What is an Editorial?

An editorial is an article written by or under the direction of the editor of a newspaper or

magazine, or a statement broadcast on radio or television. Editorials give opinions on important
social, political, economic, or legal issues of the day and intend to persuade readers to agree to
a particular point of view. Editorials reflect the views of the owners, managers, or board of
directors. Editorials of major papers are often viewed by readers in terms of their positioning as
right (conservative, center (liberal), or left (socialist) on the political spectrum.

Functions of editorials: to persuade, to explain, to praise, to entertain.

Essentials of Editorial
1. The very first criterion is that a good editorial is an opinion maker. If it is based on
evidence, that is so much better. Editorials analyze evidence rather than produce it.
2. It must present a refreshing perspective on an issue.
3. It tackles recent events and issues, and attempts to formulate viewpoints based on an
objective analysis of happenings and conflicting/contrary opinions.
4. An editorial is contemporary.
5. An editorial is traditionally written in a literary style. The language used is an important
accessory, but never the main thing.
6. A good editorial must also be careful to leave a good after taste. It must be such that the
reader feels enlightened, empowered, or helped in forming his own opinion on an issue.
7. A good editorial expresses an opinion, it does not force it down the throat of the reader.
8. It should be brief and concise.

Editorial vs Opinion vs Column

● An editorial is an expression of the position of the newspaper’s editors or editorial board
or publisher on an issue. It's generally written by an editor or member of the editorial
board. The tradition has been to frame the editorial using first person plural, we.
Editorials are not generally signed although there have been some exceptions over
the years.
● An opinion article can be written by anyone and can be posted anywhere. But if you
write an opinion article and decide to submit it to an editor hoping it to be
published in a newspaper; then it is (your piece) called an Opinion Editorial or
Opposite Editorial (Op-Ed). An Op-Ed or an opinion article takes on a personal
voice (the author's voice) and is based on the current issue. The opinion
represents only the writer’s and does not correlate with the official voice of the
news outlet.
 ● A column is written by a columnist, editor or other select individual on a topic of their
choosing. It is the expression of one person's opinion or viewpoint and is generally
written using first person singular or third person singular. Columns are signed by the
author.

Principles of Journalism applicable to Editorial

● Accuracy: Producing well-sourced information based on solid evidence
● Impartiality: Being fair and open-minded coverage while exploring all
significant views
● Fairness: Operating in a transparent, open, honest and fair manner based on
straight dealing
● Privacy: Ensuring we respect and never invade personal privacy unless it is
in the public interest
● Accountability: Signs of professionalism and responsible journalism is the
ability to hold ourselves accountable.

Editorial Structures
An editorial is similar to an essay in that it focuses on a specific issue or topic, offers a thesis,
and provides evidence and supporting arguments to convince its readers. The title identifies the
topic; the introductory statement includes the writer’s view on the issue; the body provides
supporting evidence and examples; and the conclusion restates the writer’s view and provides a
final appeal for the reader to agree to that view.

Editorials are written according to a well-established formula.

● Introduction - state the problem
● Explanation of the issue
● Body - expresses an opinion from opposing viewpoint
● Solution - offers a solution to the problem
● Conclusion - emphasizes the main issue

Additional tips on structuring your opinion story:

● 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.
● 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.
● 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.
● Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies. In defense of your position, give reasons from
strong to strongest order. Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility
and perceived intelligence.
● 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.

Techniques in Claiming Opinions and Supporting

Claims
Critical thinking means being able to make good arguments.

Arguments are claims backed by reasons that are supported by evidence. Argumentation is a
social process of two or more people making arguments, responding to one another--not simply
restating the same claims and reasons--and modifying or defending their positions accordingly.

Claims are statements about what is true or good or about what should be done or believed.
Claims are potentially arguable.

Example:

"A liberal arts education prepares students best" is a claim, while "I didn't like the book"
is not. The rest of the world can't really dispute whether I liked the book or not, but they
can argue about the benefits of liberal arts. "I thought the movie was cool" is not an
arguable statement, but "the movie was Paul Newman's best" is, for people can disagree
and offer support for their different opinions.

Reasons are statements of support for claims, making those claims something more than mere
assertions. Reasons are statements in an argument that pass two tests:

Reasons are answers to the hypothetical challenge to your claim:

● “Why do you say that?”

 ● “What reason can you give me to believe that?” If a claim about liberal arts education is
so challenged, a response with a reason could be: “It teaches students to think
independently.”

Reasons can be linked to claims with the word because:

● Liberal arts is best [claim] because it teaches students independent thinking [reason];
● That was Newman's best [claim] because it presented the most difficult role [reason];
● Global warming is real [claim] because the most reputable science points in that
direction [reason].
● Everyone should stop wearing seat belts [claim] because it would save lives [reason].

Evidence serves as support for the reasons offered and helps compel audiences to accept
claims. Evidence comes in different sorts, and it tends to vary from one academic field or
subject of argument to another. Evidence answers challenges to the reasons given, and it
comes in four main types:

● Specific instances include examples, case studies, and narratives. Each can be an
effective mode of building support for a reason or claim. In a public speech, they offer
audiences a way to see an idea illustrated in a particular case. To be effective, specific
instances need to be representative of the broader trend or idea they are supporting.

● Statistics include raw numbers (117 million visitors to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,),
averages ('women's bowling teams drink on average two pitchers less then men's'),
statistical probabilities ('crossing North Main during rush hour increases your chances of
death 20%'), and statistical trends ('applications have risen 40% over the past three
years'). In public speeches, statistics have the advantage of seeming objective,
authoritative, and factual, but critical audiences will want to know about the sources and
methods for determining your statistical evidence.

● Testimony, or appeals to authority, come in two main types, eyewitness and expert.

● Eyewitness or first-hand testimonies are reports from people who directly

experience some phenomenon. First-hand testimony can help give the audience
a sense of being there.

● Experts may also rely on direct experience, but their testimony is also backed by
more formal knowledge, methods, and training.When using testimony in
arguments, you should always make sure the authority you are appealing to is in
fact qualified to speak on the topic being discussed.
Types of Editorials
1. Editorial of Information – it seeks to give information on facts of news stories or add other
facts with minimum explanation. It may define terms, identify persons or factors or provide a
background.
2. Editorial of Interpretation – It explains the significance or meaning of a news event, current
idea, condition, or situation, theory, or hypothesis. The writer doesn’t argue nor criticize, but
merely present both sides of an issue and leaves the judgment to the reader. It merely
interprets, say for example, the content of a new memorandum issued by the principal.
3. Editorial of Criticism – It points out the good or the bad features of a problem or situation
mentioned in the news. Its purpose is to influence the reader. It suggests a solution at the end.
4. Editorial of Commendation, Appreciation, or Tribute – It praises, commends, or pays
tribute to a person or organization that has performed some worthwhile projects or deeds, or
accomplishments.
5. 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.
6. Editorial of entertainment – It evokes a smile, a chuckle, laughter, while suggesting truth.
Its main aim is to entertain. It is usually short.
7. Mood editorial – It presents a philosophy rather than an argument or an explanation.
Oftentimes, the subject matter is nature or emotion.
8. Special occasion – it explains the significance of a special day or occasion.

Topic Choice/News Peg

Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.

Since editorials are based on opinion, your topic should be arguable and have multiple points
of view. Your essay will reflect your personal bias or the bias of the group you are representing,
so you should expect some of your readers to disagree with your stance. You might select a
controversial topic that involves politics to provoke conversation about your writing. Regardless
of the topic you choose, make sure that you can write about it passionately and focus on why
others should agree with your perspective.

As you decide what to write about, keep in mind that your topic should be specific. Keeping the
scope of your editorial on a certain aspect of an issue will keep your argument strong and help
the reader stay focused. A well-written editorial devotes multiple paragraphs to supporting one
specific idea.
1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to 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 food drive.
2. Criticize: These editorials 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.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim 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 good examples of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done
well. They are not as common as the other three.

Writing the Actual Editorial Article

● Follow the pattern and style of editorial writing.
● The opinion of the writer is given near the beginning, followed by supporting evidence
and reasoning (direct approach)
● The first person plural voice (we, our) is most common in editorial writing and is
appropriate in establishing the credibility of the writer.
● Editorials should be short, precise, and well organized.
● Develop a strong introductory statement to capture the reader’s attention and to state
your opinion. Use a logical sequence for presenting your arguments, and an effective
conclusion to maximize the impact on the reader.

Introduction
1. Hook - Grab the reader’s attention
2. Clearly state opinion on the issue
3. Mention 2-3 reasons that support opinion
Body paragraph 1
1. State a reason
2. Include 3 facts that support reason
3. Include a tell more for each fact
Body Paragraph 2
1. State a reason
2. Include 3 facts that support reason
3. Include a tell more for each fact
Conclusion
1. Restate opinion or issue
2. Restate reasons that support opinion
3. Leave the reader thinking (Persuade them to take action)
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(n.d.) Writing an Editorial. https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/socstud/frame_found_sr2/tns/tn-

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Sackstein’s Journalism Resources. (n.d.). Structure of an Editorial.

https://sites.google.com/a/wjps.org/the-blazer---newspaper-class/opinion-editorial-
writing/structure-of-an-editorial

Singh, A., Singh S. (2006). What is a Good Editorial?.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3190447/

University of Pittsburgh Communications Services Webteam. (n.d.). Argument:

Claims,Reasons, Evidence. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from
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How to Write an Editorial in Five Steps (Including Tips for Writing a Killer One). (n.d.).
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