Editorial Writing Logical and fact-based persuasion

What is an opinion piece? An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.

There are many different issues to offer relevant, meaningful opinion

What is an opinion piece? There are primarily three different, overall types of opinion/editorial (or op-ed) pieces: Interpretive Editorial, Criticism and Persuasive Editorials, and Entertainment/Arts Columns However, columns that praise and commend people/organizations for doing something well are also considered editorials, but they aren’t very common.

Interpretive Editorial - takes a complex issue and explains/breaks it down to inform the reader. For example: Your school administrator has decided to decrease the number of student parking spaces on campus. Lately there has been more overcrowding than ever, as well as a series of accidents and minor injuries. The new parking policy is complex, and students, even faculty do not understand it. In an editorial of interpretation, you might ask and answer the following: Interpretive Editorial Writing

Why decrease space instead of increase it? Will there be alternative parking? Where? Who can use it? Will there be "anti-parking"incentives, such as discounted bus passes or vouchers? By analyzing the policy and explaining what it really means, you, the editorialist, assists readers, your fellow students. Interpretive Editorial Writing cont.

Criticism and Persuasive Editorials - A critical editorial seeks to point out a flaw, to judge severely/find fault, and propose a solution Criticism/Persuasive Editorial Writing or cause to action; a persuasive editorial seeks to persuade readers about a sensitive issue, and, again, perhaps propose a potential solution or cause to action. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT JUST FOR COMPLAINERS!

These types of editorials, which are the most common, often: use vivid examples that play on your target audience’s emotions and that also are logical. present a concession (agree on one point or fact) on the issue and illustrate how your opinion is logically the better choice. avoids preachiness (don’t use Prejudicial Language). the tone is generally fair and balanced. Criticism/Persuasive Editorial Writing

Subjects that can be written in this style include: The current tardy policy is unfair OR chronically tardy students’ need to reevaluate their own personal values; Prom is a pointless feature of high school that has no practical purpose and should be cancelled OR the senior formal dance is an essential part of the high school experience; The slaughter of defenseless animals for human consumption is horrific and should be banned OR animal rights groups are extremist organizations that should be banned. Criticism/Persuasive Editorial Writing cont.

Entertainment and Arts Editorials - Some of the best opinion writers use humor to make a point. Humor disarms people; they let their defenses down. Some of these editorials are satiric, but most do serve a purpose to persuade at some level. There are also reviews of new restaurants, movie premieres, the latest music and fashion, art gallery openings, Broadway plays, plus advice columns and other forms of opinion writing. Entertainment/Arts Writing HOWEVER, ALL MUST BE PURPOSEFUL!

A. Answer: respond to criticism in the form of defense, or admission/apology B. Warn: identify problems that lie ahead C. Briefly comment: short expression, usually to commend D. Regularly comment: someone with a regularly published column and who has a unique perspective; can be entertaining and educational E. Lead: be a force for positive change Other, more specific, editorial types

Steps 1-12 to Writing the Editorial 1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers. 2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research. 3. Lead your reader (your target audience) toward the subject of your editorial with a hook. 4. Next, state your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement. 5. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important 6. Offer opposing viewpoint first with its related quotations and facts; concede a point of the opposition — they must have a good point you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.

Steps 1-11 to Writing the Editorial cont. 7. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic. Introduce support from strong to strongest. 8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds. 9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction. 10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement). 11. Keep it concise, around 500 words; make every work count; avoid using "I."

Why shouldn’t you use “I”? One frequent problem in persuasive writing is the use of "hesitant" language. These are statements that lead the reader to believe that the author is unsure about his/her authority on the issue. Statements beginning with "I think, I feel, or I believe" weaken a writer's stance. Hesitant: I feel like twenty minutes isn’t enough time at school for lunch.

Why shouldn’t you use “I” cont. Stronger: In twenty minutes, a student is lucky to get through the lunch line, pay the cashier, find a seat. If he or she is able to choke down their food in that time frame, it's a particularly good day! The time has come for our schools to reconsider the amount of time allotted for lunch. In other words, stick to declarative statements that illustrate specifics and examples related to your implied opinion. PLUS, YOU’RE NOT NECESSARILY AN EXPERT!

Why shouldn’t you use “I” cont. Hesitant: I think that Apple’s iTunes and Amazon Music online stores charge too much for downloadable single songs and albums. Stronger: Because of steady price increases established by major recording companies and high profit demands by online music stores, excessively higher prices are passed on to consumers. Teenagers on limited budgets can't realistically afford to buy songs at prices of 99 cents and upwards of $1.69, many of whom want thousands of songs on their Mp3 player.