Writing Editorials and the Editorial Page - Review

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!