Editorial Writing

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kerrinwalls | Student, Undergraduate | eNotes Newbie

journalistic Writing MCM310

 Editorial
The editorial is considered the soul of the
newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers
to action;

It expresses the opinion of whatever the

management of the publication feels in relation to
the present occasion. (voice of the paper)
 Editorial
An editorial is a newspaper article
that expresses one's opinion.
It can be about any topic, but is
usually written about an issue that deals
with our society.
To build credibility, the opinion in the
editorial must be backed up with facts and
evidence to substantiate the opinion.
-is an opinionated news story.
usually written in formal
Language.

NEWS (Facts) + OPINION (Arguments) = EDITORIAL

 Editorial
Who writes the editorial?
The best writer in the staff writes the
editorial, seeing to it that the important ideas of
the group are incorporated in the piece. Thus, the
editorial is not a personal opinion of an individual
but a collective opinion of the staff.
 Characteristics:

1. interesting, brief and

forceful;
2. clear and has a moral purpose, has sound reasoning
and has the power to influence public opinion-
(arguments/sound reasoning lead logically to the
conclusion)
3. factual and provides pertinent information. (arguments
to support the stand must be based on facts)

4. Brief & concise, 250-300 words in five to six paragraphs;

5. has a pro-active approach to make the situation better

by using constructive criticism and by giving solutions
 Characteristics:
6. has a solid and concise conclusion; opinion that
powerfully summarizes the writers opinion

7. opinions of the writer must be delivered in a professional manner;

(Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and
should refrain from name calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.)

8. has no bitterness, bias & fear.

They make for weaknesses no matter how much they bluster .
(complain loudly, protest)

9. usually written in formal Language.

10. must observe unity, coherence, emphasis and grammatical correctness

 What should an editorial do?
Criticize or attack:
If it criticizes, it requires suggestions for a change.

Influence public opinion

It causes people to take action for the public good regardless of party
interests involved

Defend:
A good editorial stands up for a viewpoint, individual or
institution that is under attack with the purpose of widening that
support base.

Endorse:
Must give rock-solid reasons for endorsement or support.

Compel and Inspire:

By making this appeal, you are showing a willingness to go on a
crusade for something-
 Types of Editorial
1. Editorial of information

- It presents more factual background on

an issue which needs proper and
probably immediate dissemination to the
public while it interprets and explains its
importance
. Senior high, rpms
 Types of Editorial
2. Editorial of argumentation
An editorial which presents both sides
of an issue or may cling to one side
then proves its stand.
It supports a definite attitude on
an important question that has not yet
been decided in the minds of many
readers.
- Why do we need to pass bbl?, Use of DLL instead of LP , Why
do we need to respect our flag?
 Types of Editorial
3. Editorial of persuasion

This seeks to obtain peoples support for a

particular program or project.
It aims to immediately see the solution, not the
problem.

K to 12
 Types of Editorial
4. Editorial of criticism
-This analyzes the faults in a situation which affect a large
number of readers.
and constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations
while providing solutions to the problem identified.
-Its Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem,
not the solution.
- yet it does not particularly attack the person/s
involved.
Throwing garbage anywhere ( attitude0
 Types of Editorial
5. Editorial of appreciation

- It praises a person or organization that has

performed some worthwhile deeds.

Barangay council for implementing ordinance (anti smoking campaign)

 Types of Editorial
6. Editorial of entertainment
- It evokes a smile, a chuckle, a laughter, while
suggesting truth. Written to give in a light vein,
primarily to entertain readers.

7. Editorial for special occasion

- Writing an argumentative editorial for special
occasion may call for a digging out of facts.
Written to give meaning to occasions such as
Christmas, labor day, heroes birthday, and
other significant events.
 Types of Editorial

8. Editorial liners short, witty paragraphs, either

serious or light.
How to write?
 PLANNING
2. Obtain background material and information
about your topic. Observe, read, interview.
3. Identify your purpose and audience will it merely
inform? Or do you want to interpret, criticize, suggest reforms,
urge readers to action?
4. Plan a striking way to write the editorial.
Brainstorming Ideas: free writing, clustering Reading, journal
writing
5. Briefly outline the facts before writing the piece.
It should lead logically to the conclusion.
(beginning, body & Conclusion)
 PLANNING
1. Choose a topic

Current and timely, interesting

Substantive (real)
Offers insight
Free of conflict of interest
( writer should never be motivated by personal interest,
nor use his influence to seek special favors for himself
or for others.)
Drafting: Writing the first draf

Editorials usually
have three parts:

The beginning
The body and
The conclusion
 The Beginning: Editorial Lead
The editorial lead

is the showcase of the write-up.

it must contain enough sparks to urge the readers
to read the whole article.
Opening statements
Narration

The typhoon that visited our country left

Luzon under water, caused the deaths of
thousands, and destroyed our farmlands.

The death of former president Cory Aquino

has caused people to be united again.
Opening statements

An order
ex. Heed to the nations campaign, Go
out and join Boto Mo Ipatrol Mo.

A question
ex. What do we modern teachers
teach What do the 21st century
teachers teach?
Opening statements
Poetic
ex. In the darks depths of mans labyrinth of fears may
lie hidden a ray of hope which man, in his despair
over other problems, may have overlooked.
Prophecy
ex. If nothing is done, we will wake up one day to find
that there are not enough schools for our children.
Reaction
ex. Never has the government been so concerned with
labor as it is now.
 Opening statements
Mixture of facts and opinion
ex. It is encouraging to note that students would rather
take active part in school affairs than remain onlookers.
A news peg (a brief statement about the news, event in
which the editorial is based. A reaction always pairs it)
It is a source of pride and inspiration for our school to be chosen as
Most Prepared School.
The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the
literary while they wait for the next period is both timely and wise.

Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the students welfare. They
will donate labor and materials to improve the school gym.

Note: The exact type of lead to use depends upon the nature
and purpose of the editorial.
 The Body
The body should include the editorials basic
facts, the causes and effects behind
incidents, situations, illustrations and
arguments.

it should provide good reasoning with convincing facts.

Supporting details and evidences should be logically

organized which would lead smoothly to the conclusion.
 The Conclusion
The last part drives home the
final important thought or direction.
This conclusion may be in the
form of advice, challenge,
command or just a rounding out or
a simple summary.
 The Conclusion
Should be stated clearly and
strong enough to prompt the
readers into action.

It ties up the ideas and

arguments presented in the body.
 OUTLINE
Head/ Title
opening statement (Striking statement)
S - State the problem or situation (news/ event, issue)
Newspeg
P- State your position (Stand)
E- Give evidence to support your position
(Reasons / Arguments /basis to support the stand or issue,1-2 evidences) BODY

C- State and refute (counter) the position of the Conclusion

other side in the conclusion /clincher
S-Offer at least two possible solutions to the problem.
 OUTLINE
Head/ Title
opening statement (Striking Statement)

S Situation (news/ event, issue) Briefly explain, be accurate

Newspeg
P Position (Stand , in favor or not) BE CLEAR.

E Evidence to support the position, Use facts, BODY

Conclusion (Briefly sum up what all of your evidence means.

C State and refute (counter) the position of the other side

S Solutions Offer at least two possible solution to the problem.

Conclusio
n
/clincher
 Simple style
Avoid high fallutin
words
Clarity
Choose your words
that will accurately
describe or explain a
point or issue
Write to express not to
impress
Sound Reasoning
Support arguments with
the right facts
Cluttered ideas and
unsubstantiated
arguments shoo readers
away
. Colour
Using words that evoke
images
 Keep it Short and Simple (KISS)

Complex sentences and long

paragraphs are
wearisome and dull the
senses
See to it that every word
used counts and serves
its purpose
250-300 w0rds-5-6
paragraph
One-editorial, one-point rule

Focus on a theme
Always have one point
to convey to the readers
Several points confuse
the readers
Be specific

Use concrete facts and

figures not general
ideas, terms or statements
(nos, statistics- exacT)
Hazy and broad
generalizations do not
impress
 Peg it on a news
An editorial is not just a
mere opinion but it is
pegged on a news
event, idea, or a news
story.
Do not fabricate
Avoid using I

Use the we approach or

the 3rd person, since an
editorial represents a group
opinion.

avoid "I you me" pronouns;

use a plural voice = the
community
 avoid preaching
While we can
educate, inform,
explain, and
influence readers
through the
editorial, we have
to avoid preaching
Attack the problem, not the person

If you may attack,

attack the situation,
the problem or the
issue, not the person.
If a newspaper were a living thing,
as I think it is,
its news content may be the
lifeblood,
the front page may be its face but
its editorials its criticism and
commentary are its very soul.
And when the editorials are flabby,
complacent or irresponsible, then
the newspaper has lost its soul
and also its character.

- John B. Oakes, New York Times

for listening

Ma. Fe C. Climaco
SPA-Lapinigan NHS
Sample
Introduction(Example)

The expose made by Dr Antonio Calipjo-

Go, an academic supervisor in a private
Marian School in Quezon City, that some of
the textbooks used by students are
erroneous, create a gigantic tremor that
rocks our academe.
Example (Body)
In Asya: Noon, Ngayon at sa Hinaharap, a 316-page textbook used
by the Second year high school students in Araling Panlipunan, Dr.Calipjo-
Go has discovered that it contains 43 errors.
As expected, those in the godly seats of our educational
system vehemently denied the finding of Dr. Calipjo-Go.Even the Author of
the said book threatened to file a case against the professor, whose only
mistake is his undying concern of saving our educational system from
dooming by bravely coming out and expose the tip of the iceberg of errors
of these widely used textbooks.
After a thorough evaluation, however, the Department of
Education has found that indeed, Dr Calipjo-Go is right. Several textbooks
used not only in the public schools ,but also in the private schools are
erroneous.
Nobody can deny that textbooks are the holy bibles of the
students. Majority of those in public are so dependent on the facts and
figures supplied by these books. If they are to fed with erroneous
information, these will be implanted into their mind forever. The same will
be handed down to others, unless by chance along their way toward higher
educational pursuit, they will come across with the right information that
they have learned from the past.
The Authors, as well as the concerned
authorities, who are tasked to evaluate
these books are guilty of thwarting
facts and injecting the wrong
medication into the minds of the
students. They should be given the
dose of their own medicine.
 Workshop
Make an editorial
Topic: Food Poisoning
A string of food poisoning incidents gripped some areas in the
Philippines the past week. Health officials are looking at improper food
handling as a major reason for these cases.
Here are 6 food poisoning cases in this week of eating dangerously.

Durian candy downs nearly 2,000 in Caraga

At least 1,925 people, mostly children, were hospitalized due to
stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea and other illnesses after eating durian,
mangosteen-, and mango-flavored candies.
Health officials said staphylococcus bacteria were found in samples of the
tainted candies which were sold across the Caraga region.
"This could be because they (candy makers) did not wash their
hands, or their sweat dripped into the candy, or the candy touched their
armpits, or they didn't wash up after going to the bathroom," said Health
Secretary Janette Garin.
 Workshop
Poor enforcement of food safety regulations has been blamed for past
cases of food poisoning in the Philippines, an impoverished nation of 100
million people.
Garin acknowledged that the government has had a tough time enforcing
food safety rules in small towns, where businesses prepare candy, rice
cakes and other sweets in their home kitchens.
"These backyard industries are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug
Administration)," she said.
"The bottom line is, hygiene is often overlooked."
The bacteria identified by Garin as the likely culprit can be easily
neutralised with heat or common sanitising agents, according to the US
Food and Drug Administration's website.
However Garin said the laboratory tests on the sweets had not been fully
completed, and further testing was underway to check for the presence of
pesticides and toxic chemicals.
 Workshop
Basis 1 R.A. 10611, an act to strengthen the food safety regulatory
system in the country to protect consumers health and facilitate market
access of local foods and food products, and for other purposes.

Basis 2 Food Safety Act of 2013, Sec. 15, Art. II of the 1937 Philippine
Constitution declares that the state shall protect and promote the right
to health of the people and health consciousness among them.

Basis 3 William Blahd, MD Food poisoning is a common, yet

distressing and sometimes life threathening problem for million of
people.