A power point presentation on editorial writing

2. Directions: Identify whether each statement is true or false.
1. An editorial should present a balanced view of an issue, considering multiple
perspectives.
2. Editorial writing often includes personal opinions and biases of the author.
3. The primary purpose of an editorial is to inform readers about current
events rather than persuade them to take a specific stance.
4. Editorials typically follow a formal writing style, similar to news articles,
using objective language and avoiding emotive language.
5. It is acceptable for an editorial to include factual inaccuracies as long as
they support the author's argument.

50. An Editorial is usually written by the editor or one of
the writers on his or her behalf and it represents the
views of the newspaper.
What is an Editorial?

51. Other people’s opinions on the same subject or others
found in the editorial section.
Columns

52. Editorial stories have:
♦ Introduction, body, solution and conclusion
like other news stories.
♦ An objective explanation of the issue,
especially complex issues.
♦ A timely news angle.

53. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute
directly the same issues the writer addresses.
♦ Good editorials engage issues, not personalities,
and refrain from name calling or other petty tactics

54. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being
criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a
good editorial should take a proactive approach to
making the situation better by using constructive
criticism

55. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully
summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some
punch.

56. Types of editorial
Editorials of argument and persuasion take a firm
stand on a problem or condition. They attempt to
persuade the reader to think the same way.
This editorial often proposes a solution or advises
taking some definite action.

57. Editorials of information and interpretation attempt
to explain the meaning or significance of a situation
or news event. There is a wide variety of editorials in
this category, ranging from those which provide
background information to those which identify
issues.

58. Editorials of tribute, appreciation
or commendation praise a person
or an activity.

59. Editorials of entertainment have two categories. One
is the short humorous treatment of a light topic. The
second is a slightly satirical treatment of a serious
subject.
(Satire is the use of sarcasm or keen wit to denounce
abuses or follies. While it ridicules or makes fun of a
subject with the intent of improving it.)

60. ♣ Editorials are written according to a well-
established formula.
• Introduction ………state the problem
• Body ………………expresses an opinion
• Solution …………...offers a solution to the
problem

61. Intro:
Present the
problem or
situation
Take a stand!
Reason #1 for position
Reason #2 for
position
Reason #3 for
position
Present
a logical
solution
Recap
the
staff’s
stance
Opposing
Viewpoints
are
rebutted
Evidence
for
all
3
points

62. An effective formula for editorial writing is SPECS
• S tate the problem;
• P osition on the problem;
• E vidence to support the position;
• C onclusions : Who’s affected and how;
• S olutions to the problem: At least two

63. Tips in structuring your editorial
1. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the
Issue/Controversy.
 Include the five W's and the H. Pull in facts and
quotations from sources which are relevant.

64. 2.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.

65. 3. 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.

66. 4. Give Other, Original Reasons or Analogies.
In defense of your position, give reasons from
strong to strongest order. Use a literary or
cultural allusion that leads to your credibility and
perceived intelligence.

67. 5. 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.

68. Think of an opinion piece as a persuasive essay: the
writer has an opinion or a point of view on an issue
and he or she wants to convince the reader to agree.
This is not as easy as it may seem.

69. • You must research your topic and find out what’s happening
and what went on in the past.
• You must know the facts
and be able to refer
to them in your
argument.

70. Pretend you are a lawyer and you are making a case before a
jury. You will want to convince the members of the jury to
believe that your client is right . Therefore you need to present
as much
evidence as you can
that proves the point.

71. You can do the same when you write a column or editorial.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say you want to write an editorial supporting capital
punishment. You want to convince your readers that someone
who commits
murder should receive
a death sentence.

72. The first thing you have to do is start collecting the facts.
• When did Canada put an end to capital punishment? What
were the arguments used to do that?
• When did people start talking about re-introducing the death
penalty?
• What cases have prompted debate on this issue? What
examples can they find to support their argument for capital
punishment?

73. You must also consider the other side of the argument.
• What would people who oppose the death penalty say?
• How would they respond to their points?• start with a basic
premise or theme. • use facts and details to back up
your opinion and help you
make your case.

74. Leave your readers with a lasting impression -- a strong point
that will make them consider your point of view.
• Don’t need to preach to the reader. A good editorial will
make readers take notice of the situation and form their own
opinions on the issue.

75. Characteristics of an Editorial
Interesting, brief and forceful Clear and have moral purpose,
sound reasoning and power to influence public opinion.
Factual and provides pertinent information.

76. Planning the Editorial
1. Start with one specific idea as your topic for the editorial.
2. Establish a purpose well in mind.3. Gather sufficient data.4.
Run though your topic and develop fully.5. Have a definite
stand on controversial issues.6. Use logical reasoning and use
this to end your editorial.

77. Beginning the Editorial
• You can use the following:• A striking statement about the
topic.• A quotation• A narration• An order• A question• A
mixture of facts & opinion• A news peg

78. The Body
• Include in this part
- the editorial’s basic facts
- the causes and effects behind
- incidents and situations
- illustrations
- arguments

79. This part drives home a final important thought or direction. It
may be in the form of advice, challenge, command or just a
rounding out or a simple summary.
THE CONCLUSION

80. Possible topics for editorials and columns are almost endless
because everyone has an opinion on everything! They could
include:
♠ legal or political issues such as gun control or the country’s
economy, minority rights or international politics.
♠ issues facing people in your own community — such as a
decision to demolish a historic building or the controversy
surrounding a new law against skateboarding.

81. LOOK through stories in your daily paper.
☻Form your own opinions. Opinions are based on what you
have read and what you already know or believe.
Then you can put those views down in an editorial or column of
your own!

82. Your lead paragraph should set the correct
mood for your editorial. Write simply, directly and vigorously.
Know your facts and be sure
to stress a point. Be impersonal.
POINTERS IN WRITING THE EDITORIAL

83. Keep it brief. Delimit the topic to one specific idea. Maintain &
sustain your objectives in
writing the editorial Use the positive approach in writing the
editorial. State the problem or need. You can suggest solution
& give motivation for action.
POINTERS IN WRITING THE EDITORIAL

84. Pointers….(cont.)
Give it quality & freshness. Current topics have the tendency to
become monotonous & so a fresh treatment in your editorial
can make people have the interest to read it. Use catchy titles.
End the editorial appropriately.