Editorials Chapters 12.1 – 12.3 Editorials • • • • Voice of the Newspaper Subjective vs. Objective Opinion Point of View Fact vs. Opinion • Facts are truths • Facts can be empirically proven true or false • Opinion is point of view • Opinion is the expression of one side of an argument, interpretation or position Types of Editorials • • • • • Persuade Explain Praise Criticize Entertain Writing the Editorial • Find a topic • Follow the structure The Structure of an Editorial Introduction lays out the issue, concern or problem cites the source Reaction of all parties to the problem Details and Arguments addresses opposing points of view states your position – offers a solution offers facts and details in support Conclusion restates your position issues a call to action Writing Columns Chapter 12.2 What is a column? An article that: - expresses the opinion of the writer - Regularly occurring series of articles by same writer Column Writers - Express unique point of view Permitted to be opinionated Permitted to develop their own voice Permitted to develop own style of writing Editorial Opinion Columns - Appear on editorial page or op-ed page - Offer opposing viewpoints on issues / events in which paper takes interest - Put their own spin on local, national, or world events - Strong and consistent point of view - Can agree or disagree with staff editorial - Signed or bylined - Can be written in less formal language than an editorial, and given more space - Same writing structure as editorial: introduction, reaction, details and argument, and conclusion Feature Columns - Takes time to develop art of writing feature column - Writers come up with ideas on their own - Researched, educated arguments - Inform, entertain, or challenge readers Beat Columns - No limit to beat areas - Food, religion, real estate, business, television, celebrity, technology, etc. - Can insert opinion or analysis that news reporters cannot Humor Columns - Not easy being funny - Pacing is important - Get to the point or punchline quickly Editorial Cartoons - Sometimes accompanies or complements staff editorial - Use symbols or caricature to represent person - Simple, addressing one topic Your Assignment - Pretend you and your partner are columnists for USA Today Choose any issue, person, celebrity, news item, issue, sporting event in your assigned newspaper Both of you will write a column together on this subject You must come up with a name for your column, such as “Sports Shorts,” “The E-Line,” or “Bizz Buzz” You and your partner will take a picture together to appear on the byline Your column should be at least five paragraphs long It can be serious, humorous, informative, or argumentative Your column will be a minimum of 5 paragraphs It will include an introduction, a reaction, details and arguments, and a conclusion You will have 15 minutes to choose a subject, and the remainder of the block to type the column in Computer Lab 411 Type it in straight block style Don’t print it; save it on Mr. White’s thumb drive Writing Reviews Chapter 12.3 - Views or opinions of the writer about entertainment, art, products, or services - Music, fashion, plays, concerts, books, movies, television shows, etc. - Cars, trucks, restaurants, appliances, cleaning products, software, rollercoasters, etc. Subjects - Reviewers should write about things that impassion them Movies and Television - Information plus opinion - Plot summary important, but shouldn’t give away too much - Compare the work with artist’s previous projects, or others like it The Devil’s In The Details Details, not generalities: Bad: The John Mayer concert was fantastic. Good: John Mayer played for two hours. He included crowd-pleasing hits, mixed with new material. He charmed his fans with friendly banter. Movies and Television Bad: “fabulous,” “fantastic,” or “enthralling” Good: Specific scene you like or dislike Signature lines Critics Writers who specialize in reviewing arts and entertainment are called reviewers or critics. They actually study the medium. Some Examples • http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/needfor-speed-2014 • http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/divergent / • http://www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters /300-rise-of-an-empire.aspx Your Assignment: The Top Ten - Take your smartphone out Plug in your ear buds Choose ten songs Turn this list of songs into a ranked list, with #1 being the best Can be “The perfect playlist for…” or “The top ten songs of all time,” etc. - Next to each song, write a one-sentence commentary which explains what is in the song, why the song is included on your list, what makes the song great, etc. Include specifics. Mr. White’s Top Ten Romantic Songs of All Time #1 The Chainsmokers - #SELFIE. This song captures the romance and splendor of redirected solo photography. #2 DJ Snake and Lil Jon – Turn Down for What? An eternal question is answered in this simple romantic ballad of lost love and lost opportunities. #3 etc…etc…