The document provides guidelines for writing editorials. It discusses the structure of editorials, including introducing the topic in the opening paragraph, providing opinions and supporting facts in the body, and restating the main point in the conclusion. It also gives tips for writing editorials, such as focusing on one topic, making your viewpoint clear, using concrete examples, and leaving something for the reader to consider. Editorials should be based on reported news and strive to show how the issue directly affects readers, while avoiding personal attacks.

1. Structure
 Editorials are written in a simple, direct and persuasive language. Generally
they should run about 12". Longer editorials must be approved by the editorial
board.
 The editorial opens with power and closes with purpose. Begin with a premise
or strongly worded opinion then wrap up with a conclusion that restates the
premise. If the reader has to wonder about or search for the editorial writer’s
opinion, then the piece is not a success.
 In the body, provide facts, information and statistics to support your premise.
You may pull broadly from past news stories. Provide facts, supporting
material. The facts (evidence) should be as complete as possible in the space
allowed. Avoid repeating arguments in the body, even if using different
language.
 The strongest editorials acknowledge the opposing viewpoint, then use sound
reason to refute it. No issue is black and white, and the informed editorial
writer will note the merit of the opposition’s views.
 Finish with a conclusion that restates the premise. When the editorial includes
criticism, the writer should provide a solution or a plea for reader action.

2. III. Structure of an Editorial
Editorials are written according to a well-established formula.
Introduction -the beginning paragraph that contains the
news upon which the editorial is based. It states the event
or topic to give the readers an understanding of the news to
be illustrated.

3. Body - it contains the writer’s opinion or viewpoint. It
builds up the case through a logical arrangement of
ideas. It maybe made up of three or four paragraphs.
Conclusion - is the last part that either summarizes or
drives home the point. It ties up the ideas given in the
news peg and in the body.

4.  Present Your Opposition First. As the writer you
disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people
(specifically who oppose you). Use facts and
quotations to state objectively their opinions. Give a
strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in
refuting a weak position
Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs. You can
begin your article with transition. Pull in other facts
and quotations from people who support your
position. Concede a valid point of the opposition
which will make you appear rational, one who has
considered all the options.

5. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies. In defense of your
position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. Use a
literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and
perceived intelligence.
Conclude With Some Punch. Give solutions to the problem
or challenge the reader to be informed.
A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected
source. A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder
as well. While it ridicules or makes fun of a subject with the
intent of improving it.

6. Tips in Writing Editorial:
1.)Have a complete grasp of the news you would like to
comment on.
2.)Stay focus on one topic, don’t miss it.
3.)Make your purpose clear.
4.)Win the reader’s interest with an attractive, thought-
provoking news peg.
5.)Make your viewpoint clear by presenting ideas logically.

7. 6.)Avoid preaching/scolding/dogmatic styles.
7.)Keep your editorial short, that is around 250-350 words.
8.)Avoid the first person I. Instead, use we or the name of the
newspaper.
9.)Be specific. Avoid generalizations. Use concrete examples,
comparisons and contrast or analogous situations. If possible,
quote sources of facts.
10.)Have an appropriate ending, one that leaves something for
the reader to think about.

8. 10.)Have an appropriate ending, one that leaves something for the reader to
think about.
11.)Since editorials are made up of paragraphs, the mechanics of paragraph
writing should be observed, too. These are unity, coherence and emphasis.
12.)Avoid “going around the bush”. Be direct and simple. The simple
sentence is still the most beautiful style.
13.)Again, avoid common faults like preaching, broad generalizations, long
winded explanation, wordiness, lack of sincerity and holier-than-thou-art
attitude.
14.)Say your opinion directly in the lead in one sentence or more.
15.)The ending should be clear. Indicate if you agree or disagree.

9. A Sample Structure
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the
Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W's and the H. (Members of Congress, in
effort to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from
public television. Hearings were held …)
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are
relevant.
Additional research may be necessary.

10. II. Present Your Opposition First.
As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify
the people (specifically who oppose you. (Republicans feel
that these cuts are necessary; other cable stations can pick
them; only the rich watch public television.)
Use facts and quotations to state objectively their
opinions.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain
nothing in refuting a weak position.

11. III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition.
(Republicans believe public televison is a "sandbox for
the rich." However, statistics show most people who
watch public television make less than $40,000 per
year.)
Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support
your position.
Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you
appear rational, one who has considered all the options
(fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding
for the arts; however, …).

12. IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to
strongest order. (Taking money away from public
television is robbing children of their education …)
Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your
credibility and perceived intelligence (We should
render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)

13. V. Conclude With Some Punch.
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed.
(Congress should look to where real wastes exist — perhaps in defense and
entitlements — to find ways to save money. Digging into public
television's pocket hurts us all.)
A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected
source
A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well
(If the government doesn't defend the interests of children,
who will?)

14. IV. Guidelines for Editorials

15.  Editorials should be based on campus developments that already have been reported
in the news column of The Channels. To do otherwise makes the editorial column the
vehicle of reporting, and that is not its function; its function is analysis, comment,
and opinion. An editorial may, when odd publication dates require it, appear
simultaneously with a news story on which it comments.
 Remember who you are writing for and explain everything. Make sure you briefly
restate the issues you are opining about. Expect that readers know nothing about the
issue.
 Strive to show how the editorial subject will directly affects the reader.
 As with all good writing, avoid overgeneralizations and assumptions. Follow same
rules as reporting when it comes to libel and use of language. Be careful. Always take
the high road. No personal attacks or mean-spirited attacks.

16.  A cartoon should be assigned to illustrate the theme of the editorial.
 Editorials should include praise as commonly as attack or criticism.
 Beforehand, someone should ask: “Who will the editorial hurt?” or
“Who will protest vigorously?” Ponder the responses and be
prepared to face the consequences.
 Can you stand the heat? If not, get out of the kitchen! Don't write
editorials unless you're able to stand criticism. Every sentence and in
many cases, every word, must stand on its own.