Writing Editorials and the
Editorial Page HI-LIGHTS I
Editorials – the voice of the newspaper
 Besides reviews, the editorial
pages are stories that should
contain the author’s opinions!
 Historically, students told not to
editorialize on school or other
politics; today, this is no longer
the case.
 Editorials must be responsible
in order to maintain the
publication’s credibility.
You should know . . .
 What components are included in an editorial page
– staff editorial (we), editorial columns, cartoons,
letters to the editor, opinion features
Staff editorial vs. editorial column
 Staff editorial = voice of the paper (we)
 Editorial column = voice of the writer (I)
 Types of editorial columns:
 Profile – like the personality feature, but writer can
draw conclusions – “an outstanding sports record”
 Entertainment – movie, CD, concert, restaurant
reviews
 In-the-clubs and Names-in-the-news columns – usually
offer praise
 Q and A
 Satirical, humorous, philosophical – popular, but
should make a point
other editorials
 Opinion features – writer expresses opinions, draws
conclusion; “what do you think of new food policy?”
 Point-Coutnerpoint – different views on same topic
 Mini-torial – usually 1-2 sentences, gets the point
across quickly, often humorous but conveys serious
message.
Editorials – the voice of the newspaper
 Need for research is
especially important to
present an informed,
intelligent viewpoint.
 Generally, editorials
should be about 200-750
words
 Longer editorials can be
guilty of overkill –
readership drops!
Functions/Types of Editorials . . .
Explain
Regularly
Persuade
comment
Praise
Criticize
Entertain
Lead
Answer
Warn
Briefly
comment
IMPORTANT!
 When writing any type of editorial (especially one tha
criticizes), you must be sure to have researched
thoroughly!
 Address both sides of a situation!

Concede points to the opposition
“While it’s true that x is the case, . . . ”
 “X has been helpful in y, but . . .”

 When necessary, attribute sources (statistics, quotes
opinions of others)
 If your point is not clear and well supported, people w
not take the editorial seriously.
Writing the editorial . . .
 Research, then write clearly, concisely with simple
wording
 Get the reader’s attention with important issue, then
keep them with you so they take your point seriously
The four parts of an editorial
 Most common, but not present in all editorials:
 Introduction
 Reaction
 Details
 Conclusion
Parts of an editorial – Introduction
 Introduction – statement of background that
introduces the topic. Don’t assume the reader
already knows the basics
 The introduction should not include opinion!
Parts of an editorial - Reaction
 Reaction - an opinion stating your position
 Establish directly after the lead!
 This is where opinions begin and you may use
first person

However, it’s stronger to make statements without “I”
Instead of: “I believe Wisconsin should adopt the four day
school week.”
 Use “Wisconsin should adopt the four day school week.”

Parts of an editorial - Support
 facts/details to support the opinions
 The more verifiable facts and statistics, the more
convincing
 DO NOT use direct quotes as freely as in
news/features


Instead of: “We have closed campus because of our
limited lunch time,” said Mr. Mella.
Use: Administration cites limited lunch time to support its
closed campus policy.
 You must cite any sources of statistics or
information you needed to look up to support
your argument.
Parts of an editorial - Support
 Attribution is absolutely necessary – to avoid
plagiarism and to add credibility
 Attribution shows that you’ve researched and
thoroughly considered the topic.
 Consider legitimacy of your sources –
About.com, wikipedia.org, smokingkills.org,
white house press release
Parts of an editorial - Conclusion
 suggestions for dealing with the topic
alternatives (crucial for editorials that criticize),
direction, and restatement of writer’s position
 Don’t start off with “In conclusion” . . .
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
editorial writing guidelines
 Be brief
 Be concise
 Come to the point quickly
 Be sincere
 Don’t take yourself too seriously
 Don’t preach – persuade
 Avoid gossip
 Admit errors – don’t be afraid to change positions
 If you choose controversial topic, RESEARCH, then have
several people read your work before publishing – if it
comes across as whiny or one-sided, people won’t take it
seriously
editorial writing guidelines
 No one likes weak or unfair editorials –
use judgment and don’t neglect
opposing viewpoints
 Letter to the editor section gives public
a chance to reply.
 Be sure your work can withstand
arguments without a battle of counter
letters and editorials
 Textbook says don’t use “I” but use “we”
and “you” . . . but Hi-Lights publishes
first person singular editorials
REMEMBER!!!!!
 As in most newspaper writing . . .
 Avoid at all costs in all other types of stories! Use
sparingly (if at all) in editorials!