Editorial: Introduction

 

An editorial is one of the writing styles used to express an opinion or reaction to timely news, event or an issue of concern. Most editorials are used to influence readers to think or act the same way the writer does. Not all editorials take sides on an issue but have one of the following four purposes:

 

1. Inform: The writer gives careful explanations about a complicated issue.

2. Promote: Writer tries to promote a worthy activity. Get the reader involved.

3. Praise: The writer praises a person or an event.

Entertain: The writer encourages or entertains the reader about an important issue.

Writing Editorials

 

The editorial serves as the official view of the paper, reflecting the opinions of many sides of an issue. It is composed by an editorial board (in this case, your group), which agrees on the topic and the view to present.

 

 

Editorial Content

v    deals with a current issue which is effecting many readers

v    may attempt to influence, by giving readers all of the facts and concerns

v    offer suggestions and indications as to outcomes

v    the opinion, if offered, will not be an extreme view, but a well prepared and informed one, taking into consideration many aspects from both sides of the debate

 

Construction

v    an editorial presents the official view of the paper, so it is a wisely thought out

v    clear and concise wording- free of emotive terms

v    usually balanced, presenting all aspects of the situation/event/issue

v    written on an important topic, often a deep seated problem within society, which is likely to be of interest or concern to many readers

v    doesn't normally include reported speech

 

Editorial stories have:

v    Introduction, body, solution and conclusion like other news stories.

v    An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues.

v    A timely news angle.

v    Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that directly refute the same issues the writer addresses.

v    Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.

v    Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a proactive approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.

 v    A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.

Four Types of Editorials

 

v    Editorials of argument and persuasion take a firm stand on a problem or condition. They attempt to persuade the reader to think the same way. This editorial often proposes a solution or advises taking some definite action.

v    Editorials of information and interpretation attempt to explain the meaning or significance of a situation or news event. There is a wide variety of editorials in this category, ranging from those which provide background information to those which identify issues.

v    Editorials of tribute, appreciation or commendation praise a person or an activity.

v    Editorials of entertainment have two categories. One is the short humorous treatment of a light topic. The second is a slightly satirical treatment of a serious subject. (Satire is the use of sarcasm or keen wit to denounce abuses or follies. While it ridicules or makes fun of a subject it has the intent of improving it.)

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