Types of editorials, Planning and Writing

the Editorial

Argument and persuasion: These take a firm stance regarding a specific problem or condition and attempt to persuade readers to adopt the same point of view. Information and interpretation: These explain the significance of a situation, condition or news event. They range from pure information pieces that provide background and review facts, to highly interpretative ones that identify issues, examine motives and suggest possible consequences.

Types of editorials

• Editorial of Criticism – It points out the good or the bad features of a problem or situation mentioned in the news. Its purpose is to influence the reader. It suggests a solution at the end, e.g., School Administration Not Sincere in Press Freedom Promise.

• Editorial of Commendation, appreciation, or tribute – It praises, commends, or pays tribute to a person or organization that has performed some worthwhile projects or deeds, or accomplishments; e.g., Laurels to Barangay Dance Troupe.

• Editorial of Argumentation – This is oftentimes called editorial of persuasion. The editor argues in order to convince or persuade the reader to accept his stand on the issue; e.g., Freedom of the Press: Not Violated.

• Mood Editorial – It presents a philosophy rather than an argument or an explanation. Oftentimes, the subject matter is nature or emotion; e.g.,Those Wonderful People Called Parents.

• Special Occasion – It explains the significance of a special day or occasion; e.g., The Significance of Christmas, Au Revoir.

Commendation: This type of item is used to express appreciation to an individual or organization for a job well done.

Entertainment: There are two types. One is the brief, humorous editorial of a light subject, intended to simply entertain. The other is the tongue-in-cheek or satirical editorial that pokes good-natured fun at a serious subject. Opinions are expressed on a wide range of topics, including foreign, national, provincial and municipal affairs; social issues; and sports.

Planning the Editorial

Decide what issue you will write about and clearly define the issue. Consider who your intended audience will be (for example, it may be the general readership, or it may be directed at those who hold a particular view that may or may not already have been expressed in the media or other public forum).

Brainstorm a variety of strategies you can use to gain reader support for your view on the issue. These might include acknowledgement of the reader’s current viewpoint, listing benefits of the view you are promoting, providing reliable evidence, and using of sound reasoning.

Develop logical and ethical arguments; avoid purely

emotional rhetoric. Conduct necessary

research both to gather information about the

audience you are writing for, and to collect evidence,

examples, and support for the view you are promoting. Develop an outline to follow before you begin

writing.

Writing the Editorial

1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers. 2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research 3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement 4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important 5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts 6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.

7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational. 8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds. 9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction. 10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement). 11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I".

Editorials have:

1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories

2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues

3. A timely news angle

4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same

issues the writer addresses

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's

opinion. Give it some punch.