What is an editorial?

 Official editorials are articles/pieces that express opinions
on a topic, strictly the official opinion of the publication,
editor or editors.
 An official editorial does NOT have a byline
 Sometimes the editorial “we” is used
 Individual editorials refer to individuals that newspapers
allow to express personal opinions in various types of
articles.




These articles are always bylined
Often use “I”
Reader assumes opinion is of the writer only
Pictures can sometimes be included (typically if the writer is
famous)
Functions of editorials
 To persuade
 To explain
 To praise
 To entertain

Functions: to persuade

 Intended to convince readers to subscribe to a way of
thinking
 Cover BOTH sides
 Usually concentrates on something needing change
 Includes a call to action
Functions: to explain

 Intended to interpret meaning of significance of
event
 Topics typically arise from complicated situations
crated by a change affecting the reader
Functions: to praise

 To honor or commend or congratulate an individual,
organization, institution or group.
 Outline the reason for praise and significant events
leading up to it.
Functions: to entertain

 Poke fun at a topic
 No heavy criticism or serious tone
 Lighthearted
 Satire: use humor and avoid sarcasm
Types of Editorials

 Letters to the Editor
 Point/counterpoint articles
 Random opinion polls
 Editorial cartoons
 Column
 Review
Letters to the editor

 Short letter from reader to express opinion in
responses to an article
 Usually signed by the writer
 Can be edited for clarity
Point/counterpoint
article

 Opposing views side by side on controversial topic
 Writers may/may not be on newspaper staff
 Must be bylined
 Lead in to explain who writers are and why chosen
to share views
 Example:
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/opinion/procon-will-health-overhaul-provide-better-caref/nQjqp/
Random opinion poll

 Poses a question on editorial topic to small group (45 people)
 Each person’s opinion is printed next to a photo
 Obtain a range of opinions and offer balance
(gender, age, race, etc.)
Editorial cartoon

 Uses a picture to express opinion instead of words
 May illustrate an editorial article or stand alone
 Expresses the opinion of the paper, but it’s signed by
the artist
Column

 Reflects opinion of individual writer
 Bylined
 May be continuous and appear regularly
 May have photo of writer
 Informative or entertaining
 Need excellent, innovative writers and strong title
 Some visual treatment
 Can focus on: news briefs, school, entertainment,
humor
Reviews

 Share opinion on worth of a product, performance, service,
or restaurant
 Should offer more than thumbs up or thumbs down. Make
reviews truly analyze the product/performance
 Reviewer needs wide-ranging experiences
 Should be brief but thorough, including rating
 Should help reader decide
 Be objective, evaluate some aspect(s)
 Example: http://www.accessatlanta.com/s/atlantarestaurants-food/
The editorial page

 The editorial page of any newspaper is the VOICE of
the editorial staff and the readers.
 It expresses the opinion of whatever the
management of the publication feels in relation to
the present occasion.
What makes up an
editorial page?

 Masthead
 Editorial cartoons
 Official cartoons
 Letter to the editors
 Contact information
Masthead
Official
editorial (nonbylined)

Editorial board
and contact
info
Structure of an editorial:
3 parts

 Introduction (or opening)
 The 1st paragraph
 State your opinion or opinion statement (like the thesis
statement)
 Give brief background if necessary
 Body
 All details supporting the opinion go here (often built around
the arguments that address the counterpoint)
 2nd paragraph- explain your position
 3rd paragraph- explain opposing position
 4th paragraph- refute opposing position
 Conclusion
 Leave reader with something to think about
 Give a call to action or points to a possible resolution to the
conflict at hand
“The Brothers Grim”

 From the headline alone, what would you say is the topic of the editorial?
 With what statement(s) of fact does this editorial open?
 Are the first two statements pure fact, or do they also reflect some opinions of the
writer? Explain which parts of each of the first 2 sentences are based on fact, and
which on opinion.
 What opinion is presented in the first paragraph that provides the editorial’s main
point?
 How is this main point developed in the second paragraph of the article? After
reading this paragraph, would you say this editorial is only about Sadaam
Hussein’s sons?
 The lead sentence of the third paragraph states that the shootout “leaves many
intriguing questions,” but then presents these questions as statements. What are the
questions underlying the statements in the third paragraph?
 What factual information is presented about Hussein’s sons in the fourth
paragraph? What openings statement do these facts support?
 How does the fifth paragraph develop the main point? On what new questions does
this focus the reader?
 Beyond the news of the death of the brothers, on what larger issues concerning the
conflict in Iraq do the editorial writers want reader to focus?
Partner activity

 In pairs, scan TODAY’s edition of the NY Times
online (or another major news source) for news that
is not addressed in that editions' editorial page.
 Choose two articles on two different subject or
events
 Each student take turns reading each other’s article,
then asking each other the following questions…..
Questions

 What is the topic of this news article?
 What question about this topic do you find controversial and
worthy of an editorial?
 How would you answer this question? Or rather, what is your
opinion about this question?
 What evidence do you have for building an argument to
persuade others that your opinion is valid?
 What do you think the majority stand on this subject might be?
Is this the same stance as yours? If not, what is your editorial
stance and how does it differ from the popular stance?
 What are some opposing arguments to your opinion, and how
will you counter those arguments?
 What resolution do you want readers to walk away with after
reading your article?
Assignment

 Using the news article you selected, write an editorial on
the issue or event. Remember to structure your editorial
as follows:
 Open with an intro that begins with a statement of fact that
clearly defines the topic, and closes with a main opinion
related to that fact.
 Build an argument using supporting facts and statements of
reasonable opinion
 Present the reader with a clear decision- an either/or
decision or a resolution that you want them to take away
 Attach your editorial to your news story