entertained.
An editorial must be accompanied by an editorial cartoon.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD EDITORIAL Jeffrey Reddrick
1. Interest- Be sure that a commoner can relate to the topic.
2. Brevity- Presents facts and not purely opinions. Present only one stand. Avoid wordiness.
3. Force- It must have clearness of style, moral purpose and sound reasoning.
PARTS OF EDITORIAL WRITING
1. Title- title must be striking enough to arouse the readers interest. It may also give the gist of the
content.
2. Lead- a lead paragraph (sometimes shortened to lead; in the United States sometimes spelled
(lede) is the opening paragraph/s of an article, essay, book chapter, or other written work that
summarizes its main ideas.
CHOICES OF STARTING A LEAD
• Rhetorical Question
• Quotation
• Narration
• Remarks about the topic
• Order
• Prophecy
• Reaction
3. Body- body It is the middle paragraphs in an editorial. It can consists of a maximum of four
paragraphs. This is the part where you will arrange your facts and arguments, cite data, present
accurate details to bolter the opinion or principle of the newspaper on the given issue.
The following are the components that a body must contain:
arguments of the opposing side (with complete details and objective presentation), after
presenting this, refute it.
arguments supporting the thesis statement: stand.
evidence supporting each of your argument.
4. Conclusion - conclusion must have these two components: realistic solutions that an author can
offer punch or an impactful end reflecting the thesis statement.
DIFFERENT TECHNIQUES IN WRITING AN EFFECTIVE EDITORIAL
Simple Style
Avoid high fallutin’ words
Learn to develop a simple, clear, direct and vigorous style of writing.
Choose words that will accurately describe or explain a point or issue.
Sound Reasoning
Support arguments with the right facts SOUND REASONING
Logical thinking shows the writer’s competence
Cluttered ideas and unsubstantiated arguments
One-Editorial, One-Point Rule
Focus on a theme ONE-EDITORIAL, ONE-POINT RULE
Several points confuse the readers
Always have one point to convey to the readers
Be Specific
Use concrete facts and figures not general ideas, terms or statements BE SPECIFIC
Hazy and broad, generalizations do not impress
DRAFTING: WRITING THE FIRSTDRAFT Editorials usually have three parts:
The beginning
The body
The conclusion
AFTER WRITING THE DRAFT
✓Revise your work.
✓Add action and clarity to writing
✓Reread your draft carefully
✓Focus sentences through parallelism and translation
✓Rethink, reevaluate and rewrite
✓Use transitions
✓Move sentences
✓Add words and phrases
AFTER WRITING THE DRAFT
■ Proofreading and Editing
-Concentrate on surface features of your writing
-Check for clarity
-Check for errors in grammar, punctuation, mechanics and spelling
■ Publishing
-Prepare copy for print, broadcast or electronic media
-Follow style sheet
-Choosing a way to present your work:
• Print
• Broadcast
• Electronic Media
