Editorial Writing

Lecture notes on Campus Journalism

Prepared and Presented by:
Sir Pros R. Bonifacio
 Introduction
The editorial page is the one page
where a paper tries to tell its
readers what to do and what to
think. It is a powerful instrument
that should be used with special
care for accuracy and with courage.
The editorial is known as the ‘soul’
of the paper.
 The Editorial
 The main function of the editorial is to serve
as the mouthpiece of the paper.
 The editorial is the expression of the opinion
of the newspaper on an issue which is of
interest and importance to the readers.
 It is an analytical interpretation of significant
and timely issues. It expresses the stand of
the paper on a controversial issue of the day.
 The Editorial
 M. Lyle Spencer, a former president of the
University of Washington, defines editorial
as a “presentation of facts and opinions in a
concise, pleasing order for the sake of
influencing opinion, entertaining, paying
tribute or praise, or interpreting significant
news in such a way that its importance to
the average reader will be clear.”
 The Editorial
From the definition of Spencer, the
purposes of the editorial are:
1. To influence opinion
2. To entertain
3. To pay tribute or praise
4. To interpret or explain significant news
 Classification of Editorials
 Argumentative / Editorial of Criticism – This points
out the positive/negative features of the issue /
news and explains what should be done about it.
The objective is to influence the reader. The writer
states the problem, examine all evidences available,
and then suggest a solution. To write an editorial is
a privilege but a great responsibility. The logic must
be sound; motives beyond reproach; style –
powerful and persuasive. The editorial writer must
be void of biases and prejudices.
 Classification of Editorials
Suggested topics:
The Remedial Reading Program
Student Violations of School Regulations/Policies
Ineffectiveness of the Student Government
Students’ absences / attendance policies
Student Representation in the Local School Board
Unnecessary suspension of classes because of
seminars of teachers
 Classification of Editorials
2. Editorial of Entertainment – (Human
Interest) – It takes for its subject a topic of
student life outside the school such as;
 Fads and Fashion
 The Weather
 Cheering in Athletic Meet
 Personality sketch of the old janitor but
not daring to retire because he has to feed
a big family
 Classification of Editorials
3. Editorial of Appreciation, Commendation, or Tribute
– It praises, commends, or pays tribute to persons or
organizations for as successful undertaking bringing
honor to the school.
Suggested topics:
 A Retiring School Employee
 Outstanding Performance in a Contest
 Winning the Championship crown by the
school’s varsity
 Death of a Teacher
 Classification of Editorials
4. Editorial of Interpretation – It explains the
significance of a news event. It is peg on the
news/issue.
Suggested topics:
Lengthening elementary school term from 6 years
to 7 years
The Establishment of a Remedial Reading Program
The Launching of a new school curriculum
The involvement of the school paper in youth
activities/programs/campaigns
 Characteristics of an Editorial
• It must be interesting, brief, and forceful.
• It must be clear and must have a moral
purpose, sound reasoning, and the power to
solicit public opinion.
• It must be factual and provide pertinent
information.
• It must be concise – 250 to 300 words, four –
five paragraphs
 Parts of an editorial
 The Introduction – It is the beginning
paragraph. It may contain the news upon
which the editorial is based, in which case, it
is called the news peg.
 The Body - The facts about the news or issue
including the paper’s opinion or viewpoint
are contained in the body. The case is built
up through a logical arrangement of ideas
supported by facts. The body maybe made
up of three to four paragraphs.
 Parts of an editorial
• The Conclusion - This is the last part. It may
summarize or drive home the point. It ties
up the ideas and arguments presented in the
body. This is sometimes known as clincher. At
present , we are now seeing editorials that
do not have formal conclusion. They leave
the decision to the reader after stating the
problem, pointing out the good and the bad
and raising questions.
 Parts of an editorial
The conclusion maybe written in the form of a
A suggestion –
The business sector would do well to evaluate people on
the basis of merit rather than academic degree.
A challenge –
If they can, can we not?
A simple summary –
The spate of scandals over government deals,
characterized by favoritism and influence peddling,
mars the government claims of transparency.
 The Lead
• After the title, a powerful lead must compel the reader
to read on. Other than the news peg or expression of
stand, the lead can take many forms as follows:
1 – A simple statement of the situation, problem, or
event.
2 – A striking statement that will arrest the attention of
the reader.
3 – A question inviting attention on the issue at hand.
4 – A quotation relevant to the issue.
5 – A narrative about the situation.
 Giving flesh to the body
 The editorial becomes forceful if the case is
argued convincingly. Present the facts clearly
and concisely.
Some tips:
1. Use examples and illustrations to drive
home the point.
2. Quote sources and authorities
3. Use statistics if applicable and available.
4. Start your editorial with a bang.
 Exercises
 Choose one from the topics below and
develop it into an editorial. State your stand
on your chosen topic.

1. Should same- sex marriage be recognized?

2. Is the school’s close-gate policy beneficial
to the pupils?
3. Junk food being sold at the school
canteen.
4. Teachers to urge parents to prepare only
nutritious ‘baon’ for their children.