EDITORIAL WRITING

Mr. Hernane B. Buella

EDITORIAL WRITING Prepared and lectured by: Dr. Aurelia de Ocampo-Dejan Secondary School Principal Taywanak National High School Alfonso, Cavite

BIO-DATA Former President of the Cavite English Teachers Association Trainor- Adviser of several students who emerged as winners in campus journalism, along with their school newspaper which is also a perennial winner in schools press conferences One of the Five National Semi- Finalists in the Metrobank Foundation Search for Outstanding Teachers 2004 Graduate of Doctor of Education Degree Major in Educational Management

Definitions
Editorial an analytical interpretation of significant, timely and relevant topic or issue. Issue a problem, situation or scene or condition that may draw varied and contradictory opinions from the reading public. An issue is also the hottest topic in the community or in the country, or in the international scene.

Characteristics of an Editorial
It must be factual. It is usually based from the latest news. It must be interesting from the very start. a. It must have a very catchy title b. It must have a very striking beginning. c. It must have a very remarkable ending. d. It must be concise but clear and direct to the point. It must be very timely. It must not preach nor make a sermon. It must influence the readers.

Types of an Editorial
Editorial of Information It defines terms, issues, or identifies persons and events. It also provides historical or geographical background. It merely makes the readers know some facts and data.

 Editorial of Interpretation It seeks to explain the significance of an event and to relate its impact or effects on the lives of the readers. It may recommend a course of action to be taken.

Editorial of Argumentation It takes a stand on controversial issue, in favor of, or in contradictory with it. It tries to convince the readers to side with the belief of the editorial writer. Here, only one side of the issue is presented

 Editorial of Criticism This type of editorial analyzes the faults in the situation, presenting the good and the bad aspects of an issue. However, nearly at its ending, it obviously espouses a definite stand.

 Editorial of Persuasion It attempts to interpret, argue or criticize, but it places high premium on the manner of convincing the readers to accept the opinion of the editorial writer and make the readers move, act or do things, parallel with what the editorial writer wants to do.

 Editorial of Commendation it pays tribute or recognizes a persons or a groups achievements, projects or activities. It also honors the memory of a hero or of a notable person, dead or alive who is worthy of emulation.

 Editorial on Special Occasion It explains the value or significance of an event or celebration. Editorial of Entertainment This type of editorial discusses topics of lighter vein. It gives amusement while pointing out the truth.

 Pooled Editorial This is written by groups of editors from different publications, dealing with one and the same topic or issue, and published simultaneously to indicate a common stand about a very important and very pressing issue.

Structure of an Editorial
It must have a beginning. It must provide background of the issue and must set the mind of the readers to delve deeper on the topic. It must have a news peg and must answer the important wh-type of questions.

 It must have a body or middle part. In this portion, the editorial unfold the problem together with the circumstances and the current background surrounding the conflict. It must have an ending or closing paragraph. It drives the readers to fully grasp the message of the editorial. It maybe in the form of a challenge, a command, a question or a simple summary.

TIPS ON HOW TO WRITE AN EDITORIAL

Choose timely topics, those which are of interest to the readers. Weigh down which of these topics is the most important one and make it your main editorial. Use a catchy title. Write within the reading level of the readers. Prove your stand by citing references, statistical data or research findings.

 Have a good closing paragraph. Follow the principles of effective writing. Your editorial should have unity, coherence, and emphasis. Write using the pronoun in the third person ( the editorial we) or the name of your school paper. Never use the pronoun I. * WRITE THE TRUTH BUT WITH CENSURE.