Writing an Editorial Lesson

Introduction

The editorial page in a newspaper provides an opportunity for writers and readers to express their opinions. It is unique in that it allows for interpretation of news events for the reader. We all have opinions about different topics, but the editorials in a newspaper are written with a specific purpose: to explain the significance of an event, to criticize action of an individual or group, or to persuade the reader to take action or think about an issue.

There are four different types of editorials:

Interpretative - An interpretative editorial takes a complex issue and breaks it down.
Persuasive - A persuasive editorial hopes to persuade readers about a sensitive issue.
Critical - A critical editorial points out a flow, judges, and finds fault.
Entertainment - An entertainment editorial focuses on a lighter topic; however it still has the intent of improving the issue.

**Both persuasive and critical editorials use vivid examples that play on the reader's emotions and that also make sense. They present both sides of the issue and illustrate how the writer's opinion is logically the better choice. Their tone is fair and balanced.

Editorials are constructed by a major editor or the publisher about a carefully selected topic. Persuasive words are used to promote a particular point of view. Editorials are not designed to be neutral but to represent a particular point of view on a topic.
Editorials address a particular aspect of readers' reality. Editorial writers usually try to make their points apply directly to readers' lives and well-being.
Editorials are designed to persuade readers to take a particular position, vote a particular way or view a situation in a specific way.
Editorials have characteristics specific to the genre. They present a position, provide supporting details, address and refute opposing points of view and urge readers to act.

Review

The Inverted Pyramid style, most often used in news stories, focuses on placing the most crucial details at the beginning of the story. The five most basic questions a reader might ask-- who, what, where, when, why (and how) are covered in the first paragraph, called the lead or nut graf. After leading with the most important news, reporters support the main story with quotes, data and statistics and anecdotal information, winding down in importance as the story comes to an end.

Editorials are not news, but rather reasoned opinion based on facts. For example, editorials may criticize the choices of the president or his chiefs-of-staff. Editorials may praise others for their contributions or their work. The idea is that an editorial provides an opportunity for journalists to provoke thought and discussion. It is one place where opinions are encouraged in journalism.

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