Column Writing

Discussion Outline
1. Definition of Terms
2. Opinion Writing in a nutshell
3. Column Writing
Session Objectives
To provide overview on:
⮚ What a column is
⮚ Elements of a column
⮚ Objectives in writing a column
⮚ Types of a column
⮚ Tips in writing a column
OPINION WRITING IN A NUTSHELL

❑ Strengthen analysis based on

data
❑ Present a clear stand on issues
❑ Provide recommendations
 Two opinions

X
Subjective
opinion
❖ viewpoint
Objective
opinion
❖ viewpoint
❖ Judgement not
❖ Judgement
necessarily
based truth-
based on facts or
telling
knowledge
Two Equations
Truth-telling
=
contextual
accuracy + factual
accuracy
Two Equations
INFORMATION
=
DATA + ANALYSIS
Do your research

Don’t be neutral
Elements of Opinion Writing
• Column writing
• Editorial writing
• Letters to the editor (for readers)
WHAT IS A COLUMN?

1. Journalistic
output that
shows the
writer’s opinion
on the chosen
topic or topics
Normally a Column
has the following
elements:
❑ Column
title
❑ Article
title
❑ Bylin
e
Objectives of a Column
To explain the writer’s stand on a selected
topic or topics
❑Attack
❑Defend
❑Endorse
❑Compliment
Objectives of a Column
To clarify certain points of fact or argument
that readers may find confusing or
complicated

To give reactions to arguments raised by

other columnists and other personalities
quoted by the media
Objectives of a Column
To introduce issues and concerns that
are not covered by media

To mobilize readers to action

(explicitly or implicitly)
Characteristics of a Column
Column should use the language that
is understood by the target audience

Column should discuss both local and

national concerns (the latter being
analyzed in relation to the local context)
Characteristics of a Column

Column should reflect the student

movement’s advocacy
TYPES OF COLUMN
A. In terms of BEATS

Political business

Economics Sports
• Sports
• Police
• Entertainment
• Science and Technology
TYPES OF COLUMN
In terms of BEATS
Science and
Police Technology

Entertainment
TYPES OF COLUMN
B. In terms of OBJECTIVES
1. Opinion sharing
❑political
❑economic columns
2. Advice
❑ health
❑ relationship
B. In terms of OBJECTIVES
3. Skills-related
❑ fitness
❑household tips
❑language)
C. In terms of FORM

1. Essay (single topic)

2. Capsule (multiple topics)
3. Combination
TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN

1. Know your
target audience

2. Gather as much data as you

can on the issue or issues to
be written about
TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN

3. Know all arguments for or

against the issue or issues

4. Analyze and take a stand on

the issue or issues based on
the given facts
TIPS IN WRITING A COLUMN

5. Choose a particular writing

style and tone

6. Write in a manner that is

understandable to your
defined target audience
HOW?
❑ Enlightening without being preachy

❑ Engaging without being condescending

❑ Serious (if needed) without being aloof
❑ Irreverent (if needed) without being
offensive
TIPS IN WRITING A
COLUMN
7. Avoid name-calling, other logical fallacies
8. Issues and concerns affecting students
should be the column’s focus
9. KNOW JOURNALISM ETHICS
10. Selection of columnist should be based on
credibility
Form & Style 30%
• Uses lead paragraph to introduce or build up a
clear argument in the issue
• The tone, style and approach in analyzing the
issue are evident
• Uses a language that is understood by the target
audience
• Cites sources of facts to add credibility to the
arguments raised
 Form & Style 30%
• Uses a strong, appropriate and catchy title
• Shows logical reasoning
• Observes the rules of grammar and syntax
• Utilizes transitions properly
• Observes gender-fair language
 Content 50%
• Presents and explains a solid and clear stance
• Presents the different angles and examines both
reconcilable and irreconcilable differences regarding
their stand
• Utilizes factual information from interviews,
documents reviews, data analyses and other
reliable sources
Content 50%
• Displays evidence of the writers’ knowledge and
understanding of issues/problems
• Reflects clarity of the message that can influence
public opinion
• Presents logical arguments that support the
writer’s stance
• Clarifies certain points of fact or argument that
may cause confusion or complication.
 Ethics 20%
• Showcases original works of students
• Properly cites information and attributes of facts
from the source of information
• Observes standards of journalism in terms of fairness,
relevance, accuracy, and balance
• Has no potentially libelous or obscene content,
plagiarism and copyright violations