Lecture 9: Writing Editorials

Editorial
is the official stand of the paper on a relevant development or issue. It is a concerted commentary written by

It any member of the editorial staff who comments or gives the newspaper’s or staff’s opinion on an issue which
is of interest and importance to the public.

The editorial is considered the soul of the newspaper for it stirs the conscience of the readers to action; it influence
and molds public opinion. It is usually written in formal language, expressing the stand of the paper on controversial
issues of the day. It has no byline.

It is the expression of the people’s conscience, cause, and convictions.—Joseph Pulitzer

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Content of the editorial section

1. Folio

2. Masthead

3. Editorial proper

4. Editorial column

5. Editorial cartoon

6. Editorial liner

7. Letter to the editor

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Characteristics of a good editorial

1. Must have clearness of style

2. Moral purpose

3. Sound reasoning

4. The power to influence public opinion

5. Lead logically to a conclusion

7. Avoid wordiness

8. Present facts not mere opinion

9. Concise, around 250-300 words or 2,000-2,500 computer characters (at most 6 paragraphs)

10. Must be decisive and bias

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Types of editorial

1. Editorial of information

2. Editorial of interpretation

3. Editorial of criticism

4. Editorial of commendation, appreciation, or tribute

5. Editorial of argumentation

6. Editorial of entertainment

7. Mood editorial

8. Pooled editorial

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How to write an editorial?

In writing editorial, select only one specific idea to develop. Be sure the topic is of interest to the reader.

Organize your editorial in three parts:

1. Introduction

Contains the newspeg with the reaction. It is usually one short paragraph. (A newspeg is a brief statement about the news event
upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue that needs to be solved right away)

2. Body
It may take two to four short paragraphs that support or justify the reaction. Cite reasons, statistics, interviews, or
figures.

3. Ending

The ending, sometimes called the clincher, summarizes the editorial’s stand. It must be crispy and difficult to forget.

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Example of an introduction

(reaction is italicized; newspeg is in regular font)

The new office policy of requiring tardy students to study their lessons in the literary while they wait for the next period
is both timely and wise.

It is a source of great pride and inspiration for our school to come out second in the NSAT regionwide.

Our general PTA is really generous and concerned for the student’s welfare. They will donate labor and materials to
improve the school gym.

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The editorial has also a head or title which should be brief (preferably less than four words), forceful and interesting.

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Pointers in writing editorial

1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.

2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body of the editorial.

3. Have a purpose well in mind that should be accomplished with sufficient data.

4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument leading up to the conclusion.

5. Peg the lead sentence on recent, relevant news for its impact value.

6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely understood analogy or with an illustration that
makes for easier understanding.

7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.

8. Article must be simple, direct, clear, and forceful.

10. It must reflect clear, logical thinking.

11. Subject matter must be significant to the readers.

12. Sentences and paragraphs must be comparatively short.

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Do’s and Don’ts in writing an editorial

1. Win the reader’s interest with an impelling lead paragraph.

2. Avoid generalities by using plenty of facts and by telling what these facts mean.

3. Keep your editorials short; around 300 words (2,500 computer characters) only.

4. Do not preach, scold or moralize.

5. Relate editorials directly to the lives of the reader.

6. Avoid the first person, “I.” Use the editorial “We.”

7. Write simply.

8. Develop editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and expanded into the body.

9. Sentences and paragraphs should be relatively short.

10. Accomplish your purpose

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Editorial beginnings

An editorial may start with:

1. A simple statement that gives enough of the situation, problem or news to be discussed.

2. A question that calls attention to, give an idea about the problem or point out the logical development of the topic.

3. A striking statement that jolts the imagination and arouses the interest of the reader.
4. A quotation relevant to the subject under discussion.

5. A narrative illustrating the problem or situation.

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EDITORIAL WRITING EXERCISES:

Across the street from the school are computer stations where students flock during their off-periods. They spend
their snack money on computer rentals and stay there playing until the bell rings for their next periods. Write an
editorial on these facts.

Lack of study habit is again rampant in school. What should be done about it? Write an editorial using any of the
Editorial types you have learned.

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SAMPLES:
Vandals
ATENEO de La Salle’s walls have a new coat of paint and are presently clean. Whether they retain their
present state of cleanliness depends almost entirely on the students.
The first spots appeared as a result of negligent student leaning against the walls and scraping the soles of
their shoes on them. Some students have also taken a peculiar delight in making long pencil scrawls on the walls as
they go to classes.
According to an observant parent, Atesallians, more than any other group of students, abuse their buildings.
This report, whether true or otherwise, should serve as a challenge.
Will the walls remain clean?

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(Editorial of criticism)

Respect flag rites

A FLAG ceremony whether it be a flag raising or a flag retreat is sacred. Therefore, it should be observed with all the
solemnity and sacredness a Filipino citizen can muster.

The National Anthem (Pambansang Awit) like the national flag should be treated with ceremonial respect.

On this, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in Kawit in 1898, it is perhaps timely to remind all and
sundry to behave during flag ceremonies.

Sad to say, many students, during the Monday morning flag-raising ceremonies, instead of standing at attention while
singing the National Anthem, and while reciting the Patriotic Pledge (Panatang Makabayan), move around, play, and
make fun, completely disregarding what is going on.

It is for this reason that we are calling the attention of all teachers, especially the social studies teachers to give more
emphasis on educational values, love of country, respect for the flag, veneration of heroes, and proper behavior
during flag ceremonies.
If flag ceremonies cannot be held properly, why then do we hold them at all?

- The Newsette, Manila

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Editorial of Tribute (Nagpaparangal)

Ka Doroy

Si G. Bobby Zabalate, lalong kilala sa pangalang “Ka Doroy,” ay nagiwan ng isang legado na mahirap
mapantayan ng kanyang mga kapanahon sa pamamahayag.

Nang siya’y nabubuhay pa, kanyang ibinuhos ang kanyang panahon sa walang sawang pagtulong sa mga nahihirap
lalo na sa mga kabataang mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng pagkaloob ng mga iskolarship.

Isa sa kanyang mga proyekto ay ang pag-ilak ng pondo para sa ampunan, pagamutan at paaralan. Kanya ring iayos
ang Plaza Libertad na nagging isang pandaigdig na palatandaan ot landmark. Pinangungunahan din niya ang
pagpalabas ng mga libreng pangkulturang pagtatanghal at ang pagpapaganda ng mga liwasan sa Lungsod ng Iloilo.

Sa sariling pagsisikap at angking talino, siya’y nagging matagumpay hanggang siya’y inangkin bilang isang huwarang
anak ng lalawigang Iloilo.

Yumao na si Ka Doroy, subalit siya’s mananatiling buhay sa puso ng bawat Ilonggo.

Posted 10th May 2008 by Engr. Herman M. Lagon, Ph.D.