Charisse S.

Mabao Editor in Chief, The Pillar

What is an Editorial?
An editorial is used to express an opinion or reaction to timely news, event or an issue of concern. It is use to influence readers to think or act the same way the writer does. Though an editorial can be about any subject, most often it is about a current issue confronting society. Opinion can be from any point of view but has to be backed by sufficient facts.

Continuation . . .

It is an article that presents the newspapers opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board. Editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and at times cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, it is an opinionated news story.

Types of Editorial
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 and may also define terms, identify persons or factors or provide background information. Editorial of Interpretation It explains the significance or meaning of a news event, current ideas, condition, situation, theory or hypothesis. The writer doesnt argue nor criticize , but merely presents both sides of an issue and leaves the judgment to the reader.

Editorial of Criticism It points out the good or the bad features of a problem or situation. Its purpose is to influence the reader and suggests a solution at the end. Editorial of Commendation It praises, commends, or pays tribute to a person or organization that has performed some worthwhile projects or deeds. Editorial of Argumentation This is oftentimes called editorial of persuasion. The editor argues in order to convince or persuade the reader to accept his stand on the issue.

Editorial of Entertainment It evokes a smile, a chuckle, laughter while suggesting truth. Mood Editorial It presents a philosophy rather than an argument or an explanation. Oftentimes, the subject matter is nature or emotion. Special Occasion Explains the significance of a special day or occasion.

Purpose of an Editorial
To explain or interpret. Editorials explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a community clean-up. To criticize. This is to constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution. To persuade. Aims to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are examples of editorials that persuade. To praise. This is to commend people and organization for something well done. However, this is not as common as the other three.

Writing an Editorial
Pick

a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers. Collect information and facts; conduct research. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would tell why this situation is important . Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts

 Refute

the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other sides logic. Concede a point of the opposition they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the readers minds. Give realistic solutions to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark. Make it short as much as possible; make every word count and never use I.

Tips in Editorial Writing

the we approach or the 3rd person since editorial represents a group opinion Build the opinion from a news peg. An editorial is not just a mere opinion but it is pegged on a news event, idea, or a news story. For controversial issues, present both sides; take up the advantages and disadvantages. Ask the readers to decide or come up with their opinion or concept. If you need to take sides, be on the right track; support and sustain good deeds; commend exemplary actions or projects.
Use

 If you may attack, attack the situation, the problem or the issue, not the person. While we can educate, inform, explain, and influence readers through the editorial, we have to avoid preachiness. We can use beautiful language as we may depending upon the purpose to be achieved in writing he editorial.

 The

editorial title like the lead or the first sentence or paragraph should be catchy and one that attracts or compels readers to read the story or material. The conclusion should flow naturally from the lead to the details in the development of the body of the story. Like the feature story, the editorial should have a catchy title, attractive lead, organized body and a conclusion that would help shape readers opinion over issues and concerns presented.

Facts and evidences must be extensive to find the point of view you want to argue. With a point of view through an editorial piece, issues are given solutions that could be rendered to solve the actual problem at hand. An editorial may seem hard to write; but, initiative and passion about an issue gives you, the writer, the inside knowledge of making editorial writing easier.

THANK YOU