Writing an Editorial
CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL WRITING
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the
majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of
editors. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, 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, an editorial is an
opinionated news story.
Editorials have:
1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the
writer addresses
5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials
engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of
persuasion.
6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe
about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the
situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion.
Give it some punch (quote or saying from a credible source).
Four Types of Editorials Will:
1. Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the
newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject.
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.
4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well.
Writing an Editorial
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest 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 opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures,
quotations. Pick apart 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 into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge.
Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis
statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"
A Sample Structure of an Editorial
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W's and the H.
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
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.
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Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak
position.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. However…
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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
IV. 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
V. 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
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A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well
ACTIVITY 1: DO IT RIGHT!
ARRANGE THE IDEAS OF THE GIVEN SAMPLE EDITORIAL
BASED ON THE SAMPLE STRUCTURE
Upholding the Rights of Indigenous People
By: YmarSirch
To better support the indigenous peoples' cause, people must acknowledge
their contributions to our cultural and natural legacy. Also, we must
recognize the ongoing influence of colonialism and imperialism on their
lives and identities. They should recognize and appreciate the diversity and
richness of our indigenous traditions, just as we honor and respect our
national heroes and cultural icons.
Nevertheless, these arguments are unfounded and deceptive. The DENR's
actions contradict the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and the United
Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which
acknowledge and preserve indigenous peoples' ancestral domains. In
addition to violating their right to self-determination and cultural integrity,
the cancellation of the CADT without due process and the permission of the
affected community also violates their right to self-determination.
Additionally, the Manobo tribe has a profound spiritual and historical
connection to the land, having inhabited the region for millennia. After a
comprehensive and collaborative procedure, the National Commission for
Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has acknowledged and confirmed their claim to
the CADT. Each claim of fraud or irregularity should be examined and
resolved by legal procedures, not by the DENR's arbitrarily and unilaterally.
Indigenous peoples have been disadvantaged and discriminated against in
the Philippines for generations. Despite the implementation of several laws
and regulations to safeguard their rights, their land, culture, and way of life
continue to be threatened. The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources' (DENR) recent decision to revoke the Certificate of Ancestral
Domain Title (CADT) of the Manobo tribe in Surigao Del Sur is a clear
illustration of this injustice.
In conclusion, they ask the DENR and other government authorities to
uphold the IPRA and UNDRIP's mandates to protect the rights and welfare
of indigenous peoples. Also, they call on the public to support and stand in
solidarity with the Manobo tribe and other indigenous tribes fighting for
their rights and dignity. As the Filipino poet Jose Garcia Villa once stated,
"The true and enduring victory of the Filipino people can only be achieved
by recognizing and affirming their uniqueness and dignity as a people."
Others contend that the abolition of the CADT was required to solve the
illicit mining and logging situation in the region. In addition, they assert that
the Manobo tribe was not the original and authorized holder of the CADT,
but they obtained it through fraudulent ways.
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy
II. Present Your Opposition First.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
V. Conclude With Some Punch.
Write an Editorial
Newspaper editorials reflect and express the newspaper’s opinion on an issue. Issues are
on a variety of topics and could include but are not limited to: election favorites, policy
revisions, school rules and policies, rallies, political decisions, zoning and environmental
changes etc. Editorials are opinion stories, but in order for an editorial to be effective, it
must be backed up not only by an opinion but also by facts and evidence and in many
cases the editorial will also include relevant data.
Topics that you may consider:
 Cell Phones in Our Schools
 Climatic Change and Us
 Marcos as The President
 China and Philippines Territorial Relation
 Are We Having a Communications Technology Overkill?
 Is Texting Taking its Toll on the Correct Usage of Language?
The Task
YOUR GUIDE:
➢ Select a current issue.
➢ Decide what your position is on the issue.
➢ Give your opinion as to why you have selected this position on the issue.
➢ State the facts, evidence and data (if available) to back up your position.
➢ State the opposing position.
➢ Provide the facts that support the opposing position/opinion.
➢ Dispute, challenge and question the opposing opinions, backed up with facts. How
will you capture and appeal to your readers?
ANSWER KEY FOR ACTIVITY 1:
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy
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Indigenous peoples in the Philippines have long been marginalized and discriminated
against despite laws and regulations in place to protect their rights and ancestral domains.
The recent revocation of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) of the
Manobo tribe in Surigao Del Sur by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) is a clear example of this injustice.
II. Present Your Opposition First.
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Some argue that the revocation of the CADT was necessary to address illegal mining and
logging in the area.
Others claim that the Manobo tribe acquired the CADT fraudulently and was not the
rightful holder.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.
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These arguments are unfounded and deceptive, as the revocation of the CADT violates
the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA) and the United Nations Declaration on the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
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The cancellation of the CADT without due process and the consent of the affected
community also violates their right to self-determination.

The Manobo tribe has a deep historical and spiritual connection to the land, and their
claim to the CADT was confirmed by the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples
(NCIP).
IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
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It is important to recognize the contributions of indigenous peoples to our cultural and
natural heritage.
The ongoing influence of colonialism and imperialism on their lives and identities must
also be acknowledged.
We should respect and appreciate the diversity and richness of our indigenous traditions,
just as we honor our national heroes and cultural icons.
V. Conclude With Some Punch.
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The DENR and other government authorities must uphold the mandates of the IPRA and
UNDRIP to protect the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples.
We must stand in solidarity with the Manobo tribe and other indigenous tribes fighting
for their rights and dignity.
As the poet Jose Garcia Villa once said, we can only achieve true and enduring victory as
a people by recognizing and affirming the uniqueness and dignity of all Filipinos.