The official view of the newspaper

The editorial or opinion page is dominated by comment and analysis rather than objective unbiased reporting. Purpose of the Editorial Page  Provoke thought and discussion  Influence the actions of public officials  Campaign for reform and specific proposals  Provide background & analyze events  Serve as a community voice  Influence voters

 Choose a topic you are interested in or are passionate about.  The best topics are current issues in society.  Choose a side of the issue. You can’t be on both sides when writing an editorial.  Give a strong opinion. (state the problem)  Support the topic with facts, evidence, opinions.  Offer a Solution. How can we solve problem?

 State the Problem  Explain/Develop the issue – give facts and opinions  Offer a Solution  Call to Action

 What is your opinion?  Why should others care about this topic  What impact does it have on them?  What are 3 reasons you have to support this opinion?  What do you think should be done?  What is your action plan to correct the situation?

 Write a 4 paragraph editorial including the four parts of an editorial  Paragraph 1: State the problem. Explain it.  Paragraph 2: Prove it exists. Give facts (might have to make this up), opinions to support the problem (several examples)  Paragraph 3: Offer a Solution – how can we solve this problem? Why would this work?  Paragraph 4: Call to Action. What should be done to make your solution happen? Give specific things we could do to change. Summarize your main point, one last reason why we should support your idea.