EDITORIAL WRITING, TECHNIQUES, STRUCTURE

EDITORIAL WRITING

An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story. 

There are four basic kinds of editorials:-

Civic editorials

Policy editorials

Big News editorials

Obituary editorials

EDITORIALS HAVE FOLLOWING

Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories

An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues

A timely news angle

Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses

The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.

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

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

WRITING AN EDITORIAL

• Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.

• Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research

• State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement

• Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important

• Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts

• Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.

• Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.

• Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.

• Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.

• Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).

Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I" 

STRUCTURE

Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy 

Present Your Opposition First.  

Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.

Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies

Conclude With Some Punch.


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