Aim: What are editorials? Do Now: What do you think an editorial consists of? Homework: Editorials are going to be due on Thursday, December 14 th.

What is an editorial? An opinion piece that comments to do the following: -explain -persuade -answer -warn -criticize -entertain -praise -lead -briefly comment _________________________________ -regularly comment Editorial Functions

Why do we have editorials? “Explain” – Commenting on an article when it may need to be interpreted. For example, explaining a new policy. “Persuade” – Articulating an opinion to change people’s perspective or convince them of something.

“Warn” – When it is possible to foresee a problem, or anticipate one, this editorial will try to alert the public. “Briefly comment” – Brief statements that may fall under any other type of editorial, just shorter. “Regularly comment” – A column – Commenting regularly on any topic – A personality that people eventually look for

“Criticize” – A way to voice concerns and offer suggestions for problems that exist in the community “Praise” – Praise people for jobs well done – Offer congratulations for honors and awards. “Entertain” – A way to share entertaining stories and possibly communicate some kind of wisdom from them

“Lead” Leading the community toward improvements by the magnified voice a published editorial can offer. Questioning politicians and policy Encourage development of projects

How do political cartoons function as editorials? Explain what is happening in the political cartoon:

How are political cartoons used? As a symbol – an image to represent something (ex. Using a fat man to depict big business). As a metaphor – comparing two things (ex. School violence compared to a snake in the grass threatening to strike if provoked). As a joke on current events – it targets a specific event such as the NBA strike with millionaire players demanding more money.

Create your own political cartoon: You will work in pairs to develop a political cartoon. The topic has to be school related (Example: A school rule/policy/stance/issue) NO SPECIFIC PEOPLE SHOULD BE USED Decide what you want to do for an image (symbol, metaphor and/or joke) Sketch the cartoon. Complete a final draft. You do not have to be an artist, the main thing I am looking at is the message you are trying to convey. THIS WILL BE DUE ON THE SAME DAY AS YOUR EDITORIALS- END OF CLASS ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 TH.

Writing an Editorial Editorial should be at least 500 words double spaced, 12 point font. Remember PART: Purpose, Audience, Reason, Tone Take a stance on an issue/event etc. and provide an argument or viewpoint to present to your readers to catch their interest. This is due at the end of class on Wednesday, December 12 th submitted through turnitin.com.

Possible Editorial Ideas Climate changes and its effects Should capital punishment be allowed? Any past events (Boston Tea Party, The Great Depression, reflection on the Civil War) God vs. Science Moral conflicts about “living in sin” Importance or evils of social networking websites Is the world really ending in 2012? The benefits of reading School policies/dress codes

Summary: What topic do you think you are going to write about for your editorial project or political cartoon?