Rye Mikkel D.

Peralta

Column Writing
 Agenda

A
Column vs. Editorial

Characteristics of Column

Types of Columns

Writing a Column

Tips

Write-up
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What differentiates a column from an editorial?
 • An editorial shows the collective opinion of a
publication.
• A column shows the opinion of an individual or
columnist.

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 Characteristics of a Column
• Free
• Strong, spicy, and fearless
• Opinion-based with strong facts
• Usually tackles local news
• Have dedicated readerships
• Shines light on unreported or unknown issues
• Open to criticism
• Each columnist has a unique name
• Usually around 500-1,000 words
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 Types of Columns

Personals or Chatter
Editorial Column Hodge-podge Column
Column

The columnist Column about well- A column about

discusses timely known persons. multiple topics that
issues or subjects. are separated by
asterisks.
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Writing the Column
 Title

• Usually 3-7 words

• Best written last
• Make it witty or attention-grabbing
• Can be a call to action or a solution

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 Body

• Start with a strong attention-getter.

• Opinions AND facts
• Utilize anecdotes, quotes, etc. to back up your claims
• Keep paragraphs less than 5 sentences long
• Do not forget the opposition
• Alternate between opposition, stance, and facts
• Do reporting

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Techniques in Persuasion
 Evidence

Using evidence is persuasive and makes the argument more logical or

reliable.

Example:
According to… (statement from authorities)
The latest study shows that… (statistics)

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 Attacks

Attacks on opposing views or the people who hold them can persuade readers
by portraying these views as foolish, dangerous, uncaring or deceitful.

Example:
To oppose injustice? What a tremendous, crippling challenge this now
becomes to media because we all know that in a consumerist capitalist
society, media are there to make a profit — that ugly word which, after all, is
the logic of capitalism.

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 Rhetorical Questions

These are questions that do not require an answer. They are asked for
effect only.

Example:
Yes, our widespread use of English has named us the 3 rd largest
speaking nation in the world. But to what extent? Were we actually
taught the right way to speak such?

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 Connotations

This is the emotional meaning associated with words.

Example:
Kill vs. Slaughter
Health issue vs. Health crisis

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 Analogy

This is a form of reasoning which compares one thing with another in

order to make a point.

Example:
School is like a prison, and students are like prisoners.

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 Humor

Using puns, irony, sarcasm, satire, and jokes can dismiss opposing
views and provide a friendly or engaging tone.

Example:
Malice in Wonderland
AI-mazing technology!

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 Repetition

Repeating letters, words, and phrases can reinforce an argument and

ensure that it stays in the reader’s mind.

Example:
Now is the time to amend the student manual. Now is the time to
arrange the students’ system. Now is the time for student
development. Yes, now is the time.

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 Hyperbole

The use of hyperbole emphasizes points by exaggerating.

Example:
One presidential candidate said that when he becomes the President,
every Filipino will eat three times. Yes, with his record and
background marred by corruption and plunder cases, every Filipino
might just eat three times… three times a week.

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 Imagery and Figurative Language

Metaphor and simile can paint a picture for the audience. This makes
the audience feel the situation and makes the columnist appear
sophisticated or well-spoken.

Example:
Instead of calling ourselves a third-world people, we must act like
carabaos and discipline ourselves.

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 Conclusion and Solution

• Summarize key points briefly without introducing new points.

• Never end a column without a solution.
• Use a strong closing sentence/paragraph.

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 Tips

• Do not build up the story. Be direct.

• Have a central metaphor.
• Connect your conclusion to your introduction.
• Write the way you talk, but follow proper grammar usage.
• Use different typographical styles.
• Start strong, end strong.
• Be creative
• Read a variety of pieces.
• Keep writing!
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Thank you
Assignment
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