EDITORIALS

Writer’s Craft Online Journalism Unit

What is an Editorial?

a piece of writing used to express an opinion or reaction to timely news, an event, or an issue of concern

Purpose of an Editorial:

to persuade • the writer takes a firm stand on an

issue/ problem and tries to influence readers to think the same way or to take specific action

Purpose of an Editorial:

to inform• the writer gives careful explanations

about a complicated issue• the writer interprets an issue and

attempts to explain its meaning or significance

Purpose of an Editorial:

to promote• the writer supports a worthy activity

and encourages the reader to get involved

Purpose of an Editorial:

to entertain• the writer entertains the reader about

an important issue

to praise• the writer praises or gives tribute to a

person or an event

Steps to Writing an Editorial:

1. Choose a topic

● what’s important?o choose something YOU are interested/ invested in

● what’s current?o deal with a current issue which is affecting many

readers

● what’s possible?o limit the topic to something manageable

Steps to Writing an Editorial:

2. Collect information and research about your topic

● facts, evidence, written statements from sources or authorities in the subject, comparisons to similar situations, pictures or images, etc.

Steps to Writing an Editorial:

3. Write the editorial

● what’s the purpose of you editorial?

o define how your topic is relevant to your readers

o decide how you will appeal to your readers

Format:

Lead

o how will you get the reader’s attention?

Format:

Introduction

o explain the issue• summarize the key points surrounding the

issue• state the problem and propose a tentative

solution

o state your opinion about the topic

Format:

Body

o concede the opposite viewpoint• briefly discuss the strongest argument against

your viewpoint, and recognize its validity

o support your viewpoint• develop your case using facts, details,

examples, quotations, reasons, etc.• consider organizing you supporting arguments

weakest to strongest

Format:

Conclusion

o restate your opinion

o end forcefully• assess all evidence and offer a realistic

solution to the problem/ a call to action/ a vision for the future/ ‘food for thought’, etc.

Audience:

how do I decide who to write for?o consider communicating with people who have

the power to do something with your information/ that care about your cause

your audience controls what you write and how you write ito knowing your audience will impact the level of

language, style, tone, sentence structure, vocabulary, and content of your writing

Tone:

determined largely by …– purpose and audience

can …– convey a mood, attitude, or emotion

is my tone applicable?– be sure your tone is applicable to the topic and

not unnecessarily mild or harsh

Tone:

your title and first sentences are very important as they set up the tone for your entire piece; in fact, they will determine if a reader keeps reading or stops

o the tone of your piece will determine if the piece is well-written or not; if the piece is appropriate or not; if the piece is successful or not

Voice:

is the unique way you use …– language

gives the reader a sense of …– the person behind the words

is based on …– choices you make, your angle of vision, your word

choice, the way you order ideas, the sound of the piece, etc.

Writing Tips:

use specific vocabulary – don’t make false generalizationso be specific in saying exactly what you

mean and choose your words carefullydon’t use words such as always or neverwords such as seem, feel, believe, or should

will often be used

talk plainlyo simplify expressions

Writing Tips:

don’t use acronyms or abbreviations without explaining them

be brief and directo short structured paragraphs further the

argument

repeat key phrases to reinforce your main points

Writing Tips:

limit the number of questions you ask; your task is to answer questions

do not preach

be honest and accurate

Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Editorial

http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/montgomery/sandiegowatershed/how_to_write_an_editorial.htm

http://www.health.wits.ac.za/therapeutic_sciences/Guidelines.editorial2000.doc

http://www.courses.rochester.edu/brickman/cas105/Editorial.html

http://www.k12albemarle.org/albemarleHS/ClassPages/shepard/WebQuest/WritingEditorials.htm

http://home.pacific.net.au/~greg.hub/success.html

http://members.aol.com/ddpattison/tone.html

http://www.csus.edu/Engl/tone.htm

http://www.music.miami.edu/research/writing/topic.html