WRITING EFFECTIVE

EDITORIALS
WHAT IS EDITORIAL?
- Opinions, views and comments are barred
from news stories. Expression of opinions is
found in the editorial for this is part of the
newspaper that carried the burden of the
speaking for the paper.
- Considered the soul of the newspaper for it
stirs the conscience of the readers to action; it
influences and molds public opinion.
- The main function is to act as the mouthpiece
of the paper. Through the editorial, the paper
has the opportunity to write what it thinks
about issues affecting the readers.
- Should be well written to bring results or change. If an
editorial can stir people actions, definitely change can
take place
- An analytical interpretation of significant and timely
topics on issues. It expresses the stand f the newspaper
on controversial issues of the day. According to M. Lyle
Spencer, an editorial is an expression of facts and
opinions in concise, logical and pleasing order to
influence opinion, or to interpret significant news such
that its importance to the reader will be clear. It is
usually written in formal language.
- If the news is the body of a newspaper, the editorial is
the “soul”. If written well, the editorial can be a vital
force to influence public opinion and institute changes
or reforms
WHO WRITES THE
EDITORIAL?
 The whole staff chooses the topic
based on news events, discusses
the issue extensively and gathers
and organizes the data. 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 of an Editorial
1. An editorial should be interesting, brief,
and forceful.
2. It must be clear and must have moral
purposes, sound reasoning and power to
influence public opinion.
3. It must be factual and provide pertinent
information. Arguments to support the
stand are based on facts.
4. It must be concise, around 250-300 word in
four or five paragraphs
TYPES OF EDITORIAL
 Editorial of Interpretation

- attempts to explain the

significance or meaning of news
events, situations or issues. The
writer does not argue or criticize,
but merely presents both sides of
an issue and leaves the judgment
to the readers.
 Editorial of Criticism

– points out and analyze the faults

in a situation mentioned in the
news that concerns and interests
readers. It uses the scientific
method by defining the problem,
examination evidence available
and then perhaps suggests a
solution.
Editorial of Argumentation
or Persuasion

– take stand on a
controversial issue whether
in favor or contrary. It tries
to convince the readers to
adopt this stand.
 Editorial of Commendation,
Appreciation or Tribute

– gives praise to a worthy deed

done by a person or by an
institution
 Editorial of Entertainment

– discusses its topic lightly and may

evoke a chuckle or two, but often
has a serious point gently and
subtle suggested
 Crusade Editorial

– usually endorses a thought or

source of action. This is also called
a campaign editorial
 Pooled editorial

– combined work of two or more

editors belonging to different
newspapers. They publish this in
their respective papers at the same
time because of shared concern
 Editorial Liners

– short statements or paragraph about

current issues written in either light or
serious tones. They are usually placed
at the end of the editorial column.
Preparing to Write the Editorial (Pre-Writing)
1. Choose a very timely topic. Bring this down
to a specific, particular idea which you will
develop fully
2. Be clear about the type of editorial you will
write. Be clear about your purpose.
3. Be sure you know and understand your
topic very well. Formulate your stand or
position
4. Gather sufficient data
 Choosing the Topic
The first task of the editorial writer is to
choose a suitable topic deserving
editorial treatment. If the topic is flat, no
amount of logical presentation or
clever writing can save the piece. The
topic must be timely, significant and
relevant - an issue or problem in which
the readers somehow have a stake.
 Choosing the Topic
1. Sample topics for editorial of interpretation
a. New policies of the administration
b. New grading system
c. New system of selecting honor graduates

2. Sample topics for editorial of criticism

a. Policies which the staff considers unfair to the studentry
b. Highhandedness of the school head or any other
officials as revealed in particular incident
c. Management of a school facility that needs to improved
such as library or canteen
3. Sample topics for editorial of appreciation
Parts of Editorial
1.INTRODUCTION
o beginning of the paragraph
o may contain the news upon which the
editorial is based, in which case, the
introduction is called news peg.
o If the editorial is not commenting on a
particular news event but on a
problem or situation, the introduction
states outright the stand of the
editorial
2. BODY
o Contains the facts about the news
or issues including the writer’s
opinion of viewpoints. It builds up
the case through a logical
arrangement of ideas supported by
facts. The body may be made up of
three to four paragraphs
3. CONCLUSION
o Lastpart that either summarizes
or drives home the point. It ties
up the ideas and arguments
presented in the body.
o Sometimes known as the clincher
 The Lead
After the title, a powerful lead is a must to
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 that gives enough of the situation ,
problem or news event
2. A striking statement which arrest the reader’s attention
3. A question with which you can invite attention to the
problem or situation to be discussed
4. A quotation relevant to the issue
5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation
 Giving Flesh to the Body
The editorial become forceful if this case is argued
convincingly present the facts clearly and concisely.
Some tips:
1. Use examples and illustrations to drive home
your spirit
2. Document statement by quoting sources and
authorities
3. Cite statistics if applicable. Use formal language
4. If you are presenting a number of arguments to
support your stand, start with the most powerful.
Start with a bang, as it were.
 The Conclusion
Integral part of the editorial. It may restate
the stand expressed in the lead, it may wrap
up the points raised, it may be a clincher
However, we are now seeing editorials that
do not have a formal conclusion. They leave
the reader to decide what is best to do after
stating the problem, pointing out the good
and bad features and raising questions
The conclusion may be written in the form of:

A suggestion
The business sector would do
well to evaluate people on
the basis of merit rather than
academic degree
A Challenge
If other people can develop a
culture of excellence, why
can’t we?
Rounding up or simple summary

 The spate of scandals over government

deals, characterized by favoritism and
influence peddling, mars the
government’s claim of transparency.

 Worse, it undetermined the chances of

the Philippines to recover from the
economic crisis.
 Example of Editorial
Challenge to Ellerda pupils

Introduction
Ellerda Elementary School’s walls have
a new coat of paint and are presentably
clean. Whether they retain their present
state of cleanliness depends almost entire
from the economic crisis.
Body of the Editorial
The first spot appeared as a result of
negligent pupils leaning against the walls and
scraping the soles of the shoes on them. Some
students have also taken a peculiar delight in
making long pencil scrawls on the walls as they
go classes.

According to an observant citizen, Ellarda’s

pupils more than any other group of pupils,
abuse their buildings. This report should serve as
a challenge.
Conclusion

Will the walls remain clean?

 Writing the Editorial
 Be sure that you understand thoroughly the
situation or problem about which you are going to
write. For example, in school you know pretty well
that many pupils come to school without ballpen,
pencil or paper. Some never bought these things,
but borrow all they need. This is the situation you
want to write about. Your knowledge of this
particular situation comes from your personal
experience. However, if you are going to write
about national issues affecting you as
pupils/students, then you’ve got to arm yourself
with plenty of information. So you’ve got to read,
read, and read the news.
 Plan a striking and interesting
introduction. This is the news peg,
the situation, the problem about
which the editorial is centered.
 Build up your arguments in logical
sequence. This is the cause and
effect of the situation. Explain your
reaction to the problem. Give
examples to support your
arguments and this is an effective
way to drive home the point
 The last part of the editorial should
tie up with your beginning/
introduction. Here you either
suggest a solution or present a
challenge.
 EDITORIAL WRITING CONTEST

Lead: News peg ____________________________________

Issue/Topic/Problem: ___________________________
Stand/Reaction: _______________________________
Type of Editorial: ______________________________________________________________
Title of Editorial: _______________________________________________________________

Body: Reasons for the stand/explanation

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
 Composing a News Peg
 Most editorials are commentaries on news events.
Consequently, the lead is based (pegged) on such
event, thus the term news peg. Here is an example
of a news peg.
 After 35 years of teaching during which she
distinguished herself for professionalism and
commitment, Miss Clara Constantino will bow out
of service. Her record as an educator is worth
emulating.