Op-Eds & Editorials Opinion Writing – Day 3

PDN Choose one of the articles. Read it. We will use it later. You have until 1:30.

Welcome BACK! Quick state of the classroom!

Question: Editorials are most effective when they connect to topics the paper covers in its news section. Why do you think that is?

Answer: Editorials are most effective when they connect to topics the paper covers in its news section. Why? Readers can read an objective story that researches all points of view (or many) on that issue and is focused on just giving the facts. When connected to a news story, the newspaper staff can write an opinion story later that shows what staff members really think. Balance The paper can be unbiased in its reporting but still take a leadership position on topics that matter to the audience.

Brainstorming/Inspiration How can we come up with ideas for editorials and op-eds? How do you think the writer of the op-ed you read did it?

What is the structure of an op-ed? Let’s use the article you read to help. Reverse-Engineer the article! (can work with others)

Berchick’s catch-All method for opinion structure Start with your main idea then break that down into smaller arguments then list facts to back up those arguments. most arguments may need two or three facts; students do not have to fill out the entire idea diagram.

So….about those facts… Where do we get them???? How? Why?

Think of the last detective show you’ve watched… How do the detectives determine who committed the crime? How do they gather evidence? Do they sometimes make guesses about who is the guilty party? What happens if they ignore evidence that points in different directions?

So, what is the difference between FACTS OPINIONS

Facts Opinions Facts are statements that are true. For example, we can use a thermometer to determine the temperature in this room; that is a fact. Whether that temperature is is too hot, too cold or just right is a matter of opinion. Opinions Opinions are statements that cannot be proven true or false. They usually involve some form of value judgment, such as good, bad, helpful, dangerous, problematic, beautiful, etc. People with the same information can disagree.

Logos, ethos, pathos Opinions tend to be based on one of three types of thinking: • logos: appeal to logic • ethos: appeal to ethics, morality • pathos: appeal to emotions Combining all three: With any big decision, it is important to look at what is logical, what is right and what you feel about it. While sometimes it’s important to focus on one aspect, completely separating it from the others can lead to unbalanced thinking and writing.

Go back to youR article Circle facts. Underline opinions. Find one example each of logos, pathos, and ethos, by bracketing it and writing L,P, or E, next to it.

So where do we find the facts For our writing?

What questions do we ask ourselves?

Now, we are going to write another mini op-ed 1) Come up with a topic—inspired by the news 2) Research a bit 3) OPTIONAL: Roughly outline it 4) Write it or type it.