Structure And Tips On Editorial Writing

Before the structure and tips , let me first define what is editorial.

Editorial is a critical interpreting of an important current issue or event. Besides informing readers, it also aims to influence them by interpreting facts, explaining issues, expressing opinion. In other words, it is an illustration of the writers opinion or stand on a definite topic.

Hence, an editorial is the voice of the editor and the newspaper he/she is writing for. The writer includes opinion and viewpoints not included in the news. Editorial is the most striking and most intelligent part of the newspaper. It is an expression of facts and opinions in concise, logical, pleasing order for the sake of entertaining, or influencing opinion, or of interpreting significant news in such a way that its importance to the average reader will be clear. An editorial is usually written in elegant but understandable language. Its purpose is to teach and influence public opinion.

Structure of an Editorial (3 Parts):

1.)News peg/Introduction- is the beginning paragraph that contains the news upon which the editorial is based. It states the event or topic to give the readers an understanding of the news to be illustrated.

2.)Body – it contains the writer’s opinion or viewpoint. It builds up the case through a logical arrangement of ideas. It maybe made up of three or four paragraphs.

3.)Conclusion- is the last part that either summarizes or drives home the point. It ties up the ideas given in the news peg and in the body.

Tips in Writing Editorial:

1.)Have a complete grasp of the news you would like to comment on.

2.)Stay focus on one topic, don’t miss it.

3.)Make your purpose clear.

4.)Win the reader’s interest with an attractive, thought-provoking news peg.

5.)Make your viewpoint clear by presenting ideas logically.

6.)Avoid preaching/scolding/dogmatic styles.

7.)Keep your editorial short, that is around 250-350 words.

8.)Avoid the first person I. Instead, use we or the name of the newspaper.

9.)Be specific. Avoid generalizations. Use concrete examples, comparisons and contrast or analogous situations. If possible, quote sources of facts.

10.)Have an appropriate ending, one that leaves something for the reader to think about.

11.)Since editorials are made up of paragraphs, the mechanics of paragraph writing should be observed, too. These are unity, coherence and emphasis.

12.)Avoid “going around the bush”. Be direct and simple. The simple sentence is still the most beautiful style.

13.)Again, avoid common faults like preaching, broad generalizations, long winded explanation, wordiness, lack of sincerity and holier-than-thou-art attitude.

14.)Say your opinion directly in the lead in one sentence or more.

15.)The ending should be clear. Indicate if you agree or disagree.

JENNY BELLE N.
JILL P.
REGINE T.