1. English 506 Alan Weintraut – Annandale High School VA
Writing an Editorial
English 506
Alan Weintraut – Annandale High School VA

2. Characteristics of an Editorial
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue.
It is usually unsigned.
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.

3. Editorials Usually Have…
An introduction, a development and a conclusion.
An objective explanation of the issue.
A timely news angle.
Opinions from the opposing view-point.
Delivered in a professional way (no name-calling, or discussions of personalities, etc.)
Constructive criticism and a proactive approach.
A solid and concise conclusion with some punch!

4. Four Types of Editorials
Explain or Interpret: usually for a controversial issue, explaining how he newspaper covered the issue.
Criticize: constructively criticizing actions, decisions or situations. Focussed on the problem – not the solution.
Persuade: Looking at the solution, not the problem. Encouraging specific constructive action.
Praise: not as common, but noteworthy, commenting on people or organizations.

5. Writing an Editorial
Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers.
Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic.

6. Writing an Editorial (cont’)
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
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 to 500 words; make every word count; never use "I"

7. 1 – Begin with the Facts Start with the 5 W’s
Facts and quotations that are relevant.
Additional research may be necessary!
Examples from our topic? (Olympic Doping?)

8. 2 – Present your Oposition
Identify the people or organizations that oppose you:
Use facts and quotations to objectively state their opinions.
Make sure they appear strong (otherwise what’s the point?)
Examples?

9. 3 – Refute the Opposition
The “However…” statement:
Pull in other facts or quotations that support your opinion.
Concede a point to the opposition that seems rational – but you have considered the options!
Examples?

10. 4 – Give other Reasons List your reasons from strong to strongest:
Use literary or cultural allusion to give your argument intelligent credibility.
Example?

11. 5 – Conclude with a Punch!
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be more informed:
A quotation from a respectable source can be helpful.
Rhetorical questions are also a good way to end.
Examples?

12. Works Cited
Weintraut, Alan. Writing an Editorial. Mar Web. <