The Basics of

Editorial Writing
AISA T. BADANA
Education Program Specialist II
Session Outline
PART I: Discussion
✔ The Editorial Page
✔ Principles of Editorial Writing
✔ Qualities of an Editorial
✔ Kinds of Editorial
✔ Tips on How to Write Editorial
✔ Parts of Editorial and How to Write Each Part
✔ Additional Tips for Writers

PART 2: WORKSHOP PROPER

✔ Editorial Writing
Editorial

“An expression of fact and opinion in

concise, logical, pleasing order for the sake of
entertaining or influencing opinion or policies
in such a way that its importance to the
average reader will be clear”
--Matthew Lyle Spencer
Editorial

✔ Appears to the intellect

✔ Helps readers to sift, digest,
interpret, evaluate event or issue
and propels him to action
Editorial Page

✔ The editorial page of any

newspaper is the voice of the
editorial staff and the readers.
✔ It expresses the opinion of
whatever management the
publication feels in relation to the
present occasion.
Editorial Page

✔ Must be written objectively

✔ Should not be written only to give
opinion, but most of all, to look
for evidence to bolster the writer’s
opinion to really convince the
readers to side with the
newspaper’s principles and move
to action
Objectives of an Editorial

✔ To explain and interpret the news, to put it on its proper

perspective, to analyze it, and to draw conclusions from that
analysis
✔ To persuade the readers to follow a course of action that the
newspaper believes is for the public good regardless of party
interests involved
Functions of an Editorial Writer

✔ Explain the news

✔ Fill the background
✔ Forecast the future
✔ Pass moral judgment
Principles of Editorial Writing
• The editorial writer should present facts honestly and fully

• The editorial writer should draw objective conclusions from the stated
facts, basing them upon the weight of evidence and upon his
considered concept of the greatest good.

• The editorial writer should never be motivated by personal interest,

nor use his influence to seek special favors for himself or for others
Principles of Editorial Writing
• The editorial writer should realize that he is not infallible.

• The editorial writer should regularly review his own conclusions in the
light of all obtainable information.
Principles of Editorial Writing
• The editorial writer should have the courage of well-founded
conviction and democratic philosophy of life.

• The editorial writer should support his colleagues in their adherence to

highest standards of professional integrity.
Kinds of Editorial
1. Editorial of Information
This presents only the information about a particular issue. It
may define terms, identify persons or factors or provide a
background.
1. Editorial of Information
BAYANIHAN: FILIPINO CULTURAL HERITAGE

The effectiveness of the “bayanihan” spirit was best shown by groups of students,
hundreds of them, as they took to the streets in support of the Metro Manila clean-up and
beautification drive.
The students, coming from different schools in Tondo , pooled themselves together,
cleaned the streets, and beautified them with potted ornamental plants. This is bayanihan
in action.
The bayanihan is an ancient Filipino custom, symbolic of the Filipino way of group
work. As found in the Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala (1745) by P. Juan de Noceda and
P. Pedro de Sacluar, the word bayanihan is derived from the rootword bayani meaning
Obra comun or group work.
Another related word, magpabayani, is a request for help by one who wants a job done
for him, and evokes response from neighbors who come in groups to offer their services
in all forms and their own simple ways. In return, the nagpabayani gets free breakfast,
lunch or merienda —-a token of appreciation and gratitudes of the nagpabayani.
1. Editorial of Information
Bayanihan is more than help extended to another. It includes all kinds of
assistance; aid, relief, or rescue given free. It may be getting together to
pray for a departed soul, or grouping together for operation linis or
operation tulong.

Working together in a spirit of faith, love, and charity is the essence of

bayanihan; that spirits of togetherness that makes the Filipino ditict from
other peoples of the world. It is fine spirit of group work to instill in the
young for the development of proper attitudes towards all forms of team
work at home, in school, and in tha community.

The bayanihan could be a basis for the strengthening and the enriching of
our group life that will evolve a strong unity properly directed towards
useful citizenship.
2. Editorial of Interpretation
• It explains the significance or meaning of a news event, current
idea, condition, or situation, theory, or hypothesis.
• The writer doesn’t argue nor criticize, but merely present both
sides of an issue and leaves the judgment to the reader.
• It merely interprets or analyze the event, situation, or issue to
present the facts in a more meaningful and enlightening
perspective to the reader.
Editorial of Interpretation
A TALE OF HORROR: POPULATION EXPLOSION

Today the Philippines has a population of 80 million. At the present rate of

growth, this small country, would only be most affected by the evil effect of
population explosion.
This means that most of our high school students now, who would only be in
their early 40’s or 50’s at that time, will be the ones to be most affected by the
evil effect of population explosion.
As of today our basic problems are food, water, housing, education, and
pollution. Just imagined how these problems would be aggravated by the 150
million mouths to feed, backs to clothe, heads to shelter, and minds to educate.
Also today the world has a population of four billions. These will double in 35
years time. The world population is increasing at the rate of an additional
2,000 million every eight years.
Editorial of Interpretation
In six and a half centuries from now, there would be one person standing
on every square foot of land on earth. By that time, men would be no
more place for plants to grow.
The only way to avoid this situation would be through population
planning. The first consequence can be seen in the faces of hungry men.
One half of humanity is hungry at this moment. There is less food per
person on earth today than there was30 years ago during the worldwide
depression.
Political chaos is death through world wars, revolutions, aggressions,
rebellions, and the like.
The third and the best remedy is population planning done through
family planning. Family planning simply means the planning of the size
and spacing of one’s family by means of scientific knowledge and
method.
3. Editorial of Argumentation
• This is oftentimes called editorial of persuasion.
• The editor argues in order to convince or persuade the reader to
accept his stand on the issue.
3. Editorial of Argumentation
SCIENCE NOT CONFLICT WITH RELIGION

Can science be reconciled with religion?

This was the argument discussed in the open forum during the science seminar-
workshop held July 18 at the school social hall in observance of National Science and
Technology week.
This statement from the speech of Mr. Ernesto L. Damaso of the National Science
Technology association who said that only truth does not change.
NO REAL CONTRADICTION
There is no contradiction between science and religion when both are properly
understood; what is needed is a proper knowledge of religion and a more scholarly
interpretation of the bible, the Koran, and other similar books, for there can never be a
contradiction between any truth revealed by God in the holy scriptures and any findings
of science, properly tested and verified.
Holy Scriptures of whatever religion are not textbooks of science. Their purpose is all
the same-to inculcate moral, spiritual, and religious truth..
3. Editorial of Argumentation
The subject matter of science on the other hand is the physical universe. Its purpose
is to discover the law of nature.
Religion and science move in the essentially different orbits. Religion is concerned
primarily with spiritual realities with moral values, with the intangibles which elude
both the pills and the test tubes; science with matter and energy which can be seen,
weighed, and measured.
Religion has no fear of science. It does not tremble before discussion but before
ignorance. It welcomes with eager hospitality every new finding. Thus further man
goes into outer space, the better vision he has of GOD, and the deeper insight he
acquires into the Divine Administration of the universe.
Scientists are searching for the truth in the field of nature just as the moralists are
seeking to clarify the application of ethereal and eternal truth to the changing social
and economic conditions of modern life.
The church welcomes truth wherever it may be found in history, in Biblical
researchers, in psychological and natural fields of human inquiry. It welcomes every
wise thought and every useful discovery, whatever its origin.
4. 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 Criticism
A JUNE 12 THOUGHT: RESPECT FLAG RITES
A flag ceremony, wherever it be a flag raising or a flag retreat is sacred. Therefore, it
should be observed with all the solemnity and sacredness a Filipino citizen can muster.
The National Anthem (Pambansang awit), like the national flag, should be treated with
ceremonial respect.
On this anniversary of the declaration of Independent in Kawit in 1898 it is perhaps
timely to remind all and to behave during flag ceremonies.
Sad to say, many students during the Monday morning flag raising ceremonies,
instead of standing at attention while singing the National Anthem, and while reciting
the Patriotic Fledge (Panatang Makabayan), move around play and have completely
disregarding what’s going on.
It is for these reasons that we are calling the attention of all teachers, especially the
social studies teachers to give more emphasis on teaching values, love of country,
respect for the flag, veneration of heroes, and proper behavior during flag ceremonies
In flag ceremonies cannot be held properly, why then do we hold them at all.
5. Editorial of Commendation, Appreciation, or Tribute
• It praises, commends, or pays tribute to a person or organization
that has performed some worthwhile projects or deeds, or
accomplishments.
5. Editorial of Commendation, Appreciation, or Tribute
THE GRAND OLD MEN OF CEBU
(Tribute)
September 9 marks the 106th birthday anniversary of a great man whose unmeasurable
deeds can never fade but should always live in the memory of every Filipino. The man was Don Sergio
Osmena sr., the Grand old Man of Cebu.

In his lifetime, President Osmena was the light that illuminated our darkened trail during the first days of
the liberation, leading to our national enlightenment and freedom-the building of our Republic. It was he
who continued the fight when his predecessor, President Quezon, failed to return to his beloved people.

President Osmena, in spite of wealth and power, was one of the humblest government officials and
President that our country has ever had. As a man, he was real; as a friend, he was indispensable and
true; as a leader, he was an example; as a citizen, he was most patriotic; and as a personality, he was
dynamic and virtuous.

All that he was is now a shadow, but that same shadow stands as a standard with which we can realize
our present state of being. Indeed, few are the men who live the life of Don Sergio Osmena. That our
school was named after such a great yet humble hero is something every Osmenan should be proud of.
5. Editorial of Special Occasion
• This highlights the significance of celebrating special occasions.
5. Editorial of Special Occasion
VALENTINE IS..
When some students began decorating their rooms with Valentine trimmings,
a critic asked, “Is it necessary to celebrate Valentines’ Day? Is not a good for
nothing occasion like Christmas?
Contrary to what the critic said, Valentine’s Day is not just a froth and flower
occasion devoid of any meaning at all. It has a distinct place and function in
contemporary life; otherwise its observance would have been dropped after
the Vatican had declared St. Valentine’s Day. To them, the existence of the
patron saint is immaterial.
What is important is, that people still believe in the existence of love, love
between lovers, love between children and their elders, love among men, and
love between man and God.
These kinds of love are universal. They are the ties that bind the world
together to keep it from crumbling into hatred and wickedness.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

1. Know the
issue very well.
Tips on How to Write Editorial
2. Be sure that the topic is of interest to the reader. Prefer current
and controversial issue.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

3. Limit your article to only

one aspect of your chosen
subject.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

4. Have a purpose well in mind.

Tips on How to Write Editorial

5. Gather sufficient data.

Tips on How to Write Editorial

6. Take a stand on controversial issue.

Tips on How to Write Editorial

7. Write catchy and

interesting introduction
composed of the news peg
and the reaction.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

8. Use sound and logical reasoning.

Tips on How to Write Editorial

9. Give significant and factual

details to bolter your opinion.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

10. Attribute sources.

Tips on How to Write Editorial

11. Use formal language in

presenting opinion.
Tips on How to Write Editorial
12. Give statistics if possible.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

13. When giving an argument,

start from the most significant.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

14. Be authoritative, but do not preach.

Tips on How to Write Editorial
15. Be impersonal. Use the third person “we” instead of “I” except
in direct quotation.
Tips on How to Write Editorial

16. Be brief.
Tips on How to Write Editorial
17. Use various devices to catch and keep the reader’s interest such
as:
a. A striking title
b. A good introduction composed of the news peg and the
reaction
c. Illustration in the form of brief narrative
d. Attribution of authority to support your facts and
arguments
e. Analogy
f. Comparison and contrast
Tips on How to Write Editorial
18. Tie up your ending with that of the beginning paragraph by
suggesting solution, posing a challenging question, making forecast
of outcomes or just a simple summary.
 Parts of the Editorial
and How to Write Each Part
1. Title
It gives a symbol or gist of the content.

Example:
Erroneous textbooks: A bitter pill to our ailing education
2. Introduction
• It contains the news peg and the reaction.
• The absence of a reaction to an issue makes the article not an
editorial but just an essay.
• Introduction could be in two paragraphs: the first contents the
topic and the second, the reaction, but you can also merge them in
one paragraph only.
Example:
The exposé made by Dr. Antonio Calipjo-Go, an academic
supervisor in a private Marian School in Quezon City, that some of
the textbooks used by students are erroneous, create a gigantic
tremor that rocks our academe.
Editorial Lead
• The editorial lead, like in the news story, is the main idea of the
story. However, it is not considered the heart of the story unlike in
the news.
• It could be in the middle or at the end, depending on the whims
and style of the editorial writer.
• Remember that it must contain enough “sparks”to urge the reader
to read the whole article. A flat, dull, and dragging lead will
readily turn away readers.
Editorial Lead
• It does not have to follow the traditional five Ws and one H.
• The editorial writer has more freedom to display his/her creativity
than the news writer in the writing of the lead.
Opening Statements
1. Emphatic statement or maxim
Ex. The law might be harsh, but it is the law.

2. A striking statement about the topic

Ex. Patriot, orator, lawyer, martyr—that was Jose Abad Santos.

3. A quotation
Ex. “Time is gold,” so the saying goes
Opening Statements
4. Narration
Ex. October saw a long and heated debate in the Constitutional
Convention Hall which resulted in the passing of a resolution
lowering the voting age from 21 to 18.

5. An order
Ex. Go out and vote
Opening Statements
6. A question
Ex. Remember a time before iPhones?

7. Poetic
Ex. In the dark depths of man’s labyrinth’s of fears may lie hidden
a ray of hope, which man, in his despair over other problems, may
have overlooked.
Opening Statements
8. Prophecy
Ex. If nothing is done, we will wake up one day to find there are
not enough schools for our children.

9. Reaction
Ex. Never has the government been so concerned with labor as it is
now.
3. Body
• It presents the factual details to bolster the opinion or principle of
the newspaper on the given issue.
• Arguments here are arranged from the most significant to the least
significant ones.
4. Conclusion
• It presents a solution, plea, advice, command, thought-provoking
question, forecast possible effects and quotation relevant to the
subject or just a summary.
Example:
The authors, as well as the concerned authorities who are
tasked to evaluate these books are guilty of thwarting facts and
injecting the wrong medication into the minds of the students. They
should be given the dose of their own medicine.
Typical last paragraphs
1. Proverb
2. Quotations
3. Advice
4. Comparison
5. Contrast
6. Crusading
7. Argumentative
SIMPLE STYLE (Additional Tips)
• Avoid highfalutin words
• Develop a simple, clear, direct, and vigorous style of writing
• Choose your words that will accurately describe or explain a point
or issue
SOUND REASONING (Additional Tips)
• Support arguments with the right facts
• Logical thinking shows the writer’s competence
• Cluttered ideas and unsubstantiated arguments shoo readers away
BRIEF, EXACT, AND CONCISE(Additional Tips)
• 250 TO 350 words
• Complex sentences and long paragraphs are wearisome and dull
the senses
• See to it that every word used counts and serves its purpose
One editorial-one-point rule (Additional Tips)
• Focus on a theme
• Always have one point to convey to the readers
• Several points confuse the readers
BE SPECIFIC (Additional Tips)
• Use concrete facts and figures not general ideas, terms, or
statements
• Hazy and broad generalizations do not impress
II. WORKSHOP PROPER
Write an editorial article on the following topics:
✔ Challenges of the K to12 Curriculum (BER 2023)
✔ Performance of Filipino learners in international assessments
(PISA, TIMSS, etc.)
✔ DepEd policy on child protection
✔ Social media platforms as channel of expressions
✔ Others (Writer’s Choice)

Email add: aisa.badana@deped.gov.ph

Submit on or before Monday 12midnight