Writing an Editorial
English 506
Alan Weintraut – Annandale High School VA
Characteristics of an Editorial
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An editorial is an article that presents the
newspaper's opinion on an issue.
It is usually unsigned.
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 Usually Have…
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An introduction, a development and a conclusion.
An objective explanation of the issue.
A timely news angle.
Opinions from the opposing view-point.
Delivered in a professional way (no name-calling, or
discussions of personalities, etc.)
Constructive criticism and a proactive approach.
A solid and concise conclusion with some punch!
Four Types of Editorials
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2.
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4.
Explain or Interpret: usually for a
controversial issue, explaining how he
newspaper covered the issue.
Criticize: constructively criticizing actions,
decisions or situations. Focussed on the
problem – not the solution.
Persuade: Looking at the solution, not the
problem. Encouraging specific constructive
action.
Praise: not as common, but noteworthy,
commenting on people or organizations.
Writing an Editorial
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Pick a significant topic that has a current news
angle and would interest readers.
Collect information and facts; include objective
reporting; do research
State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a
thesis statement
Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would
and tell why this situation is important
Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations
and facts
Refute (reject) the other side and develop your
case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick
apart the other side's logic.
Writing an Editorial (cont’)
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 word count;
never use "I"
1 – Begin with the Facts
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Start with the 5 W’s
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Facts and quotations that are relevant.
Additional research may be necessary!
Examples from our topic? (Olympic
Doping?)
2 – Present your Oposition
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Identify the people or organizations
that oppose you:
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Use facts and quotations to objectively
state their opinions.
Make sure they appear strong (otherwise
what’s the point?)
Examples?
3 – Refute the Opposition
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The “However…” statement:
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Pull in other facts or quotations that
support your opinion.
Concede a point to the opposition that
seems rational – but you have
considered the options!
Examples?
4 – Give other Reasons
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List your reasons from strong to
strongest:
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Use literary or cultural allusion to give
your argument intelligent credibility.
Example?
5 – Conclude with a Punch!
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Give solutions to the problem or
challenge the reader to be more
informed:
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A quotation from a respectable source can be
helpful.
Rhetorical questions are also a good way to
end.
Examples?
Works Cited
Weintraut, Alan. Writing an Editorial. Mar
11 2010. Web.
<http://www.geneseo.edu/~bennett/EdWrite.htm>