Do Now: Why would an argumentative piece be important in a newspaper? Learning Target: I can write an argumentative response and support it with evidence. Do Now: Why would an argumentative piece be important in a newspaper?

So what is an editorial? Editorial: An article that states the newspaper’s stance on a particular issue. Basically, it is a persuasive essay that offers a solution to a problem. For any journalist or writer, being asked to write an editorial is a matter of great privilege and honor. As opposed to regular news reports, an editorial is more about opinions than facts. It is meant to express a specific opinion about a current piece of news. This may involve attacking or defending certain policies or laws based on hard facts, statistics, analogies etc. 

The Structure of an Editorial

Remember the key to a successful Editorial … Think original thoughts. Provide strong evidence to support your stance Write in third person (some first person plural)

Remember the key to a successful Editorial … Use active voice Be mature, fair and reasonable Offer a solution

What went wrong? You didn’t take a stand. (There can be both positives and negatives.) The argument was tired and generalized. Be specific to the situation. You asked too many rhetorical questions without stating an opinion. (Why would anyone want to change this? Why can’t students behave? Why should students attend?) You used quotes. One quote is enough for an editorial, but you don’t need any.

It’s Time to Write! Now that you know what makes a successful editorial and what to watch out for, begin drafting your editorial! Remember, you are arguing either for or against Private Grayrock’s decision to leave. It is your job to state the issue (you may not all have the same one!), take a stand a provide evidence!