Editorials
Chapters 12.1 – 12.3
Editorials
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•
•
•
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…