EDITORIAL: IT’S DEFINITIONS
AND CONCEPTS critical thinking and sometimes cause people to
 The two prime functions of the newspaper are to
inform and to interpret.
 The editorial page is the demarcation line
between news and opinions.
 The editorial page is said to be the ‘soul’ of the
newspaper. It is here where a paper tries to tell
its readers what to do and what and what to
think.
 The editorial page contains the masthead, the
editorial column, the reader’s views and the
editorial cartoon.
 “The editorial page of the newspaper should
begin where the rest of the paper leaves off.”
–Vermont Connecticut Royster.
 A school paper publication editorial page is a
forum for student’s opinions school problems
are presented analyzed discussed and given
possible solutions.
 The masthead also known as a staff box contains
the details of publications frequency of
publication place of publication key staff
members the emblem as well as a synopsis of a
newspaper’s editorial policy.
 Since a newspaper is not living breathing human
being, it cannot form ideas and opinions.
 The editorial board is a group of people usually
the top editors who decide on a plan for each
editorial.
 The editorial policy is determined by traditions
practices policies of the school the students
voice as expressed.
 The editorial platform is usually one or two brief
statements of purpose and ideals.
 Editorial Writers usually seasoned writers build
on the arguments and try to persuade readers to
think the same way they do.
“CONCEPTS AND ELEMENTS THAT ARE
EMBEDDED IN AN EDITORIAL”
 First, an editorial should be based on an issue.
Such issue should be timely and should have a
high degree of sensibility and relevance to the
reading public.
 Second, there should be a group or a cluster of
minds analyzing a given issue.
 Third, there should be a stand.
 Fourth, there should be pieces of evidence.
 From among the elements, it can be hard that an
editorial is an article that states the concerted
opinions or single stand of the publication's staff
on a particular issue.
 Further, an editorial reflects the majority vote of
the editorial board, the governing body of the
newspaper. It is usually unsigned or without a
byline.
 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
are meant to influence public opinion, promote
take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial
is an opinionated news story.
 A more comprehensive definition of an editorial
is, "It is a concise expression of facts and
opinions or an analytical interpretation of
significant and timely topics or issues”.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF AN
EDITORIAL
1. It follows a pattern. An editorial is an
essay like a feature story.
2. It simplifies an issue. An editorial is an
objective explanation of the hottest issue
within the coverage of the paper’s
release. Hence it usually simplifies the
complex issue by eliminating extraneous
parts of the news.
3. It provides opinions from opposing
viewpoints. It attempts to be objective
presenting views that refute directly.
4. It shows evidence delivered in a
professional and formal manner.
Formality encompasses the use of the
language and the style of argumentation.
5. It offers alternative solutions.
One prime functions of editorial is to
effectuate change in others beliefs and
stands.
6. 6. It proffers a solid and concise
conclusion. Towards the end of the
editorial often lies the powerfully
summarized opinion.
FUNCTIONS OF EDITORIAL
 Explain or interpret. Editors often use
editorials to explain the way the newspaper
covered a sensitive or controversial subject.
 Criticize. As discussed, editorials constructively
criticize actions, decisions or situations while
providing solutions to the problem identified.
 Persuade. An editorial primarily aims at driving
the readers to crusade with the paper's stand.
Take note that in the first chapters of this book,
journalism is viewed to effectuate change.
 Praise. Editors are also use to commend people
and organizations. In the context of campus
paper, editorials may praise the initiative of the
student body to raise funds for the erection of a
new dormitory.
TYPES OF EDITORIAL
1. Editorial of Interpretation
The main aim of this is to put the news in its
proper perspective. The paper may take a neutral
stand on the specific issue.
Ex. "In dissecting Orwell's '1984,' we unveil the
stark parallels to modern surveillance,
prompting a reflection on the evolving nature of
privacy."

2. Editorial of Criticism
By criticism, it means that the editorial points
out the faults in a situation or in an issue
mentioned in a news.
Ex. "The recent tax reform bill falls short in
addressing income inequality, perpetuating a
system that favors the affluent while burdening
the middle class."
3. Editorial of Argumentation or Persuasion
This type of editorial is the most common type
2. Writing the Editorial
being used in the dailies. Following the
principles of argumentation and debate, this type
of editorial takes a stand in a controversial issue
and tries to convince the reader to adopt this
stand.
Ex. "Why We Need Green New Policies: A
compelling case for immediate action on climate
change, outlining the benefits of sustainable
practices and renewable energy."
4. Editorial of Commendation or Tribute
Editorials may be used to praise a worthy deed
done by a person or by an institution. The paper
should qualify the tribute and contribution
impacts on the lives of the reading public or the
academic community.
Ex. "Community Gardens Transforming Lives:
A celebration of local efforts fostering unity and
well-being through accessible green spaces and
fresh produce.”
5. Editorial of Entertainment
Some editorials are discussing issues lightly but
often have a serious point gently and subtly
suggested and sometimes satirically.
Ex. "TV's Impact Beyond the Screen: Exploring
how a beloved sitcom not only brings laughter
but also reflects and shapes societal norms."
6. Editorial of Crusade
This editorial usually endorses a thought or
course of action. It promotes a concept, an idea
or an advocacy. This is also called a campaign
editorial.
Ex. "Rising Against Injustice: A rallying cry for
equal rights, urging readers to join the fight
against discrimination and advocate for a more
inclusive society."
7. Editorial liners
These are short, witty paragraphs, either serious
or light.
Ex. "Education Equality Now: Time for bold
reforms to ensure every child has access to
quality education. #EducationForAll"
CRAFTING THE EDITORIAL:
SUGGESTIONS FOR STUDENTS
1. Planning the Editorial
a. Decide what issue you will write about and
clearly define the issue.
b. Consider who your intended audience will be.
c. Brainstorm a variety of strategies you can use
to gain reader support for your view on the
issue.
d. Develop logical and ethical arguments; avoid
purely emotional rhetoric.
e. Conduct necessary research both to gather
information about the audience you are writing
for and to collect evidence, examples and
support for the view you are promoting.
f. Develop an outline to follow before you begin
writing.
1. Follow the pattern and style of editorial writing.
In most editorials, the opinion of the writer is
given near the beginning, followed by supported
evidence and reasoning. This is called the
“Direct Approach”.
2. The first-person plural voice (we, are) is most
common in editorial writing and is appropriate
in establishing the credibility of the board.
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a
thesis statement.
4. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations
and facts. Then, refute (reject) the other side and
develop your case using facts, details, figures,
quotations. Pick apart the other side’s logic.
5. Concede a point of the opposition- they must
have some good points you can acknowledge
that would make you look rational.
6. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the
reader’s mind.
7. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that
goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage
critical thinking and proactive reaction.
8. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates
your opening remark (thesis statement).
9. Keep it to 300-500 words (for beginners) and
make every word count.
10. Develop a strong introductory statement to
capture the reader’s attention and to state your
opinion. Use a logical sequence for presenting
your arguments, and an effective conclusion to
maximize the impact on the reader.
Editorial writing: A Sample Structure
1. Start with the news peg with an objective
explanation of the issue/controversy. The
editorial lead, like in the news story, is the
showcase of the writeup. However, it is not
considered the heart of the story like in the
news. The first paragraph is usually called the
news peg.
2. Present you opposition first. As the writer, you
disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the
people (specifically those who oppose you). Use
facts and quotations to state objectively their
opinions. You may opt to give a strong position
of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a
weak position.
3. Directly refute opposition‘s beliefs. You can
begin your article with transition. Pull in other
facts and quotations from people who support
 your opposition. Concede a valid point of
opposition which will make you appear rational,
one who has considered all the options.
4. Give other original reasons or analogies. In
defense in your position, give reasons from
strong to strongest order. Use a literary or
cultural allusion that lends to your credibility
and perceived intelligence.
5. Conclude with some punch. Give solutions to
the problem or challenge the reader to be
informed. A quotation can be effective
concluder as well.
TECHNIQUES IN BEGINNING THE
EDITORIAL
Editorials are likened to a feature story whose beginning
statement arrests the interest of the readers. Remember
that the introduction must contain enough "sparks" to
urge the readers to read the whole article. A flat, dull and
dragging lead will readily turn readers away. It does not
necessarily have to follow the traditional five W's and
one H. The editorial writer has more freedom to display
his/her creativity than the news writer in the writing of
the lead.
1. Emphatic statement or maxim
Ex: Life is unfair, but life is what we live for.
2. A striking statement about the topic.
Ex: Zero-crime rate. Peaceful. Safe. These are just some
of the epithets attached to Batanes province.
3. A quotation
Ex: "Many are called, but few are chosen," so the Bible
tells.
4. Narration
Ex: The 25th of April marked a seemingly job interview
of the Presidentiables as they engaged in the third and
last round of debate in Pangasinan.
5. An order
Ex: Stop media killings!
6. A question
Ex: Do you still remember when Rodrigo Duterte vowed
to clean the country's criminality in three to six months?
7. Poetic
Ex: As the election nears, many Filipinos are still like
small boats, tossed by the wind, yet innocent that half a
kilometer away is a waterfall that may wallow them
down to perpetual poverty. They need to say no to vote
buying.
8. Prophecy
Ex: If we do not listen to the cry of Mother Earth, we
will wake up one morning wishing to live in Jupiter and
Saturn.
9. Reaction
Ex: Never did we see the Student Council dip its finger
in the issue of amending the student manual.
10. Analogy
Ex: Like a stern bowl cleaner, the newly elected
president of the Student Council is trying to clean up the
controversies attached to the organization.
TECHNIQUES IN ENDING THE EDITORIAL
As discussed, the last paragraph should give a punch to
the readers. This part should encourage them to act on an
urgent issue, to take part in the call for a change or to
persuade them to approve your position. In doing so, you
may use some techniques like:
1. Proverb
Ex: People look up to the home of the Ivatans as an
honest and safe haven. We must then prove that "first
impression is lasting".
2. Quotation
Ex: If we think that education is expensive, let us take it
from Will Durant who said, "Education is a progressive
discovery of our own ignorance." Do you want to stay
ignorant?
3. Advice
Example: We should start changing our system. Let us
dress up and vote.
TIPS IN WRITING EFFECTIVE EDITORIALS
1. Keep the topic relevant and interesting.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea,
phrased in one sentence, and expand it into the
body of the editorial.
3. Have a purpose well in mind which should be
accomplished with sufficient data.
4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments,
with each argument leading up to the
conclusion.
5. Peg the lead sentence on recent relevant news
for its impact value.
6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky
aspects with a widely understood analogy or
with an illustration that makes for easier
understanding.
7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of
a consensus.
8. Use personal opinions.
9. Be impersonal. Use the third person or the
impersonal "we." Never use "I" except in direct
quotations.
10. Feel free to use emotion, but in a limited
manner.
11. Use persuasive language. One can also use
formal language and wider vocabulary.
12. Get your facts straight. Write simply and
directly.
13. Try to be entertaining.
14. Don't always take the easy route.
15. Take a reasonable approach.
16. Be objective.
17. Concede a point of the opposition.
18. Give a realistic solution or solutions.
19. Limit the length of your editorial. The editorial
is rarely more than 300 words; however, the
writer may use longer sentences and paragraphs
than in the news story.
20. Be sincere rather than smart.
21. Write clearly and vigorously.
22. Be authoritative, but don't preach.
23. Use various devices to catch and keep the
reader's interest such as: a striking title, a good
lead, illustration in the form of brief narratives,
authority to support facts and arguments,
analogy and comparison and contrast.
24. End the editorial properly.
 25. Relate the editorial to the lives of your readers.
26. Use catchy but not flippant titles.

Discussants: Sawal, Ma. Sophia Angeline M.

Merino, Joseph James U.
Bungay, Lailanie B.
Navia, Samantha Nicole
(BSEd English 3-B)

Submitted to: Mr. Alvin Lim