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H I - L I G H T S I
Writing Editorials and the
Editorial Page -
Editorials – the voice of the newspaper
Besides reviews, the editorial
pages are stories that should
contain the author’s opinions!
Historically, students told not to
editorialize on school or other
politics; today, this is no longer
the case.
Editorials must be responsible
in order to maintain the
publication’s credibility.
You should know . . . What components are included in an editorial page
– staff editorial (we), editorial columns, cartoons,
letters to the editor, opinion features
Staff editorial vs. editorial column
Staff editorial = voice of the paper (we)
Editorial column = voice of the writer (I)
Types of editorial columns:
Profile – like the personality feature, but writer can draw conclusions – “an outstanding sports record”
Entertainment – movie, CD, concert, restaurant reviews
In-the-clubs and Names-in-the-news columns – usually offer praise
Q and A
Satirical, humorous, philosophical – popular, but should make a point
other editorials
Opinion features – writer expresses opinions, draws
conclusion; “what do you think of new food policy?”
Point-Coutnerpoint – different views on same topic
Mini-torial – usually 1-2 sentences, gets the point
across quickly, often humorous but conveys serious
message.
Editorials – the voice of the newspaper
Need for research is especially important to present an informed, intelligent viewpoint.
Generally, editorials should be about 200-750 words
Longer editorials can be guilty of overkill –readership drops!
Functions/Types of Editorials . . .
Explain
Persuade
Answer
Warn
Briefly comment
Regularly comment
Praise
Criticize
Entertain
Lead
IMPORTANT!
When writing any type of editorial (especially one that
criticizes), you must be sure to have researched
thoroughly!
Address both sides of a situation!
Concede points to the opposition
“While it’s true that x is the case, . . . ”
“X has been helpful in y, but . . .”
When necessary, attribute sources (statistics, quotes,
opinions of others)
If your point is not clear and well supported, people will
not take the editorial seriously.
Writing the editorial . . .
Research, then write clearly, concisely with simple
wording
Get the reader’s attention with important issue, then
keep them with you so they take your point seriously
The four parts of an editorial
Most common, but not present in all editorials:
Introduction
Reaction
Details
Conclusion
Parts of an editorial – Introduction
Introduction – statement of background that
introduces the topic. Don’t assume the reader
already knows the basics
The introduction should not include opinion!
Parts of an editorial - Reaction
Reaction - an opinion stating your position
Establish directly after the lead!
This is where opinions begin and you may use
first person
However, it’s stronger to make statements without “I”
Instead of: “I believe Wisconsin should adopt the four day
school week.”
Use “Wisconsin should adopt the four day school week.”
facts/details to support the opinions
The more verifiable facts and statistics, the more
convincing
DO NOT use direct quotes as freely as in
news/features
Instead of: “We have closed campus because of our
limited lunch time,” said Mr. Mella.
Use: Administration cites limited lunch time to support its
closed campus policy.
You must cite any sources of statistics or
information you needed to look up to support
your argument.
Parts of an editorial - Support
Attribution is absolutely necessary – to avoid
plagiarism and to add credibility
Attribution shows that you’ve researched and
thoroughly considered the topic.
Consider legitimacy of your sources –
About.com, wikipedia.org, smokingkills.org,
white house press release
Parts of an editorial - Support
suggestions for dealing with the topic
alternatives (crucial for editorials that criticize),
direction, and restatement of writer’s position
Don’t start off with “In conclusion” . . .
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Parts of an editorial - Conclusion
editorial writing guidelines
Be brief
Be concise
Come to the point quickly
Be sincere
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Don’t preach – persuade
Avoid gossip
Admit errors – don’t be afraid to change positions
If you choose controversial topic, RESEARCH, then have several people read your work before publishing – if it comes across as whiny or one-sided, people won’t take it seriously
editorial writing guidelines
No one likes weak or unfair editorials –use judgment and don’t neglect opposing viewpoints
Letter to the editor section gives public a chance to reply.
Be sure your work can withstand arguments without a battle of counter letters and editorials
Textbook says don’t use “I” but use “we” and “you” . . . but Hi-Lights publishes first person singular editorials
REMEMBER!!!!!
As in most newspaper writing . . .
Avoid at all costs in all other types of stories! Use
sparingly (if at all) in editorials!