The document provides an overview of editorial writing and the key components and purposes of an editorial. It defines editorials as the expression of a newspaper's opinion on important issues to influence readers. The document also classifies different types of editorials and outlines their characteristics, parts, and tips for writing effective editorials such as using facts, examples, and statistics to build an argument.
The document provides an overview of editorial writing and the key components and purposes of an editorial. It defines editorials as the expression of a newspaper's opinion on important issues to influence readers. The document also classifies different types of editorials and outlines their characteristics, parts, and tips for writing effective editorials such as using facts, examples, and statistics to build an argument.
The document provides an overview of editorial writing and the key components and purposes of an editorial. It defines editorials as the expression of a newspaper's opinion on important issues to influence readers. The document also classifies different types of editorials and outlines their characteristics, parts, and tips for writing effective editorials such as using facts, examples, and statistics to build an argument.
The document provides an overview of editorial writing and the key components and purposes of an editorial. It defines editorials as the expression of a newspaper's opinion on important issues to influence readers. The document also classifies different types of editorials and outlines their characteristics, parts, and tips for writing effective editorials such as using facts, examples, and statistics to build an argument.
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Editorial Writing
Lecture notes on Campus Journalism
Prepared and Presented by: Sir Pros R. Bonifacio Introduction The editorial page is the one page where a paper tries to tell its readers what to do and what to think. It is a powerful instrument that should be used with special care for accuracy and with courage. The editorial is known as the ‘soul’ of the paper. The Editorial The main function of the editorial is to serve as the mouthpiece of the paper. The editorial is the expression of the opinion of the newspaper on an issue which is of interest and importance to the readers. It is an analytical interpretation of significant and timely issues. It expresses the stand of the paper on a controversial issue of the day. The Editorial M. Lyle Spencer, a former president of the University of Washington, defines editorial as a “presentation of facts and opinions in a concise, pleasing order for the sake of influencing opinion, entertaining, paying tribute or praise, or interpreting significant news in such a way that its importance to the average reader will be clear.” The Editorial From the definition of Spencer, the purposes of the editorial are: 1. To influence opinion 2. To entertain 3. To pay tribute or praise 4. To interpret or explain significant news Classification of Editorials Argumentative / Editorial of Criticism – This points out the positive/negative features of the issue / news and explains what should be done about it. The objective is to influence the reader. The writer states the problem, examine all evidences available, and then suggest a solution. To write an editorial is a privilege but a great responsibility. The logic must be sound; motives beyond reproach; style – powerful and persuasive. The editorial writer must be void of biases and prejudices. Classification of Editorials Suggested topics: The Remedial Reading Program Student Violations of School Regulations/Policies Ineffectiveness of the Student Government Students’ absences / attendance policies Student Representation in the Local School Board Unnecessary suspension of classes because of seminars of teachers Classification of Editorials 2. Editorial of Entertainment – (Human Interest) – It takes for its subject a topic of student life outside the school such as; Fads and Fashion The Weather Cheering in Athletic Meet Personality sketch of the old janitor but not daring to retire because he has to feed a big family Classification of Editorials 3. Editorial of Appreciation, Commendation, or Tribute – It praises, commends, or pays tribute to persons or organizations for as successful undertaking bringing honor to the school. Suggested topics: A Retiring School Employee Outstanding Performance in a Contest Winning the Championship crown by the school’s varsity Death of a Teacher Classification of Editorials 4. Editorial of Interpretation – It explains the significance of a news event. It is peg on the news/issue. Suggested topics: Lengthening elementary school term from 6 years to 7 years The Establishment of a Remedial Reading Program The Launching of a new school curriculum The involvement of the school paper in youth activities/programs/campaigns Characteristics of an Editorial • It must be interesting, brief, and forceful. • It must be clear and must have a moral purpose, sound reasoning, and the power to solicit public opinion. • It must be factual and provide pertinent information. • It must be concise – 250 to 300 words, four – five paragraphs Parts of an editorial The Introduction – It is the beginning paragraph. It may contain the news upon which the editorial is based, in which case, it is called the news peg. The Body - The facts about the news or issue including the paper’s opinion or viewpoint are contained in the body. The case is built up through a logical arrangement of ideas supported by facts. The body maybe made up of three to four paragraphs. Parts of an editorial • The Conclusion - This is the last part. It may summarize or drive home the point. It ties up the ideas and arguments presented in the body. This is sometimes known as clincher. At present , we are now seeing editorials that do not have formal conclusion. They leave the decision to the reader after stating the problem, pointing out the good and the bad and raising questions. Parts of an editorial The conclusion maybe written in the form of a A suggestion – The business sector would do well to evaluate people on the basis of merit rather than academic degree. A challenge – If they can, can we not? A simple summary – The spate of scandals over government deals, characterized by favoritism and influence peddling, mars the government claims of transparency. The Lead • After the title, a powerful lead must compel the reader to read on. Other than the news peg or expression of stand, the lead can take many forms as follows: 1 – A simple statement of the situation, problem, or event. 2 – A striking statement that will arrest the attention of the reader. 3 – A question inviting attention on the issue at hand. 4 – A quotation relevant to the issue. 5 – A narrative about the situation. Giving flesh to the body The editorial becomes forceful if the case is argued convincingly. Present the facts clearly and concisely. Some tips: 1. Use examples and illustrations to drive home the point. 2. Quote sources and authorities 3. Use statistics if applicable and available. 4. Start your editorial with a bang. Exercises Choose one from the topics below and develop it into an editorial. State your stand on your chosen topic.
1. Should same- sex marriage be recognized?
2. Is the school’s close-gate policy beneficial to the pupils? 3. Junk food being sold at the school canteen. 4. Teachers to urge parents to prepare only nutritious ‘baon’ for their children.