Writing the Editorial(Paano maging judgmental sa legal na paraan)

Editorial definedAn editorial is the official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue.

It is a personal commentary written by any of the editors who comments or gives the newspapers opinion about various aspects on an issue which is of interest and importance to the public.

It is a critical interpretation of significant, usually contemporary events so that readers will be informed, influenced or entertained.

Characteristics of a Good Editorial

EDITORIALInterest, brevity, force (Reddick)

Clearness of style, moral purpose,

sound reasoning, power to influence

public opinion (Spears and Lawshe)

Lead logically to a conclusion, present only one idea, avoid wordiness, present facts and not mere

opinion

What to find in the editorial section

EDITORIAL COLUMN

An individual commentary of a columnist

EDITORIAL CARTOON

A graphic illustration/sketch that, like the top editorial, comments on an important

issue

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Sent to the staff by an outsider to complain or appreciate

GUEST EDITORIAL

Sent in by an authority on any topic useful to the reader,

especially on values, education, or morality

EDITORIAL PROPER

The No. 1 editorial usually based on the banner news or an existing issue that should be discussed and solved right

away

Types of editorials Editorial of information

It seeks to give information on facts unknown to the reader. It restates the facts of news stories or adds facts with minimum explanation.

It may define terms, identify persons or factors or provide a background.

Editorial of interpretation

It explains the significance or meaning of a news event, current idea, condition or situation, theory or hypothesis. The writer doesn’t argue or criticize, but merely presents both sides of an issue and leaves the judgment to the reader.

Editorial of criticism

It points out the good or the bad features of a problem or situation mentioned in the news. Its purpose is to influence the reader. It suggests a solution at the end.

Editorial of commendation, appreciation or tribute

It praises, commends, or pays tribute to a person or organization that has performed some worthwhile projects or deeds, or accomplishments.

Editorial of argumentation

This is oftentimes called editorial of persuasion. The editor argues in order to convince or persuade the reader to accept his stand on the issue.

Editorial of entertainment

It evokes a smile, a chuckle, laughter, while suggesting truth. Its main aim is to entertain. It is usually short.

Mood editorial

It represents a philosophy rather than an argument or an explanation. Oftentimes, the subject matter is nature or emotion.

Special occasion

It explains the significance of a special day or occasion.

Pooled editorial

The consensus stand or position of several editors from different schools on a common issue or problem published in their respective school papers at the same time.

Guest editorial

Opinion sent to the staff by an authority on a particular topic – educational, political, religious, or moral

Letter to the editor

Sent by an outsider to the staff, either praising or complaining.

Other editorial beginnings A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to

be discussed. A question which calls attention to give an idea about the problem, or point

out the logical development of the topic. A striking statement which jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of

the reader. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.

EDITORIAL POLICIES Editorial policies vary from one newspaper to the other.

Philippine Star

Manila Bulletin

Manila Standard, Daily Tribune, Manila Times

People’s Journal

ASSIGNMENT Spread world peace until next week. Make an analysis of San Goku’s superpowers and love life Normalize the climate until Monday. Make a monitoring report on it. Ask your parents to increase your allowance. Prepare a two-page proposal.

ASSIGNMENT Clip and identify samples of the various kinds of editorial. Evaluate the editorials based on the criteria studied. Study editorials from exchanges, and note down samples of moralizing and

preaching. Clip and mount samples of strongly worded sentences in editorials and

columns.

Paste editorial samples on short bond paper. Encode your evaluation (150-200 words). Font size: 11; Font style: Calibri

10 individuals per group