See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/351783353

Editorial Writing: Lecture Notes on Campus Journalism

Presentation · October 2014

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.32372.88968

CITATIONS READS

0 5,973

1 author:

Joey R. Cabigao
Department of Education of the Philippines
36 PUBLICATIONS   206 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Teaching and Learning View project

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - FROM INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Joey R. Cabigao on 23 May 2021.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Lecture Notes on Campus Journalism

Division Intensive Training

for Campus Journalists
and Trainers
CMIS-Sto. Rosario ● October 24, 2014
DIVISION MEMORANDUM No. 110, s. 2014

Editorial Writing 1
Mr. JOEY RAMOS CABIGAO
Presenter
 Introduction
The OPINION PAGE
(otherwise known
as the Editorial
Page) is the page
where a paper tries
to tell its readers
what to do and
what to think. 2
 Introduction
The OPINION
PAGE is a
powerful
instrument that
should be used
with special care
for accuracy and 3

with courage.
Introduction
On the
OPINION PAGE,
the focal part is
the EDITORIAL
(or the so-
called main 4
editorial).
Introduction
The EDITORIAL
[Pangulong
Tudling in
Filipino] is
known as the
‘soul’ of the
paper. 5
Sample Editorial: PDI (June 12, 2013)
(Title) The virus of racism
(Paragraph 1/10) In one “friendly” match between
the two Italian clubs last January, Ghana’s Kevin-
Prince Boateng of the Visiting AC Milan kicked the ball
into the stands and walked off the pitch in anger and
disgust. He was followed by his teammates and
supported by his club and the match was abandoned.
In the days that followed – instead of being raked
over the coals for what seemed like unsportsmanlike
and unprofessional conduct – Boateng was hailed as a
6
hero by the world of football.
Sample Editorial: PDI (June 12, 2013)
(Paragraph 2/10) That singular act was a powerful
blow delivered by one person against the one
malignant ailment that has afflicted the world’s most
popular sport for decades – racism. Boateng was
verbally abused by fans of the host club and, after 25
minutes of racists chants, he decided he would not
take it any longer. With one single kick, Boateng
achieved what the International Federation of
Football Association (Fifa), the world governing body
of the sport, had failed to accomplish – to deliver an
eloquent and compelling message that hatred,
discrimination, intolerance and prejudice have no 7
place in football or anywhere in sports and the
civilized world.
Sample Editorial: PDI (June 12, 2013)
Other facts presented in the editorial:
(Paragraph 4/10) The hardly friendly match between
the Philippine Azkals and Hong Kong Last week.

(Paragraph 5/10) The Hong Kong spectators shouted

down a small group of Filipinos, calling RP as “a slave
nation”.

(Paragraph 8/10) The Basketball association of

Chinese-Taipei withdrew its invitation for the RP Team
to defend the title in next month’s Jones cup 8

basketball.
Sample Editorial: PDI (June 12, 2013)

(Paragraph 9/10) The political

statements, let alone racist acts, are made
in sporting events goes against the
principles of sportsmanship, mutual
respect and fair play that must govern all
of sports. In [Sepp] Blatter’s [Fifa
President] words, the whole family of
football must go against what has
blighted the game for so long. 9
Sample Editorial: PDI (June 12, 2013)
(Paragraph 10/10) “The big problem
with racism,” Boateng said, “is that
there is no vaccine for it. There are
no antibiotics that you can simply
take. It is an extremely dangerous
and contagious virus. It is
emboldened by our indifference and
inaction.” #
10
The Editorial [Pangulong Tudling]
The main function of the
editorial is to serve as the
mouthpiece
of the paper.

11
The Editorial [Pangulong Tudling]
The editorial is the expression
of the opinion of the
newspaper on an issue which is
of interest and importance to
the readers.

12
The Editorial [Pangulong Tudling]
It is an
analytical
interpretation
of significant
and timely
issues. 13
The Editorial [Pangulong Tudling]
It expresses the
stand of the paper
on a controversial
issue of the day.

14
Principles of Writing an Editorial
1. Presents facts honestly and fully
2. Draw objective conclusions
3. Never motivated by personal influence
4. Give voice to those who disagree
5. Regularly review conclusions
6. Never write anything goes against
conscience
7. Adhere to highest standards of
professional integrity
The Editorial [Pangulong Tudling]
M. Lyle Spencer, a former president
of the University of Washington, defines
editorial as a “presentation of facts and
opinions in a concise, pleasing order for
the sake of influencing opinion,
entertaining, paying tribute or praise, or
interpreting significant news in such a
way that its importance to the average
16
reader will be clear.”
The Editorial [Pangulong Tudling]
From the definition of Spencer, the
PURPOSES of the editorial are:

1. To influence opinion
2. To entertain
3. To pay tribute or praise
4. To interpret or explain significant
news 17
Types of Editorials (Ramirez, 1989)
1 •Editorial of Interpretation

2 •Editorial Criticism

3
•Editorial of Entertainment
• Editorial of Commendation,
4 Appreciation, or Tribute

•Editorial of Argument 18
5
 Classification of Editorials
1. Editorial of Interpretation
▪ It explains the significance of a
news and events in an objective,
factual, dispassionate manner,
so as to translate, elucidate, and
construe in the light of
individual belief or interest. It is
peg on the news/issue. 19
Suggested topics
(Interpretative Editorial):
Lengthening elementary school term
from 6 years to 7 years
The Establishment of a Remedial
Reading Program
The Launching of a new school
curriculum
The involvement of the school paper in 20
youth activities/programs/campaigns
 Classification of Editorials
2. Editorial of Criticism
▪ This points out the positive and negative
features of the issues and explains what
should be done about it. Editorials of this
type are frequently written to expose
negatives and to advocate change for the
better. When an editorial writer employs
this form, he hopes for a definite and
prompt action on the part of the leaders
21
and the general public.
Suggested topics:
(Editorial of Criticism)
The Remedial Reading Program
Student Violations of School
Regulations/Policies
Ineffectiveness of the Student Government
Students’ absences / attendance policies
Student Representation in the Local School
Board
Unnecessary suspension of classes because 22
of seminars of teachers
 Classification of Editorials
3. Editorial of Entertainment
(Human Interest)
▪ It shows “the pathos and comedy
in the news.” Often this light
type od editorial reflects the
human interest angle with the
view to create a “certain smile”
on the part of the readers. 23
Suggested topics:
(Editorial of Entertainment)
Fads and Fashion
The Weather
Cheering in Athletic Meet
Personality sketch of the old janitor
but not daring to retire because he
has to feed a big family

24
 Classification of Editorials
4. Editorial of Commendation,
Appreciation, or Tribute
▪ This type offers an analytical judgment
on the affairs of the nation or the
school. It makes worthy
commendation and praise for the
success, achievements and inventions
of various leaders, educators,
scientists, and other personalities or 25

organizations.
Suggested topics:
(Editorial of Commendation,
Appreciation, or Tribute)
 A Retiring School Employee
 Outstanding Performance in a
Contest
 Winning the Championship
crown by the school’s varsity
 Death of a Teacher 26
 Classification of Editorials
5. Editorial of Argument
▪ It is designed to argue for the
benefits of the reader. The cold,
substantial logic of the best
editorial minds finds expression in
editorials which argue from cause
to effect, clearly indicating the
reasons why certain developments 27

are expected.
Sample Editorial
(Pamagat)
Gintong mailap, malapit nang
malasap
(Talata 1/7) Sa halos 92 taong
singkad na pagsali ng Pilipinas sa
Olimpiyada, hindi pa rin tayo
nakalalasap ng tamis ng kahit isang 28

gintong medalya.
Sample Editorial
• (Talata 2/7) Simula nang lumahok ang
Pilipinas sa Olympics noong 1924 sa
Paris, nakalulungkot lamang isipin na
hanggang sa kasalukuyan, mayroon
lamang tayong kabuuang siyam na
medalya sa opisyal na tala – dalawang
pilak at pitong tanso. Unang nagtamo
ng medalya ang bansa noong 1928 sa
Amsterdam nang mag-uwi ng tanso si 29

Teofilo Yldefonso sa swimming.

Sample Editorial
• (Talata 3/7) Naibulsa naman ang
tatlong medalyang tanso ng mga
atletang Pinoy nang sumunod na
Olimpiyada sa Los Angeles noong 1932,
na kinabibilangan nina Simeon Toribio
sa men’s high jump, Jose Villanueva sa
boksing at si Yldefonso muli sa
swimming. Nasungkit ni Miguel White
ang tanso para sa Men’s 400m hurdles 30

sa Berlin noong 1936.

 Sample Editorial
• (Talata 4/7) Pagkaraan ng 28 taon, nakuha
ni Anthony Villanueva ang unang pilak para
sa bansa sa larong boksing sa Japan.
Sinundan ito ng dalawang tanso ng mga
boksingerong sina Leopoldo Serantes, 1988
sa Seoul, at Roel Velasco sa Barcelona noong
1992. Ang pinakahuling karangalan ng bansa
ay nakamit ni Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco
noong sentenaryo ng makabagong
Olimpiyada sa Atlanta nang makopo niya ang 31

pilak sa boksing.
Sample Editorial
• (Talata 5/7) Sa katatapos lamang na
2012 Olimpiyada sa London, walang
naiuwing anumang medalya ang ating
mga manlalaro. Gayunpaman ay
naipamalas nila ang angking galing at
talento ng mga Pilipino. Subalit isang
katanungan pa rin ang naglalaro sa
isipan ng marami sa atin... Kailan nga ba
tayo magkakaginto? 32
Sample Editorial
• (Talata 6/7) Marami nang sumubok
subalit lahat ay nangabigo sa dakilang
layuning mag-uwi ng pinakaaasam-asam
na medalya. Marahil panahon na nga
talaga na lalo pa nating pag-ukulan ng
pansin ang paghubog sa mga atleta ng
bansa.

33
 Sample Editorial
• (Talata 7/7) Ito ay maisasagawa lamang
natin kung bibigyang-priyoridad ang mga
programang pang-isports sa bawat paaralan
sapagkat isa sa ating mga mag-aaral ang
maaaring sumunod sa yapak at lagpasan pa
ang kahusayan ng mga kasalukuyang
manlalaro ng bansa na kinikilala natin sa
kasalukuyan. Nasa ating mga paaralan
lamang ang bayaning mag-uuwi ng kauna-
unahang gintong medalya sa Olimpiyada
34
kayat alagaan natin sila. Kung hindi ngayon,
kailan pa?
Characteristics of an
Editorial
1. It must be
interesting
and forceful.
35
Characteristics of an
Editorial
2. It must be clear
and must have a
moral purpose,
sound reasoning,
and the power to
solicit public 36

opinion.
Characteristics of an
Editorial
3. It must be
factual and
provide
pertinent
information. 37
Characteristics of an
Editorial
4. It must be concise:
250 to 300 words,
four to five
paragraphs
(depending on the mechanics presented in a
competition or on the availability of space in a
38
paper)
Parts of an Editorial

1. The Introduction

2. The Body

3. The Conclusion
39
Parts of an Editorial
The Introduction – It is the
beginning paragraph. It may
contain the news upon which
the editorial is based, in
which case, it is called the
news peg. 40
Parts of an Editorial
The Body - The facts about the
news or issue including the paper’s
opinion or viewpoint are contained
in the body. The case is built up
through a logical arrangement of
ideas supported by facts. The body
maybe made up of three to four 41
paragraphs.
Parts of an Editorial
•The Conclusion - This is the last
part. It may summarize or drive
home the point. It ties up the
ideas and arguments presented
in the body. This is sometimes
known as clincher.
42
Parts of an Editorial
•At present , we are now seeing
editorials that do not have
formal conclusion. They leave
the decision to the reader after
stating the problem, pointing
out the good and the bad and
43
raising questions.
 The Lead
• After the title, a powerful lead must 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 of the situation, problem, or event.
2 – A striking statement that will arrest the attention of the
reader.
3 – A question inviting attention on the issue at hand.
4 – A quotation relevant to the issue.
5 – A narrative about the situation.
44
 Giving flesh to the body
 The editorial becomes forceful if the case is
argued convincingly. Present the facts clearly
and concisely.
Some tips:
1. Use examples and illustrations to drive
home the point.
2. Quote sources and authorities.
3. Use statistics if applicable and available.
45
4. Start your editorial with a bang.
Parts of an Editorial
The conclusion maybe written in the form of a:
A suggestion –
The business sector would do well to evaluate
people on the basis of merit rather than
academic degree.
A challenge –
If they can, can we not?
A simple summary –
The spate of scandals over government deals,
characterized by favoritism and influence 46
peddling, mars the government claims of
transparency.
 RATING
CATEGORY 10 8 6 4 2
Remarks

1. Presentation of the news page are

clearly stated
2. Reflects clear, logical thinking making
the reader think
3. Gives evidence of accurate knowledge
of issues, problems
4. Introduction clearly states the issues,
stand of the writer and the conclusion
ties up to the introduction

5. Arguments presented in the body

support the writers’ stand
47
TOTAL RATING:
Reference: DepEd Memorandum No. 221, s. 2012
Tips in Editorial Writing
1.Be brief (rarely more than 300
words). You may use longer
sentences and paragraphs
than in the news story.

48
Tips in Editorial Writing
2. Write simply and
directly. You may
use more formal
language and a
wider vocabulary
than in news
writing.
49
Tips in Editorial Writing
3. Be impersonal. Use the third
person or the impersonal “we”.
Never use “I” except in direct
quotations.

50
Tips in Editorial Writing

4.Be sincere
rather than
“smart”.

51
Tips in Editorial Writing

5. Write clearly.

52
Tips in Editorial Writing

6. Write vigorously.

53
Tips in Editorial Writing
7. Present facts, rather than
drawing conclusions. Let the
reader draw his own
generalizations from the facts
presented.

54
Tips in Editorial Writing
8. Be authoritative, but don’t
preach. Present the facts and let
the reader draw his conclusions
as to what he should do or not
do.

55
Tips in Editorial Writing
9. Use various devices to catch and keep the
reader’s interest such as:
a. A striking title – which may arouse the
reader’s curiosity or suggest the topic.
b. A good lead
c. Illustration in the form of a brief narrative.
d. Authority to support your facts or arguments.
e. Analogy
f. Comparison and contrast 56
Tips in Editorial Writing
10.End the
editorial
appropriately.

57
Tips in Editorial Writing

11. Relate the

editorial to the
lives of your
readers.

58
Tips in Editorial Writing
12. Use catchy but
not flippant
(superficial or jokey)
titles.

59
 Exercises
 Choose one from the topics below and
develop it into an editorial. State your stand
on your chosen topic.
1. Preparedness of the City of Malolos in
establishing new elementary and
secondary schools
2. DepEd to advise teachers to have new
uniforms annually
60
3. Conducting division and regional
seminars in just short notice
 References
• Bonifacio, Proceso R. (2008). Editorial Cartooning:
Lecture notes on Campus Journalism. RELC, Pulungbulu,
Angeles City.
• Cruz, Ceciliano-Jose. (2003). Pamahayagang Pangkampus
sa Bagong Milenyo. Rex Book Store, Inc., Manila.
• Nieto, Dan Mark. (2010). Lecture on Editorial
Cartooning.
• Ramirez, Jaime B. (1989). Philippine Journalism
Handbook: Third Edition. National Book Store.
Mandaluyong City.
• DepEd Memorandum No. 221, s. 2012. Implementing 61
Guidelines on the Conduct of the 2013 National Schools
Press Conference (NSPC).
 62

View publication stats