Editorial Writing

1
Editorial Writing

• Writing with a purpose to influence public opinion

2
Editorial

• The editorial serves as the official view of the
  paper, reflecting the opinions of many sides of
  an issue. It is composed by an editorial board,
  which agrees on the topic and the view to
  present.

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Types of editorial

• 1. Editorials of argument and persuasion.
• Editorials of information and interpretation.
• Editorials of tribute, appreciation or
  commendation
• 4. Editorials of entertainment.
• (a) humorous
• (b) satirical treatment of a serious subject.

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Editorial Content

• deals with a current issue which is effecting
  many readers
• may attempt to influence, by giving readers all
  of the facts and concerns
• offer suggestions and indications as to outcomes
• the opinion, if offered, will not be an extreme
  view, but a well prepared and informed one,
  taking into consideration many aspects from both
  sides of the debate

5
Construction of an editorial

• an editorial presents the official view of the
  paper, so it is a wisely thought out
• clear and concise wording- free of emotive terms
• usually balanced, presenting all aspects of the
  situation/event/issue
• written on an important topic, often a deep
  seated problem within society, which is likely to
  be of interest or concern to many readers
• doesn't normally include reported speech

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What should an editorial do?

• Criticize or attack
• - If criticizing, you need suggestions for
• change.
• - Need not be vigorous but substantiate with good
  facts and suggestions.
• - If instigate an argument, you must be
  immaculate in your reasoning and articulate it
  with excellence.
• - If attack, best if its quietly forceful.

7
What should an editorial do?

• Defend
• - Good editorial stands for a viewpoint,
  individual or institution thats under attack.
  Purpose to widen the support base.
• Endorse
• - Must give rock-solid reasons for your
  endorsement.

8
What should an editorial do?

• Kind words
• - When paying compliment, show why that
  compliment is of sound judgement
• Compel and inspire
• - Going on a crusade for something. Or to back up
  some notions.

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How should the editorial be written?

• Avoid moralizing editorials.
• Built it around a logical framework.
• Introduction to get readers attention. First
  sentence (lead) can compel a reader to read on or
  to take the nearest exit.
• Body need to provide good reasoning with
  convincing facts.
• Conclusion prompting for an action.Best
  conclusion calls for a specified articulated
  action

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Formula for Editorial Writing

• SPEC
• State the problem
• Position the problem
• Evidence to support the position
• Conclusion whos affected and how?
• Solutions to the problem.