EDITORIAL WRITING and

COLUMN WRITING
From REFRESHER to TIPS FOR A WINNING Editorial

Jonell S. Gregorio, National Champion (Coach), Editorial Writing English Elementary, NSPC 2018,
Dumaguete City
Lectures from the National Word Cup, Subic, Zambales
3 Things to Bear in Mind When Competing in Editorial Writing

1.Content
2.Structure
3.Handwriting
EDITORIAL COLUMN

Opinion Writing based on facts Opinion Writing, ideally, with

facts
Collective stand of the news Personal stand of the author
organization
No byline With byline, photo, contact
information of the author
No use of “I” Can use different Points-of-View

Topics are usually about recent Topics can include personal

events experiences
Editorial Writing

What is an Editorial?
 What is an Editorial?

 It is an article that expresses opinion

 It can be on any topic, but it should be relevant to an issue that is being talked about
in society in general

 It should be backed up with facts, data, and/ or statistics

 It can offer an solution to solve the problem mentioned earlier

 It should have “inside information” to make the editorial more relevant

 It should be “memorable” especially in its concluding part

A. It is an article that expresses opinion

 It is an opinion, yes… but NOT your own

opinion (Unless you are a columnist).

 Avoid using “I” or “Me” in writing the

editorial

 These types of editorials usually have no bylines

and are attributed to a statement
coming from the newspaper/ campus paper
itself.
B. It can be on any topic, but it should be relevant to an issue
that is being talked about in society in general

 Before you can express an option, choose a topic (if it is not

assigned by the EIC/ Publisher/ Desk Editors).

 The topic chosen can be or not be related to the front page

of the newspaper.

 Best topics are those that are current issues in society.

If the topic is current, readers will be interested to read it
since it grasps their attention.
C. It should be backed up with relevant facts, data, and/ or
statistics

 Make sure to use the most recent information.

 In some cases, you can use older information as

sources to help prove your case (e.g. historical data).

 Use statistics to help prove your argument. (e.g. number of

typhoon victims if you are writing a piece on natural disasters,
SWS survey numbers when you are writing about elections, etc.)

 Avoid “hearsays” when citing a number… it might be wrong

and will ruin the integrity of the piece. Err in the side of
caution.
D. It can offer an solution to solve the
problem mentioned earlier

 You can’t be on both sides when writing an editorial piece. The purpose for the editorial is to give strong
opinion, specifically, the newspaper’s opinion.

 Make a strong resolve with your solution/ opinion, otherwise, readers will not be convinced to side on your
point of view. (In which case, it is better as they will respond via email/ letter’s to the editor, etc., increasing
readership in the process)

 Sometimes, it is wise to put a “counterargument (giving the other side)” as you are making your own argument
stronger. Only one paragraph is needed. After you state the other side, you must then refute it. In other words,
give reasons showing why that side is not valid.

 What do you propose to solve the issue? This should be one paragraph. Provide some options to fix the
problem. Do not use “deux ex machina” to resolve the problem at hand.
E: It should have “inside information” to make the
editorial more relevant

 Usually, editorials do not quote a person; however, his or

her statement (Or opinion) can be used as part of the piece.

 It is important to differentiate between “inside info”

and “gossip/ hearsay”… again, the
editorial’s integrity is of prime importance.
 F: It should be “memorable” especially in its title
and concluding part
 The first step is to pick a headline that grabs attention. Otherwise, you can finish the entire
editorial and pick a line or two and transform it into a catchy title.

 The title can be a question, a statement, even a name or a parody of a certain issue.

 If you grab the reader’s attention with your title and opening statement, then they will be
inclined to keep reading (otherwise, they will jump to sports for guys or entertainment for
ladies). Tip: State the topic you will be discussing in one or two opening sentences.

 As much as possible, make your editorial “memorable” but not “controversial” (unless that is
your point or you were directed by your EIC to make it that way in order to court attention or
sometimes, lawsuit)
 Continuation….

 Make sure your strongest argument is left for last. Do not also become
passive in the arguments that come before the strongest.

 The conclusion should be able to “tie up” all your arguments so that it will become a “recap” to
the entire piece.

 Your conclusion should also have a few solutions you think would help with the issue at hand. It
would be great if you could get the reader to engage in asking him or herself questions on how
they stand on a particular issue.

 Tip: It should appeal to the emotion or the intellect or should make the reader act on something.
Do you want them to rise up in protest, post an FB comment, write government officials, stage a
walkout, etc. Then that editorial should convey that.
  Paragraph I: Introduction (STATE PROBLEM)
The warning labels on cigarette cartons tell the story:
SAMPLE of smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease,
an emphysema, premature birth and injury to babies born
to smokers. Yet, despite the dangers, cigarettes are
EDITORIAL readily available in convenience stores, gas stations,
Title: and liquor stores.

SMOKING
 Paragraph II: Reaction (POSITION)
GUN Although tobacco companies may defend their
products, numerous studies have shown that
cigarettes are as addictive as any illegal drug and as
treacherous as a drunk driver. Like those hazards,
cigarettes should be officially outlawed.
  Paragraph III: Supporting arguments and facts
SAMPLE of Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death,
cancer and other disease in the Philippines. Just look at
an the statistics from the Department of Health: Health
problems traced to cigarette smoking lead to one of every
EDITORIAL five deaths, more than HIV, illegal drugs, car accidents,
suicides and murders. Smoking is blamed for the majority
of lung cancer deaths among men and women, and boosts
the rate of heart disease, bronchitis and emphysema.

EVIDENC
E  Paragraph IV: Supporting arguments and facts
Smokers are not the only ones risking illness and death from
cigarettes; second-hand smoke also kills and debilitates. A
2014 report by the DOH concluded that nonsmokers have a
substantially increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer
after being exposed to second-hand, or environmental, tobacco
smoke. Many experts also trace high incidents of asthma and
other respiratory ailments among children to second-hand
smoke, illustrating how cigarette smoke can harm the innocent.
  Paragraph V: Supporting arguments and facts
Even with clear evidence linking serious health problems to
SAMPLE of cigarettes, many smokers are unable to quit. According to the
Philippine Cancer Society, about 70 percent of smokers express a
an desire to stop smoking and about 40 percent try to give up cigarettes
EDITORIAL each year. However, only about four to seven percent actually
manage to break the grip of cigarette addiction. The rest continue to
EVIDENC endanger their lives and the lives of others.
E

 Paragraph VI: The Other Side

Tobacco companies, such as Philip Morris International, have funded
studies disputing the health risks associated with smoking and
produce “safer” cigarettes that supposedly cut down on dangers. On
its website, Philip Morris also defends the right of businesses to allow
smoking in public places. Yet, even the company admits, “cigarette
smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other
serious diseases in smokers. There is no such thing as a "safe"
cigarette.”
  Paragraph VII: Conclusion (CONCLUSION)
SAMPLE of It is time politicians took decisive action. It is
an time for cigarettes to be declared illegal.
EDITORIAL
 Paragraph VII: Suggestions (SOLUTIONS)
Cigarettes are deadly; the risks are real; the
benefits are non-existent. The only way to stop the
danger is to stop the sale of cigarettes altogether.
 IMPORTANT TIPS TO WIN IN
EDITORIAL WRITING
1. COMPETITIONS
Make your handwriting clear and legible.

2. Create a catchy title and opening statement. It spells the difference

between your piece being read by the judges or not.

3. Do not wander off the topic. It is usually the pitfall of editorial writers

4. Cite some relevant data/ personality

5. Appeal to emotions, to the community, or to the family unit. But avoid

melodrama.

6. End with a striking statement that will be remembered by the judges.

THANK YOU!
I sincerely hope that you have learned something and go on to
win in EDITORIAL WRITING competitions!
 NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
By GIAN PAULO P. SIBOLINAO
Champion, Editorial Writing English Elem, Regional Schools Press Conference 2017

INTRODUCTION/NEWS PEG
The ASEAN Integration envisions a stronger, more united and more successful
Southeast Asia. The ASEAN Summit 2017 being held in Manila under the chairmanship of
the Philippines is a perfect opportunity to iron out the goals and visions of ASEAN
Integration towards a caring and sharing society.

STAND/POSITION
Inclusive education in Southeast Asia is crucial towards the realization of ASEAN
Integration. Comprehensive education provides a powerful platform for identity
formation, raising cultural awareness and building regional affinity. We believe that it is
essential for ASEAN, and the Philippines in particular, to invest on inclusive education—
education that gives access to all, both the normal and special learners.
ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE 1
It is lamentable to think that 93-150 million children in the world have
disabilities. This puts them at a disadvantage to the opportunities given to
other learners. They suffer psychological burdens such as bullying and
discrimination in schools. Under inclusive education, they will be given equal
opportunities to learn and excel. They will be provided with physical access to
learning and a more sensitive approach to teaching.

ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE 2
It is imperative that ASEAN countries invest on people’s education. Part of
that is increasing the number of teachers who will teach all kinds of learners. It
is estimated that 6.26 million teachers are needed in order to achieve universal
primary and secondary education in the ASEAN region.
ARGUMENT/EVIDENCE 3
A well-educated citizenry redounds to more skilled workers. According
to the Asian Development Bank, the ASEAN Economic Community will
provide 14 million jobs, 3.1 million of which are available for Filipinos. As
such, the government needs to invest in world-class skills education if we
want to benefit from the expansion of markets in the region. Jobs in
information technology and business process outsourcing (BPO) can be
lucrative for physically-disabled, yet highly-skilled individuals.
COUNTERARGUMENT
Although other people would say that special children have special
needs, and thus, should be sent to special schools, studies have shown
that special children in regular schools can behave and learn like a normal
learner would, given the access and sensitivity to their needs.
YOUR ROLE
As campus journalists, we have great role in advancing inclusive
education. We have the power to write and write about the plight of the
physically-handicapped, the marginalized, the minority and the special
children so they can gain acceptance in society. The social media such as
Facebook, Youtube and Twitter can be used as platform to share their
struggles and triumphs, and to show how similar they are to normal learners.
We can act as their mouthpiece and their advocate so they can that they
belong in this society; that they too, are productive members of our
community in its quest for a prosperous ASEAN.
CALL TO ACTION/SOLUTION
It is therefore crucial that governments in the ASEAN region work
together for the integration, and inclusion, of all learners in our education
system. They must make sure that there is no weak link among our citizens,
that everyone is treated with sensitivity and equality to opportunities.

CONCLUSION
After all, the ASEAN Integration envisions to uplift the lives of every
citizen in the region. This is a vision that everyone shares and aspires for
together. In the road to progress and better future, no one should be left
behind.
To Recap:
EDITORIAL Structure includes:

Introduction/ News Peg

Stand/Position
Argument/ Evidence 1
Argument/ Evidence 2
Argument/ Evidence 3
Counterargument
Your Role
Call To Action
Conclusion
 COLUMN WRITING
A column is defined by where it appears, but it shares some
common characteristics:

• Typically, it is short, between 750 and 800 words.

• It has a clearly defined point.
• It has a clearly defined point of view.
• It represents clarity of thinking.
• It contains the strong, unique voice of the writer.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing an Op-Ed or
Column

• Do I have a clear point to make?

• What is it?
• Who cares? (Writing with a particular audience in mind can
inform how you execute your column. Who is it that you are
trying to convince? Why are you targeting that specific
reader?)
• Is there substance to my argument?
 Openings
*The first line of an op-ed is crucial.

*The opening “hook” may grab the reader’s attention with a strong claim, a
surprising fact, a metaphor, a mystery, or a counter-intuitive observation that
entices the reader into reading more.

*The opening also briefly lays the foundation for your argument.
 Voice
Having a strong voice is critical to a successful column or op-ed piece. Columns are most
typically conversational in tone, so you can imagine yourself have a conversation with your
reader as you write (a short, focused conversation). But the range of voice used in columns can
be wide:

contemplative, conversational, descriptive, experienced, informative, informed, introspective,

observant, plaintive, reportorial, self-effacing, sophisticated, humorous, among many other
possibilities.

Sometimes what voice you use is driven by the publication for which you are writing. A good
method of perfecting your voice is to get in the habit of reading your column or op-ed out loud.

Doing so gives you a clear sense of how your piece might sound – what your voice may come
off as – to your intended reader.
 Endings
• Echoes or answers introduction

• Has been foreshadowed by preceding thematic statements

• Is the last and often most memorable detail

• Contains a final epiphany or calls the reader to action

 Types of Columns

*Sports Columns

*Political Columns

*Advice Columns

*Humor Columns

*Local Columns
THANK YOU!