Writing editorials and Opinion columns.

Ben Land

Types of Editorials

• Staff editorials and unsigned editorials are the most traditional.

• Reasons for writing editorials? – Editorials can be written to interpret the significance of

an event.– To criticize something– To commend someone or some group for an

achievement– and to advocate change and persuade readers that the

paper’s viewpoint is worthwhile.

Cont’d

• Editorials that criticize someone or something or identify a problem, will also propose solutions.

• With the power of writing an editorial you need to show responsibility.

Editorials connection

• Often times Editorials that interpret, explain, persuade, and advocate change will usually be tied to a topic that was found within the same issue of the paper.

• Why?– It defines terms and issues– Identifies people and factors– Provides background such as historical, cultural,

geographical, and pre-existing conditions– It is also the writers attempt to persuade the reader to a

certain side.

Cont’d

• When you write a Opinionated piece the whole idea is to get your readers to agree with your idea.

• Advocacy editorials – editorials that interpret, explain and persuade.

Advocacy Editorials

• Advocacy Editorials must be reasonable to be effective. Overstating a point, preaching or scolding can turn readers away.

• You want to put the point on the reader without overwhelming them with your opinion

Problem – Solution Editorial

• Another type of Editorial commonly found in newspapers is Problem-Solution editorials

• Also referred to as “editorial of criticism” this type of editorial is used when the staff wants to call attention to a problem or wishes to criticize someone's actions.

• Follow these steps when writing a Problem-Solution editorial

• 1. statement of the problem• 2. presentation of evidence (backing up the issue)• 3. conclusion with potential solutions.

How to criticize someone

• Criticism should be handled very carefully.• Its fair to criticize a person’s actions if they

have some impact on others• It is unfair to criticize a persons physical or

purely private actions.• Readers will discount allegations that aren’t

substantiated with proof or evidnce. • NO – name calling, offensive language, lying

Commendation Editorial

• A Commendation Editorial praise or pay tribute to someone or an organization that has preformed very successfully.

• Possible topics:– Retirement of a teacher– State sports championship – The death of a student– Academically excelling student.

Brief Editorial Comments

• 1 or 2 paragraph editorials can be very effective.

• When writing a shorter editorial you should only be making one point and show little background information and little evidence.

Editorial Short

• An Editorial short or quip is very short, some are just a few words and others a 2-3 sentences.

• Many times the editorial shorts are grouped together under a standing column.

• Editorial shorts are just like leaving comments on a article/video.

• Some papers label their shorts as either thumbs up or thumbs down, or cheers and jeers.

Editorial Cartoon

• An editorial cartoon is usually a strip rather than a single panel, the cartoonist can do whatever the editorial writer does – commend, criticize, interpret, persuade and entertain.

• Cartoons can stand alone or be connected with an editorial.

• The cartoon should be carefully drawn so the reader can quickly grasp the intended message.

Writing the editorial

• When writing an editorial it is important to do research. Data should be gathered, and opinions should be found and considered.

• An internet search and in-person or phone contact to gather information and opinions are both highly recommended.

• Editorials are divided into 3 parts1. the introduction2. The body or evidence3. The conclusion

Compare and Contrast Editorial vs. Opinion

• Major similarity – they are both opinion or subjective pieces.

• Differences – opinions are signed and are the direct opinions of one person– Opinion columns are less formal than most

editorials.– Columnist have more freedom to express their

ideas in a opinion article.