How to Write an Editorial

Type of Editorial: Persuasive editorials: Many editorials are persuasive writing pieces that start
with a thesis statement or argument that the writer spends the rest of the piece attempting to
prove.

1. Thoroughly research your topic. Before you start the writing process, ensure you have a
thorough knowledge of your topic—particularly if it’s a complex issue. Read newspaper articles,
scholarly journals, and history books to fully understand the topic and context surrounding it.

2. Pick a thesis statement. Your thesis statement will form the foundation of your editorial. Take
the time to craft a clear, concise statement that will lead into the rest of your editorial structure.

3. Back up your thesis with several main points. Depending on your prescribed word count,
plan to pick two to four main points to buttress your thesis statement. Expect to dedicate a
paragraph or two to each of these points.
4. Acknowledge counter-arguments. You can concede points to the other side or spend a
paragraph refuting counter-arguments, but it’s important to address alternative points of
view to buttress your own argument.

5. Conclude with a call to action or summary of your main point. If your editorial is
intended to address a problem, inform readers about possible solutions. If you want to
empower your readers to learn more about the topic, provide links to resources or book titles
to explore. At the end of an editorial centered on praise or criticism, return to your thesis
statement and connect any ideas that remain open-ended.

6. Edit your work until you reach a final draft. Self-editing involves revising your
editorial for quality and clarity. Read over your draft and remove unnecessary words,
clichés, or sentences that distract from the central argument. Once you’ve revisited your
draft for substantive issues, proofread your editorial for grammatical errors and typos.
 SPECS
Stand -
Problem/Issue-
Evidence-
Conclusion-
Solution-