5.
Bitterness, bias, and fear have no
A. WRITING THE EDITORIAL
 Editorial Defined
 Characteristics of a Good
Editorial
 Types of Editorials
 How to Write an Editorial
 Pointers on Writing an Editorial
WRITING THE EDITORIAL
TWO PRIME FUNCTIONS of the newspaper
are to inform and to interpret. It goes without
saying then that the two most important
sections of the newspapers are the news and
editorial sections.
The editorial page is the demarcation line
between news and opinions. The news pages
are for news – to give information – while the
editorial pages are for the editorials, the
editorial columns, the columns, the cartoons,
and the letters to the editor – to give opinion
or to interpret the important events of the day
which are usually reported on Page 1.
Editorial Defined
An editorial is the official stand of the paper
on a relevant development or issue. It is a
personal commentary written by any of the
editors who comments or gives the
newspapers’ or the staff’s opinion about
various aspects on an issue which is of
interest and importance to the public. It is a
critical interpretation of significant, usually
contemporary events so that the readers will
be informed, influenced, or entertained. It is
the stand of the paper, not of an individual
editor.
Some authors give other definitions or
explanations regarding editorials:
1. An editorial is an article in a
newspaper giving the editor’s view or
those of the person or persons in
control of the paper. – A. Gayle
Waldrop
2. It is the expression of the people’s
conscience, cause, and convictions. –
Joseph Pullitzer
3. The modern editorial includes
analyses and clarifications,
sometimes with no opinion given. –
Arthur Copper
4. The editorial should provide the
background in which the facts are
seen in a new perspective and should
express its opinion. – Rufus Terral
place in an editorial. They make for
weakness no matter how much they
bluster. – William Allan White
6. It is a presentation of facts and
opinion in a concise, logical manner,
or of interesting significant news in
such a way that its importance to the
average reader will be clear. – M. Lyle
Spencer
Characteristics of a Good Editorial
Reddick gives three qualities of a good
editorial: (1) interest; (2) brevity; and (3)
force.
Spears and Lawshe, on the other hand,
characterize an editorial as one that: (1) must
have clearness of style; (2) has moral
purpose; (3) has sound reasoning; and (4)
has the power to influence public opinion.
It can be added further that a good editorial
must: (1) lead logically in a conclusion, (2)
present only one idea; (3) avoid wordiness;
and (4) present facts and not mere opinion.
What to Find in the Editorial Section?
1. Top Editorial/Editorial proper/Lead
Editorial – The No. 1 editorial usually
based on the banner news or on an
existing issue that should be
discussed and solved right away.
2. Editorial Column – an individual
commentary or a columnist (see
column writing)
3. Editorial Cartoon – A graphic
illustration/sketch that, like the top
editorial, comments on an important
issue. (See Cartooning)
4. Letter to the Editor – Sent to the staff
by an outsider to complain or
appreciate.
5. Guest Editorial – Sent in by an
authority on any topic useful to the
reader, especially on values,
educations, or morality.
Types of Editorials
The kind of editorial to be written depends
upon the purpose of the writer – whether to
inform, interpret, criticize, commend, argue,
or entertain. These are explained as follows:
1. Editorial of information. It seeks to
give information on facts unknown to
the reader. It restates the facts of
news stories or adds other facts with
minimum explanation. It may define
 terms, identify persons of factors or
provide a background, e.g. Freedom
of the Press.
2. Editorial of interpretation. It explains
the significance or meaning of a news
event, current idea, condition, or
situation, theory, or hypothesis. The
writer doesn’t argue nor criticize, but
merely presents both sides of an
issue and leaves the judgement to the
reader. It merely interprets, say for
example, the content of a new
memorandum issued by the principal,
e.g. Freedom of the Press; The
Schools of Thought.
3. 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.
4. Editorial of commendation,
appreciate, or tribute. It praised
commends, or pays tribute to a
person or organizations that has
perform some worthwhile projects or
deeds or accomplishments, e.g.
Roras Construction
5. Editorial of argumentation. This is
oftentimes called editorial of
percussion. The editor argues. The
editor argues to convince or persuade
the reader to the accept his stand on
the issue, e.g, Freedom of the Press
Violated.
6. Editorial entertainment. It evokes a
smile, a chuckle, laughter, while
suggesting truth. Its main aim is to
entertain. It is usually short, e.g.
Miniskirt, Anyone?
7. Mood editorial. It represents a
philosophy rather than an argument or
an explanation. Oftentimes, the
subject matter is nature or emotion,
e.g., Those Wonderful People Called
Parents
8. Special occasion. It explains the
significance of a special day or
occasion, e.g., The Significance of
Christmas
9. Pooled Editorial. The consensus
stands or position of several editors
from different schools on a common
issue or problem published in their
respective school papers at the same
time, e.g., Stop Tuition Fee Increase
10. Guest Editorial. Opinion sent to the
staff by an authority on a particular
topic – educational, political, religious,
or moral.
11. Letter to the editor. Sent by an
outsider to the staff, either praising or
complaining.
How to Write an Editorial
In writing the editorial, select only one specific
idea to develop. Be sure the topic is of
interest to the reader.
Parts of and Editorial
Organize your editorial, select only one
specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic is
of interest to the readers.
Organize your editorial in three parts: (1) the
introduction; (2) the body; and (3) the ending.
The first contains the news peg with the
reaction. It is usually one short paragraph. (A
news peg is a brief about the news event or
issue upon which the editorial is based.)
The body may take two or three short
paragraph that support or justify the reaction.
The ending, sometimes called the clincher,
summarizes the editorial’s stand.
The following are examples of editorials’
introduction composed of the newspeg and
the reaction, not necessarily in that order.
The underlined words are the reaction.
a. The new office policy of requiring
tardy students to study their lessons in
the library while they wait for the next
period is both timely and wise.
b. It is a source of a great pride and
inspiration for our school to win
Second Place in the Division Athletic
meet.
c. Our general PTA is really generous
and concerned for the students’
welfare. They will donate and
materials to improve the school gym.
d. The move of the DepEd to revive
Grade VII and to add more year in
high school is not the solution to the
deteriorating pre-college education in
the country.
The body should prove or justify the reaction
or stand already made in the introduction. In
a, the body should prove that the office policy
is really timely (one paragraph) and wise
(another paragraph). In b, the editorial should
list reasons and figures which make the
school and the stud entry proud of their
athletic meet achievement.
The end or last paragraph of an editorial is
sometimes called the punch line or clincher.
But if the preceding lead and body have been
well organized and carefully written, the
conclusion may be omitted.
The editorial also has a head, which should
be brief and forceful.
Pointers on Writing and Editorial
1. Make the editorial interesting enough
to read.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited
idea, phrased in one sentence, and
expand it into the body of the editorial.
3. Have a purpose well in mind which
should be accomplished.
4. Organize all data into well-reasoned
arguments, with each argument
leading up to the conclusion.
5. Peg the lead sentence on a recent
relevant news for its impact value.
6. Present both sides of an issue and
clarify tricky aspects with a widely
understood analogy or with an
illustration that makes for easier
understanding.
7. Direct the editorial towards the
establishment of a
8. Is the writing simple, direct, clear, and
forceful?
9. Does it not carry double meaning?
10. Does it reflect clear, logical thinking?
11. Is the subject matter significant to the
students, the school, the community
and the country?
12. Are the sentences and paragraphs
relatively short?
Other Editorial Beginnings
An editorial may also start with:
1. A simple sentence statement that
gives enough of the situation, problem
or news to be discussed.
2. A question which calls attention to
give an idea about the problem, or
point out the logical development of
the topic.
3. A striking statement which jolts the
imagination and arouses the interest
of the reader.
4. A quotation relevant to the subject
under discussion.
5. A narrative illustrating the problem or
situation.
Checking Your Editorial
After having your editorial, check it. The
following guides will be helpful to you.
1. Is the form and style appropriate to its
content and purpose?
2. Were you able to accomplish your
purpose?
3. Is it sincere, such that it will make the
reader think?
4. Is it short and direct to the point?
5. Does it hang from a real or an artificial
newspeg?
6. Was there no preaching?
7. Is it original and was it written
skillfully?
8. Is the writing simple, direct, clear, and
forceful?
9. Does it reflect clear, logical thinking?
10. Is the subject matter significant to the
students, the school, the community,
and the country?
11. Are the sentences and paragraphs
comparatively short?
Do’s and Don’ts in Writing an Editorial
1. Win the reader’s interest with a lead
paragraph that will encourage him to
read further.
2. Do not generalize. Use plenty of facts
and tell what these facts mean?
3. Keep your editorial short, around 300
words only.
4. Do not preach, scold, or moralize. You
are not a priest in a pulpit nor a
minister.
5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of
the readers.
6. Avoid the first person “I”. use the
editorial “We.” e.g., We believe that
the President is right to veto bill; (or)
The Torch believes that the President
is right…
7. Write simply.
8. Develop the editorial from only one
specific, limited idea, phrased in one
sentence, and expanded into the
body.
9. Make your sentences and paragraphs
relatively short.
10. Accomplish your purpose.
Example of the Different Types of
Editorials
Editorial of Information
Mother’s Breast Milk Is the Best
The campaigned launched by the UNICEF
advising mothers to breastfeed their babies is
a very wide and timely move.
Some mothers, because of ignorance of the
importance of breastfeeding, prefer to give
their babies canned or powdered milk.
Breast milk contains all the nutritional food
values that infants need to make a them
healthy, grow and resist diseases.
The yellowish substance found in mother’s
milk is perceived by some another to be
harmful. Unknown to them, this substance
contains the most essential vitamins and
minerals to prevent malnutrition.
Pediatricians recommend breastfeeding to all
nursing mothers, even to those who can
afford to buy canned and powdered milk.
Certainly, mother’s milk is the best!
Editorial of Argumentation
Solution: Return to the Basics
Lengthening the elementary school up to
Grade VII is not the solution to the poor
quality of instruction in the public school
system.
Congress has deplored the proliferation of
half-baked products of the present school
system. Sen. Edgardo Angara has proposed
to add one curriculum year each to both the
elementary and high schools.
We believe that this is not the solution to the
deteriorating educational system. The best
thing we should do is to return to the basics –
the mastery of the 3 R’s – Reading, Writing,
and Arithmetic. Only competent and
committed teachers should be employed.
They should be given higher pay and more
incentives and benefits
No amount of frequent seminars, workshops,
and conference will help.
And let us do away with unnecessary
innovations learned by education abroad
which are not applicable to the Philippine
setting. There are so many “approaches” but
as one President of the Philippines Normal
University said “We never reach?”
Also, the added years to the elementary and
high school would mean more expenses on
the part of the parents.
Editorial of Criticism
Rampant Rape, Whose Fault?
Newspaper are fully of sad stories of rape
cases. Just recently, two elementary school
girls were reported t have been raped and
slain by drug addicts.
The heinous crime happens almost every
day. Whose fault? The parents, the rapist, or
the victim themselves.
Rampant raped can be minimized or even
voided if only parents take good care of their
daughters. They should not permit their
daughters to go out at night. Drug addicts
and drunkards roam the streets at nighttime.
So do sex maniacs.
Parents should not let their daughters leave
their homes unchaperoned. They should
always know their whereabouts. On the other
hand, these young girls should always heed
their parents’ advice. They should listen to
reason; Mothers know what is best for them.
Editorial of Interpretation
Press Freedom
Just recently, top editors of The Sentinel,
official school organ of the Lyceum of the
Philippines, were sued for libel for divulging
some abuses committed by their professor.
Fortunately, the case was dropped for lack of
merit.
What does it mean?
The school paper is the exponent of the
students’ feelings and sentiments. Through it,
they can voice their opinions which they are
afraid to say openly inside classrooms,
especially when it concerns their teachers
and school officials, for fear of reprimand or
reproof.
Such curtailment of press freedom is not only
unconstitutional but almost stupid. We are
living in a democratic country, where we have
the God given right to exercise the different
freedoms we now enjoy. It is true that
democracy and liberty are not excuses to
abuse the rights of others. But if in the abuse,
if there is an abuse at all, the welfare of the
many is protected, then the action is justified.
The schools are the places where genuine
democracy is taught and therefore should be
practiced.
One wonders how effective militancy could be
when press freedom is curtailed, and without
somehow upsetting the school’s established
routine.
Editorial of Special Occasion
Holy Week: An Enigma
To some people, Holy Week is a complete
enigma. What does this mean?
To others it is merely the repetition of rituals
and ceremonies like Rizal day or Christmas
that make their familiar appearance every
year.
To men of faith, Holy week is a mystery, but a
mystery full of meaning. It comes as a
reminder that in human life, every good thing
is purchased at a price. The more precious
the thing we wish to obtain, the dearer the
price. What is free cannot be of great value.
Christ came to redeem man – literally buy
him back. True, He is God, so He is All
Powerful.
But even He, had to pay a price to
repurchase man. The price He paid in His
own humanity was a life of complete
obedience – His passion and His death.
Christ’s life is the price of peace and order.
To bring these back to the life of man, Chris
must die on the Cross.
The Cross has simple message. We are all
one. We are all brothers.
Mood Editorial
Christianity, A Woman with A Child
A woman knocked at the gate with a boy in
her arms.
“What sort of people are they?”
“Very untidy,” the maid said, “And they are
begging!”
“Give them one peso,” ordered the master of
the house. He thought he had done his duty
“They aren’t interested in money. They want
food. They say they are hungry.”
“Well,” the man laughed. “I never knew that
beggars could be choosy these days. Let
them go if they wish to. This is not a
restaurant.”
It was then that he heard the voice of his
heart. A woman with a boy in her arms –
Madonna and Child
A Christian – which he believed he was – had
no business driving them away.
And his thoughts went back to the word
Jesus told his disciples, “As long as you did it
for one of these, the least of my brethren, you
did it for me. If I, your Lord and Master, have
washed your feet, how much more ought you
to wash another’s feet?
Christianity is Woman with a Boy in her arms.
She is waiting at the gate.
Editorial of Entertainment
Jump into the Pasig River? No Way!
With the worsening ecological condition all
over the world, jumping into the polluted
Pasig River is never fun.
Just recently, there was a confrontation
between the police and student
demonstrators in front of the Post Office
Building. Then, there was the usual chasing.
The demonstrators ran towards Jones Bridge
to save their dear lives. But across the bridge,
they faced another phalanx of heavily armed
policeman, the so-called protectors of human
right. The students were outnumbered and
out-armed. What to do? “Jump into the Pasig
River. You are scholar, aren’t you? Use your
common sense,” shouted the leader.
The students looked at each other. Then,
they looked at the seemingly bottomless river
filled with rubbish of all sort. They stepped
back and in unison with closed fisted hands
declared:
“it’s much better to face a legion of heartless
“foolish men” than to die without a fight at the
bottom of the foul0smelling Pasig River!”
“No way, no way, no way!”
“Advanced!”
Editorial of Tribute
National Teachers Day
December 5 was set aside by the President
to honor all teachers in the country. For this,
he should be commended.
This special day called National Teachers
day has long been overdue. It is high time
that such a day be celebrated. This is the
time when the students can give special
credit and recognition for the innumerable
thing the teachers do for them. Without these
unsung heroes, the students wouldn’t be
what they should be. No amount of gold could
repay them. The youth owe them gratitude
that can only be acknowledge but can never
be repaid.
Indeed, there is nothing more fitting and
proper to do than to acknowledge their
unselfish efforts and sacrifices for the welfare
of their pupils.
The celebration of the Teachers Day in all
schools prove that the students record in their
hearts every little thing their teachers do for
them and for the school.
Orchids to our beloved teacher; hats off to
our second parents!
WEEK 3 ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
TRUE OR FALSE: Write T if the sentence is
true and F if it is false. In the latter case,
change a word or a group of words to make
the sentence true.
1.Accuracy is not so important in editorials as
in news reports.
2.A good editorial need not have a formal
conclusion.
3.To be effective, an editorial should not be
preachy.
4. Leaving the reader to form his own
conclusion is a good practice for an editorial
writer.
5. The editorial writer must primarily be a
reporter.
6. the editorial page must not contain reprints
from magazine, speeches, statements.
7. The first person (editorial we) is the
preferred point of view in writing editorials.
8.The most important asset of a campus
editor is his exceptional knowledge of
grammar.
9.The Campus Editor’s primary duty is to see
to it that the image of the school is always
held up unblemished before the community.
10.Editorials may also be found outside the
editorial page, like for example in the sports
page.
ENUMERATION:
1)The three functions of an editorial are:
a._________________
b.________________
c._________________.
2)Three qualities of good editorial according
to Reddick are: a.____________________,
b._________________________, and
c.__________________________.
3)Aside from the editorial proper, the
following may also be found in the editorial
page for opinions:
a.______,b.__________,c.________,d._____
___________ and e.__________.
4. Spears and Lawshe characterize an
editorial as one that: a.____________,
b.____________, c.___________, and
d._____________.
B. WRITING EDITORIAL COLUMNS
 Editorial Columns
 Duties and Qualities of a
Good Columnist
 Purpose of the Editorial
Column
 Form of Writing Used in
Columns
 Kinds and Types of Columns
WRITING EDITORIAL COLUMNS
Expected Outcomes:
A. Knowledge of the different kinds of
columns
B. Ability to write different kinds of
columns
C. Understanding the uses of the
columns
Editorial Columns
AFTER HAVING GONE through the
news writing and editorial writing, the student
is now ready to take up column writing.
Max Soliven and Randy David are two
of the country’s legendary columnist. But they
did not achieve the positions they hold now
by accident. They had to go through the
ranks – they started as cub reporters.
But not everyone who has mastered
news gathering and news writing can become
a columnist.
Qualification of A Good Columnist
What makes a good columnist? Is it
his closeness to his editor or his adviser who
makes the assignment? Definitely not. He
must have the following qualifications before
he can hope to become a columnist:
 1. Ability to write good English or
Filipino, whichever is his medium.
2. Ability to observe keenly. Many things
around him are worth writing about in
his column but this may lie hidden if
he didn’t have a keen observation.
3. Clear, logical thinking. One of the
most important purposes of a column
is to interpret news. He who cannot
think clearly and logically has no
business being a columnist.
4. Wide background. He must have a
knowledge of literature, the arts,
history, human nature, among others.
5. Resourcefulness columns are
opinions, all right, but the opinions
must be based on facts. And most of
the facts are hard to get. The
columnist must therefore, be
resourceful!
6. Have a sense of fairness. A bigoted,
prejudiced writer has no right to fill in
the seat of a columnist. Often, the
columnist has to clarify some
conflicting issues. His job calls upon
him to tell the truth. But how can he
do this if he is committed to some
limited group of people or to an
institution in which he has a vested
interest?
Purpose of the Editorial Column
The columnist informs the reader of
what he may not know in case of the
dopester. The columnist discloses what
happened behind the closed doors of that
secret party caucus, the motivation behind
the political moves now in the headlines, the
undercover events which led to that
momentous foreign policy decision, the
existence of a scandal or a racket, the
commission of a wrong that must be set right.
Or it may be the heartwarming tale of how a
man committed a private act of honesty that
should be upheld for the emulation of all, a
great or little deed that might inspire others to
do the same, a funny incident, the
achievement of a dream against
overwhelming odds – facts and anecdotes
that add up to these often repeated words
“human interest”.
Next, the columnist “forms” or helps to
form public opinion when he comments with
logic, humor, or emotion on an issue of the
day.
The main purpose of the column is to
inform, to interpret, and to a large degree, to
fiscalize.
The columnist features news that
papers may have forgotten to report. He
presents tidbits or stories that the reporter
has failed to notice, to provide a background
to the main stories on Page One.
As an interpreter, the columnist
condenses the main news into clear, logical,
and effective sentences or paragraphs to
emphasize the meat of the story so as to form
opinion, to expose fraud whatever it exist, or
like the main editorial, to teach, to praise, to
attack, to appeal, or to entertain.
As a fiscalizer, the columnist acts as
an arbiter. In the political arena, he fiscalizes
not only the government and the ruling party,
but also the minority party.
A campus columnist, in the same
vein, fiscalizes not only the administration,
but also the facuty and the studentry. He
analyzes the facts, interprets them, and forms
logical and informed public opinion. He gives
inside information on what people do not
know, of things they are not privy to, and of
secret doings that are hidden from public
views.
Other Purposes of the Columns
The column has other purposes:
1. To explain the news. Ordinarily news
stories usually give only the superficial
information regarding an event; only
the immediate circumstances
surrounding it. The columnist has to
explain their significance and
consequences by:
1. Giving the background of an
event.
For example, the news that
a miracle rice has been
developed. Ordinarily, the
news story about it will tell how
many cavans a hectare can
yield, when it as developed,
where it was developed, who
developed it, and the
immediate steps done which
led to its development.
But a columnist goes
beyond this. He would
probably describe the
organization that took pains in
conducting the experiment or
series of experiments, the
efforts of the men involved, the
problem that had to be
overcome and the length of
time – from the moment the
 idea was conceived to the
harvesting of the yield.
b. Determining whether a certain
event is an isolate case or part
of the pattern.
For example, a number of
cattle in Bataan have died of a
certain disease. This may be
reported in the papers. In few
weeks, the same thing
happened in Ilocos Norte. This
may again be reported in the
papers. In a few more weeks.
It happened in Camarines Sur.
This may also be written on by
a news reporter. Then, lately,
some cattle in Mindanao died
of the same disease. In each
case, a news story was
written. But a columnist tells
his readers that the cattle in
the different parts of the
country died of the disease.
He then calls on the Bureau of
Animal Industry to determine
whether or not an epidemic
exists.
c. Pointing out how an event will
affect or not affect his readers.
For example, the
Organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries decides to
increase the price of oil. The
columnist will point out to his
readers the effects of this
action of OPEC. He may tell
his reader that soon they may
be paying ₱3 instead of ₱1.50
for their fare. Now, his readers
are concerned.
Or the establishment of a
nuclear power plant. The
columnist, after having
consulted the proper
authorities, tells his readers
whether or not his nuclear
power plant will expose them
toa great health hazard.
d. Pooling together and
assessing comments of
readers from the different
segments of society.
A controversy may have
more than two sides. The
columnist must present all
these sides without favoring
any of them. If, however, he
has to favor one side, it should
be because that side is the
one which is right and not
because that particular side
happens to be the side of his
relatives.
2. To entertain the readers. This
purpose of the columns enhances the
reader’s interest in the paper. When a
reader picks up a newspaper, he does
not only want to be informed but also
to be entertained. Some columns fulfill
this desire of the reader.
Form of Writing Used in Columns
The columnist, compared to a new
writer, is free to use any form of writing. He
may use the essay or the story form, on
certain occasions, he may even use verse.
Kinds and Types of Columns
You may notice the following
classifications are based on a daily paper.
This is done so because the daily appears to
have a variety of columns.
Types of Columns According to Purpose
1. Editorial column. An editorial column
is any personal column found in the
editorial page. This kind of column
usually makes use if humor as a
vehicle in driving the columnist’s
message. But at the bottom of this
apparently humorous columns is
invariably a serious matter to which
the columnist wants to call attention.
“By the Way” by Max Soliven
is an example.
Editorial column writing in the
Philippines is considered to be the
highest expression of press freedom.
The newspaper column started
during the propaganda movement of
the revolutionary period. The journals
wrote hard-hitting columns against the
colonial masters.
This was true during the post-
liberation era. Some of the daring
columnists also made use of their pen
“to fight oppression from within and
without”. They were Arsenio H.
Lacson of the Philippine Liberty News
with his “In This Corner”, Armando
Malay of the Manila Chronicle with his
“With a Grain of Salt”, and I.P.
Soliongco also of the Manila
 Chronicle with his “Seriously
Speaking”.
During the Commonwealth
Period, the leading pre-war writers
were Federico Mangahas, Godofredo
Rivera, and Rafael R. Roces, among
others. These columnists wrote about
controversial political issues.
2. Reader’s column. It is the column in
which comments sent in by the
readers are place. These comments
may refer to any item previously
carried by the paper, or the topics that
have not appeared on the paper but
which the reader would want to bring
to the attention of the editor or to the
paper’s readers. Some newspapers
call it “Letter to the Editor”; others,
“Dear Sir”.
2. Business column. It contains
materials about economy, trade,
commerce, and industry. It is found in
the business section of the paper.
2. Sports column. This column deals
exclusively about sports. It is found on
the sport page.
2. Art column. Deals mostly on
paintings, architecture, flower
arrangement, paper mâché, ikebana,
and the like.
2. Women’s column. This column
concerns itself about the latest
fashion, beauty tips, and anything
about homemaking.
2. Entertainment column. This is all
about music, theater, cinema, and the
people involved in them.
2. New products and inventions. A
science paper usually has a column
about the latest products and
inventions, and the researches being
conducted by some prominent
scientists.
2. Personality. This may play up a
famous person, his significant
achievements, his activities, dreams,
and ambition.
2. Reviews. Review of an article, a
book, a movie, a drama, or a painting.
Types of Editorial Column According to
Content
1. The “opinion” column (also called
the “signed editorial column”).
Resembles an editorial in form but, in
contrast with the editorial’s impersonal
and anonymous approach, carries the
personal, stamp of the writer’s own
ideas. (I hesitate to use local example,
thus a safe one is Walter Lippman’s
“Today and Tomorrow”.)
2. The hodge-podge column. Where
the author lumps together odds and
ends of information, a poem here, an
announcement there, a pointed
paragraph, a modernized proverb, a
joke, or an interesting quotation.
3. The essay column (increasingly
rare). It is a legacy from a more
leisurely age when writers could sit
and scribble and muse in light or
purple prose. (The exponents of this
form were Addison and Steele of the
famed Spectator papers, Charles
Lamb, Oliver Goldsmith, G.K.
Chesterton, and Christoper Morley.
The Filipino columnist who best
approximated this type was
Godofredo Rivera of the Graphic).
4. The gossip column. Caters to the
inherent interest of human beings.
Unfortunately, the reader’s eyes light
up more frequently when they spy the
vices rather than the virtues of others.
The society columnists (as well as the
otherwise sober ones who
occasionally dabble in small talk)
chronicle here the facts and foibles of
the great and near-great, the social
climbers, and the true celebrities. The
first example that comes to mind is
Walter Winchell and his “keyhole”
journalism.
5. The dopester’s column. Written by
the columnist who also has his eye to
the keyhole but with a more serious
purpose. He uses much the same
technique as the gossip columnist but
rises above the chatterbox variety of
news to poke into activities of the
“men who make the decisions”. The
“victims” are usually the government’s
leaders-politicians, congressmen,
senators, Cabinet officials, titans of
industry and commerce, and
institutions which have to do with
national-international affairs. The
columnist’s “pipelines” to sources of
information often give him the ability
to “forecast” news before it happens,
bare still unannounced plans and
appointments, reveal “secret pacts”,
and lay bare the secrets of
government and finance open to
scrutiny.
Example of Editorial Column
So It Seems
 Simultaneous with the opening of
classes and the coming of the rains is the
emergence of instant “tiendas” and ambulant
vendors within the school premises.
They sell all sorts of food – green
mangoes with “bagoong”, pared singkamas,
soaked in brine, and artificially colored
“gulaman”. Topping all these is the ubiquitous
“inihaw na posit”, the unpleasant odor which
enters the classrooms.
The unsafe food sold by the
unlicensed vendors is exposed to flies that
swarm in garbage piled up around the
“tiendas”.
Gastroenteritis, dysentery, El Tor,
typhoid, and stomach ailments are on the rise
in the community. According to the school
nurse, the easiest way to contract these
diseases is by eating contaminated food.
Now and then, the school thru the
health services appeals to these vendors to
refrain from selling unsafe food to students.
But all pleas fall on deaf ears.
The best remedy therefore, is for the
students to keep away from ambulant
vendors.
The school runs a very comfortable
canteen, where clean, delicious and nutritious
food is sold.
Would it not be better too if our
students patronize school-made food? ---- By
Jenina Cruz
C.CARTOONING
 Cartooning Defined
 Characteristics of a Good Cartoon
 Suggestions for Cartooning
Expected Outcomes:
A. Realization that student opinion can also be
expressed in campus papers through the use
of cartoons
B. Ability to comment on the news or on an
existing issue effectively through cartooning
C. Knowledge that like the lead editorial, the
editorial cartoon covers a wide range of
subject matter
D. Familiarity with the Do’s and Don’ts in
cartooning
Student Opinion is expressed in the newspaper through
the lead editorial (editorial proper), columns, letters to
the editor, and editorial cartoons.
Cartooning Defined
An editorial cartoon is an editorial page illustration
expressing opinion and interpretation. The word
cartoon is derived from two words, caricature and
lampoon.
Caricature is an exaggerated description, generally by
sketching. It is a pictorial representation of a person or
thing in which the defects or peculiarities are
exaggerated so as to produce a ludicrous effect.
Lampoon is a piece of malicious writing, a personal
written satire that attacks and ridicules.
The editorial cartoon is one of the oldest and most
notable items on the editorial page. The Chinese
proverb that one pictures is worth a thousand words is
applied in order to persuade.
Like the editorial proper, however, the editorial cartoon
may also perform any of the three functions of the News
Press—to inform, influence, or entertain.
Characteristic of a Good Cartoon
1. A good cartoon appeals to the reader’s sense
of humor in order to persuade him to accept an
opinion. It is an effective social force.
2. Also, a cartoon, like the top editorial, should
deal with only a single idea.
3. While subject matter covers wide range of
topics and purposes
4. The typical cartoon is about political and social
conditions and problems.
5. Some cartoons are good-natures and
humorous, others are serious and
sophisticated.
Cartoons in Campus Papers need not to be so
professional looking as those found in national dailies.
Ideas for editorial may be suggested by the editor., or
they may come from the cartoonist himself. At any rate,
the name of the cartoonist is placed in the cartoon,
even if the idea is not his. After all, it’s probably harder
to draw, than to have an idea.
Range of Cartoon Ideas
Cartoon ideas cover a wide range of subjects. Some
may be:
A.Inspirational - e.g., the school represented as a
mother taking care of her children.
b. Satirical- e.g., the embarrassment for having girls
wear miniskirts in the classroom
c. Corretional—e.g., problems involving people taking
prohibited drugs.
Cartoon ideas must be carefully thought of Campus
cartoonist should ask themselves the following
questions:
1. Will the cartoon hurt someone?
2. Is the cartoon exaggerated?
3. Is the cartoon decent? Parts of the human
body should not be drawn in the style of dirty
tabloids. Remember, ours is a campus paper
where values and clean living are developed.
4. Is the cartoon “corny?” Examples are
overlooked ideas such as knights fighting
dragons, or rescuing a damsel in distress; a
student climbing a steep mountain to reach a
castle labeled “SUCCESS”, or an erupting
volcano labeled “REVOLUTION.”
A cartoonist can think of new ways of rendering an old
subject in a fresh way.
SUGGESTIONS FOR CARTOONING
1. If you decide to use cartoon make sure that it
is done in good taste, and it should say
something.
2. Like an editorial, it should deal with only one
topic.
 3. The purpose of the cartoon is to visualize an
idea. Limit the use of words and labels. Unlike
a photo, in the news page, a cartoon does not
need a caption, remember also that a good
cartoon, like a good photo, is worth 10,000
words.
4. You may use symbol like dove for peace, a
laurel leaf for vitory, a heart for love. But be
sure that the symbol is universal; i.e., it is
easily understood even by an ordinary reader.
Just as in news writing “cartoonize” to express
not to impress. The message is more
important than the drawing.
5. Be original. Don’t plagiarize. Develop your own
style.
6. Cartoons, like headlines and caption, may also
be sources of libel suits. The pictures and the
bubble may be funny but they should not
defame nor expose a person or object to
hatred, ridicule, or contempt.

WEEK 3: BASED ON YOUR PREFERENCES

Write a commentary regarding the recent issue in the country. Based your article on the
following criteria:
CRITERIA HIGHLY SATISFACTORILY COMPLIED POORLY NOT
COMPLIED COMPLIED (6 points) COMPLIED COMPLIED
(10 points) (8 points) (4 points) (2 points)
 The purpose of the
editorial column is All criteria At least 1
clearly depicted in the presented criterion is not At least 2 At least 3 All criteria
article. It may inform, are met. criteria criteria presented
interpret, or fiscalize a complied. are not are not are not
certain issue. met. met. complied.
 The article tackles
issues that has appeal
on “human interest”.
 The columnist was
able to maintain the
sense of fairness in the
article.
 The columnist exhibits
good ability in using
the language through
his written article.

OR
Draw an editorial cartoon based on the following criteria:
CRITERIA HIGHLY SATISFACTORIL COMPLIE POORLY NOT
COMPLIED Y COMPLIED D COMPLIE COMPLIED
(10 points) (8 points) (6 points) D (2 points)
(4 points)
 The cartoon should
have an appeal to the All At least 1
reader’s sense of criteria criterion is not At least 2 At least 3 All
humor. presente met. criteria criteria criteria
 The cartoon should d are are not are not presente
deal with only one complied. met. met. d are not
topic. The topic could complied.
be any of the following:
- Political
Violence
 - Terrorism
- Foreign Debt
Issues
- Drug Abuse
- Criminality
- Health Issues
- Environment
al Problems
 The cartoon should be
originally crafted by
the cartoonist.
 The cartoon should
clearly visualize the
idea/message that the
cartoonist trying to
portray.