Ben Land Types of Editorials Staff editorials and unsigned editorials are the most traditional Reasons for writing editorials Editorials can be written to interpret the significance of an event ID: 272635
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Slide1
Writing editorials and Opinion columns.
Ben Land Slide2
Types of Editorials
Staff editorials and unsigned editorials are the most traditional.
Reasons for writing editorials?
Editorials can be written to interpret the significance of an event.
To criticize something
To commend someone or some group for an achievement
and to advocate change and persuade readers that the paper’s viewpoint is worthwhile. Slide3
Cont’d
Editorials that criticize someone or something or identify a problem, will also propose solutions.
With the power of writing an editorial you need to show responsibility. Slide4
Editorials connection
Often times Editorials that interpret, explain, persuade, and advocate change will usually be tied to a topic that was found within the same issue of the paper.
Why?
It defines terms and issues
Identifies people and factors
Provides background such as historical, cultural, geographical, and pre-existing conditions
It is also the writers attempt to persuade the reader to a certain side.Slide5
Cont’d
When you write a Opinionated piece the whole idea is to get your readers to agree with your idea.
Advocacy editorials – editorials that interpret, explain and persuade. Slide6
Advocacy Editorials
Advocacy Editorials must be reasonable to be effective. Overstating a point, preaching or scolding can turn readers away.
You want to put the point on the reader without overwhelming them with your opinionSlide7
Problem – Solution Editorial
Another type of Editorial commonly found in newspapers is Problem-Solution editorials
Also referred to as “editorial of criticism” this type of editorial is used when the staff wants to call attention to a problem or wishes to criticize someone's actions.
Follow these steps when writing a Problem-Solution editorial
1. statement of the problem
2. presentation of evidence (backing up the issue)
3. conclusion with potential solutions.Slide8
How to criticize someone
Criticism should be handled very carefully.Its fair to criticize a person’s actions if they have some impact on others
It is unfair to criticize a persons physical or purely private actions.
Readers will discount allegations that aren’t substantiated with proof or
evidnce
.
NO – name calling, offensive language, lying Slide9
Commendation Editorial
A Commendation Editorial praise or pay tribute to someone or an organization that has preformed very successfully.
Possible topics:
Retirement of a teacher
State sports championship
The death of a student
Academically excelling student.Slide10
Brief Editorial Comments
1 or 2 paragraph editorials can be very effective.
When writing a shorter editorial you should only be making one point and show little background information and little evidence. Slide11
Editorial Short
An Editorial short or quip is very short, some are just a few words and others a 2-3 sentences.
Many times the editorial shorts are grouped together under a standing column.
Editorial shorts are just like leaving comments on a article/video.
Some papers label their shorts as either thumbs up or thumbs down, or cheers and jeers. Slide12
Editorial Cartoon
An editorial cartoon is usually a strip rather than a single panel, the cartoonist can do whatever the editorial writer does – commend, criticize, interpret, persuade and entertain.
Cartoons can stand alone or be connected with an editorial.
The cartoon should be carefully drawn so the reader can quickly grasp the intended message. Slide13Slide14
Writing the editorial
When writing an editorial it is important to do research. Data should be gathered, and opinions should be found and considered.
An internet search and in-person or phone contact to gather information and opinions are both highly recommended.
Editorials are divided into 3 parts
1. the introduction
2. The body or evidence
3. The conclusionSlide15
Compare and Contrast
Editorial vs. Opinion
Major similarity – they are both opinion or subjective pieces.
Differences – opinions are signed and are the direct opinions of
one person
Opinion columns are less formal than most editorials.
Columnist have more freedom to express their ideas in a opinion article.