3. An editorial is 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
business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same
manner of 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.
4. 1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues
the writer addresses
5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner.
Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling
or other petty tactics of persuasion.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe
about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making
the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion.
Give it some punch.
5. 1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way
the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may
explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive.
2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations
while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers
to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem.
From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action.
Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well.
They are not as common as the other three.
An Editorial will:
6. 1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations.
Pick apart the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge
that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge.
Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"
