WRITING THE EDITORIAL
Editorial Defined
An editorial is the official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue.
It is a commentary written by the editor who comments or gives the newspaper’s
or the staffs opinion on various aspects on an issue which is of interest and importance to
the public.
It is a critical interpretation of significant, usually contemporary events so that the
readers will be informed, influenced or entertained.
It is the stand of the paper, not of an individual editor.
Characteristics of a Good Editorial
(1) interest;
(2) brevity, and
(3) force.
Spears and Lawshe, on the other hand, characterize an editorial as one that:
(1) must have clearness of style,
(2) moral purpose,
(3) sound reasoning, and
(4) the power to influence public opinion.
It can be added further that a good editorial must:
(1) lead logically to a conclusion, (2) present only one idea,
(3) avoid wordiness, and
(4) present facts not mere opinion.
Types of Editorials
The kind of editorial to be written depends upon the purpose of the writer –
whether to inform, interpret, criticize, commend, argue or entertain.
These are explained as follows:
1. Editorial of information – It seeks to give information on facts unknown to the
reader. It restates the facts of new stories or add other facts with minimum
explanation. It may defined terms, identify persons or factors or provide
background.
2. Editorial of Interpretation – It explains the significance of meaning of a news
event, current idea, condition, or situation, theory or hypothesis. The writer
doesn’t argue nor criticize, but merely presents both sides of an issue and
leaves the judgment to the reader. It merely interprets say for example the
content of a new memorandum issued by the principal.
3. Editorial of criticism – It points out the good or the bad features of a problem
or situation mentioned in the news. Its purpose is to influence the reader. It
suggests a solution at the end.
4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute – It praises, commends, or
pay tribute to a person or organization that has performed some worthwhile
projects or deeds, or accomplishments.
5. Editorial of argumentation – This is oftentimes called editorial of persuasion.
The editor argues in order to convince or persuade.
6. Editorial of entertainment – It evokes a smile, chuckle, a laughter, while
suggesting truth. Its main aim is to entertain. It is usually short.
7. Mood editorial – It presents a philosophy rather than an argument or an
explanation. Oftentimes, the subject matter is nature.
How to Write an Editorial
In writing the editorial, select only one, specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic
is of interest to the reader.
Organize your editorial in three parts:
(1) the introduction,
(2) the body and
(3) the ending.
The first contains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph. (A
newspeg is a brief statement about the news event upon which the editorial is based).
The body may take two or three short paragraphs that support or justify the
reaction.
The ending sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand.
The following are examples of editorials’ introductions composed of the newspeg and the
reaction, not necessarily in that order. The underlined words are the reactions:
a) The new office policy of requiring tardy
students to study their lessons in the library while they wait for the next period
is both timely and wise.
b) It is a source of great pride and inspiration for
our school to come out second in the NCEE, region-wide.
c) Our general PTA is really generous and
concerned for the students’ welfare. They will donate labor and material to
improve the school gym.
d) School newspaper can really and effectively
help transform society.
The body should prove or justify the reaction or stand already made in the
introduction. In a, the body should prove that the office policy is really timely
(one paragraph) and wise (another paragraph).
In b, the editorial should list reasons and figures which make the school and the
studentry proud of their NCEE achievement.
Pointers on Writing an Editorial
1. Make the editorial enough to read.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited area, phrased in one sentence and
expanded 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 a 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. Is the writing simple, direct, and forceful?
9. Does it not carry a double meaning?
10. Does it reflect clear, logical thinking?
11. Is the subject mater significant to the students, the school, the community and
the country?
12.
13. Are the sentences and paragraphs comparatively short?
Checking Your Editorial
After having written your editorial, check it up. The following guides will be
helpful to you.
1. Is the form and style appropriate to its content and purpose?
2. Were you able to accomplish your purpose?
3. Is it sincere that it will make the reader think?
4. Is it short and direct to the point?
5. Does it hung from the real or an artificial newspeg?
6. Was there no preaching?
7.
8. Is it original and was it written skillfully?
9.
10. Is the writing simple, direct, clear and forceful?
11. Does it carry a double meaning?
12. Does it reflect clear, logical thinking?
13. Is the subject matter significant to the students, the school, the community,
and the country?
