Writing

an
Editorial
What is an Editorial?
An Editorial is usually written by the editor or
one of the writers on his or her behalf and it
represents the views of the newspaper.
Also in editorial section, you will find other
people’s opinions on the same subject or others.
They are known as columns.
Editorial
An article that states the newspaper’s stance on
a particular issue. Basically, it is a persuasive
essay that offers a solution to a problem.
Editorial stories have:

♦ Introduction, body, solution 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.
♦ 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
proactive 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.
 Types of Editorials
♦ Editorials of argument and persuasion take a
firm stand on a problem or condition. They
attempt to persuade the reader to think the same
way.
This editorial often proposes
a solution or advises taking
some definite action.
♦ Editorials of information and interpretation
attempt to explain the meaning or significance
of a situation or news event. There is a wide
variety of editorials in this category, ranging
from those which provide background
information to those which identify issues.
♦ Editorials of tribute, appreciation
or commendation praise a person
or an activity.
♦ Editorials of entertainment have two
categories. One is the short humorous
treatment of a light topic. The second is a
slightly satirical treatment of a serious subject.
(Satire is the use of sarcasm or keen wit to
denounce abuses or follies. While it ridicules or
makes fun of a subject with the intent of
improving it.)
♣ Editorials are written according to a well-established formula.

• Introduction ………state the problem

• Body ………………expresses an opinion
• Solution …………...offers a solution to
the problem
• Conclusion ………..emphasizes the main issue
E d ito r ia l W r itin g

Intro:
Present the
problem or
situation.

Take a stand!

Reason #1 for position

Reason #2 for position

Reason #3 for position

Present Recap
a logical the staff
solution. stance.
 An effective formula for editorial writing is SPECS

• State the problem;

• Position on the problem;
• Evidence to support the position;
• Conclusions: Who’s affected and how;
• Solutions to the problem: At least two
1. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the
Issue/Controversy. Include the five W's and the H.
Pull in facts and quotations from sources
which are relevant.
2.Present Your Opposition First. As the writer you disagree with
these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose
you). Use facts and quotations to state objectively
their opinions. Give a strong
position of the opposition.
You gain nothing in
refuting a weak position.
3. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs. You can
begin your article with transition. Pull in other facts
and quotations from people who support your
position. Concede a valid point of the opposition which
will make you appear rational, one who has
considered all the options.
4. Give Other, Original Reasons or
Analogies.
In defense of your
position, give reasons from
strong to strongest order.
Use a literary or cultural
allusion that leads to your
credibility and perceived
intelligence.
5. Conclude With Some Punch. Give solutions to the
problem or challenge the reader to be informed.

A quotation can be effective, especially if from a

respected source. A rhetorical question can be an
effective concluder as well. While it ridicules or
makes fun of a subject with the intent of improving
it.
☻Think of an opinion piece as a persuasive essay: the
writer has an opinion or a point of view on an issue and
he or she
wants to convince the reader
to agree. This is not as easy
as it may seem.
• You must research your topic and find out what’s
happening and what went on in the past.

• You must know the facts

and be able to refer
to them in your
argument.
☻Pretend you are a lawyer and you are making a
case before a jury. You will want to convince the
members of the jury to believe that your client is
right . Therefore you need to present as much

evidence as you can

that proves the point.
☻You can do the same when you write a column or
editorial. Here’s an example:
Let’s say you want to write an editorial supporting
capital punishment. You want to convince your
readers that someone who commits
murder should receive
a death sentence.
☻The first thing you have to do is start collecting the
facts.
• When did Philippines put an end to capital punishment?
What were the arguments used to do that?
• When did people start talking about re-introducing the
death penalty?
• What cases have prompted debate on this issue? What
examples can they find to support their argument for
capital punishment?
☻You must also consider the other side of the
argument.
• What would people who oppose the death penalty say?
• How would they respond to their points?
• start with a basic premise or theme.
• use facts and details to back up
your opinion and help you
make your case.
• Leave your readers with a lasting impression -- a strong
point that will make them consider your point of view.
• Don’t need to preach to the reader. A good editorial will
make readers take notice of the situation and form their
own opinions on the issue.
 Characteristics of an Editorial

Interesting, brief and forceful

 Clear and have moral purpose, sound reasoning and power
to influence public opinion.
Factual and provides
pertinent information.
 Planning the Editorial

1. Start with one specific idea as your topic for the editorial.
2. Establish a purpose well in mind.
3. Gather sufficient data.
4. Run though your topic and develop fully.
5. Have a definite stand on
controversial issues.
6. Use logical reasoning and
use this to end your
editorial.
 Beginning the Editorial
• You can use the following:
• A striking statement about
the topic.
• A quotation
• A narration
• An order
• A question
• A mixture of facts & opinion
• A news peg
 The Body
• Include in this part
- the editorial’s basic facts
- the causes and effects behind
- incidents and situations
- illustrations
- arguments
 THE CONCLUSION

This part drives home a final important thought

or direction. It may be in the form of advice,
challenge, command or just a rounding out or a
simple summary.
 POINTERS IN WRITING THE EDITORIAL

 Your lead paragraph should set the correct

mood for your editorial.
 Write simply, directly and vigorously.
 Know your facts and be sure
to stress a point.
 Be impersonal.
 POINTERS IN WRITING THE EDITORIAL

 Keep it brief.
 Delimit the topic to one specific idea.
 Maintain & sustain your objectives in
writing the editorial
 Use the positive approach in writing the editorial. State the
problem or need. You can suggest solution & give
motivation for action.
 Pointers….(cont.)

 Give it quality & freshness. Current topics have the

tendency to become monotonous & so a fresh
treatment in your editorial can make people have the
interest to read it.
 Use catchy titles.
 End the editorial appropriately.