This document provides guidance on writing an editorial. An editorial is an opinion piece that discusses an issue from one perspective while acknowledging other viewpoints. It should include an introduction with a hook, a clear statement of opinion, and 2-3 supporting reasons. The body should have paragraphs for each reason, including 3 facts with explanations. The conclusion restates the opinion and reasons, and leaves the reader thinking. The document provides an example editorial arguing that fine arts are important in school curriculums because they make students smarter, give children positive activities, and build confidence.

1. Editorial Writing

2. EditorialAn article that states a person’s, or a newspaper’s, opinion on a particular issue. Basically, it is a persuasive essay on a researchable topic that has more than one view point.

3. Editorials allow you to… Discuss your opinion on an issue facing your school, community, or the worldPersuade the audience (with facts)

4. Talk to the reader - Be careful not to overdo - Using “I” or “you” in every sentence becomes repetitious and BORING

5. Introduction Hook – Grab the reader’s attentionClearly state opinion on the issueMention reasons (2-3) that support opinionBody Paragraph 1State reasonInclude 3 facts that support reasonInclude a tell more for each fact Body Paragraph 2State reasonInclude 3 facts that support reasonInclude a tell more for each fact ConclusionRestate opinion on issueRestate reasons that support opinionLeave the reader thinking (Persuade them to take action)

6. What issues interest you?

7. The INTRO of our Editorial“Fine arts are important in the curriculum because of what they do for learning,” stated Patty Taylor, arts consultant for the California State Department of Education. In other words, the arts, especially music, should be part of every school’s curriculum at every grade level. Music makes students smarter, gives children something positive to do, and builds self-confidence. Most students don’t have a chance to learn music outside of school, and everyone deserves that opportunity.HOOKOPINION REASONSWriting sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/

8. The BODY of our EditorialThe reasons why you are taking your standbecome the body paragraphs.Music makes students smarter.Music gives children something positive to do.Music builds self-confidence.

9. The BODY needs Facts Support your arguments with facts and tell mores.Students would be much smarter if they had some music experience. 1They would improve their classroom skills, like paying attention, following directions, and participating without interrupting. People develop all these skills when they learn music.2 Musicians are also better in math, and they get higher S.A.T. scores. For instance, a study by the College Entrance Examination Board reported, “Students with 20 units of arts and music scored 128 points higher on the S.A.T. verbal and 118 points higher in math.”Writing sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/

10. The CONCLUSION of our Editorial REASONSOnce again, music is important because it can make children better students, give them something positive to do, and build their character. Unfortunately, the children who need music lessons the most usually don’t have access to them outside of school. That is why music should be offered in every single grade in every school.LEAVE READER THINKINGOPINIONWriting sample courtesy of http://www.thewritesource.com/studentmodels/