Writing an Editorial

An editorial article presents Airways or a writer's opinion on an issue, the latter an Op-Ed. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much like lawyers, 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 sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, they are opinionated news stories.

Editorials have:

1. Introduction, body, and conclusion, like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially for a complex one
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses
5. The writer's opinions are delivered professionally. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities, and refrain from name-calling or other petty persuasion tactics.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should proactively improve the situation by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.

Four Types of Editorials Will:

1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain how Airways has 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. Their immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to see the solution, not the problem, immediately. From the first paragraph, readers are encouraged to take specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for a job well done. They are less common than the other three.

Writing an Editorial

1. Pick a significant topic with a current news angle that interests readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
5. Give the opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, and quotations. Dissect the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea in the reader's mind.
9. Provide realistic solutions to the problem that go beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and proactive reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every word count; never use "I"

A Sample Structure

I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.

Include the five Ws and the H. (Members of Congress, to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held …)

• Pull in facts and quotations from the relevant sources.
• Additional research may be necessary.

II. Present Your Opposition First.

As the writer, you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you. (Republicans feel that these cuts are necessary; other cable stations can pick them; only the rich watch public television.)

• Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
• Give a solid position to the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.

III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.

You can begin your article with transition: Republicans believe public broadcasting is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than US$40,000 a year.

• Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
• Concede a valid point of the opposition that will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options: fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however, ...

IV. Give Original Reasons/Analogies

In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education …)

• Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)

V. Conclude With Some Punch.

Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed: Congress should look to where real wastes exist — perhaps in defense and entitlements — to find ways to save money. Digging into public television's pocket hurts us all.

• A quotation can be effective, especially if it's from a respected source
• A rhetorical question can be an effective conclusion: if the government doesn't defend the interests of children, who will?)

Complete the “Webquest” located at http://library.thinkquest.org/50084/editorials/index.html

Writing an Editorial

Tutorial by:
Alan Weintraut
Annandale High School
Annandale, VA 22312
Atraut@aol.com