Information Opinion Editorials Types of editorials Explain detail

Information + Opinion= Editorials

Types of editorials: �Explain: detail what happened (like a news article) but with some opinion added �Evaluate: judge what happened �Persuade: convince readers to think how you do �Call for action: convince readers to do something proactive �Provoke discussion: encourage people to debate the issue

Choosing a topic �What is important to readers? �What is current? �What is possible? (can you interview the proper sources involved? )

First step: RESEARCH �Do not share ignorance �Before you can make a logical opinion, you must know the facts �Use primary sources (statistics from online reliable sources, books, school documents, etc. ) �Interview people who are involved

Structure of the article �Lead: the first sentence of the article; stands alone as its own paragraph �Because this isn’t a news article, you may not want to start with the 5 Ws and 1 H. �Possible alternate leads: Anecdote: short story that makes a point Shocking statistic or fact Description: make the reader visualize what is happening

Structure of the article �Thesis statement/position statement: �One sentence statement that shows your position. �Do not say “I believe…” In fact, don’t talk about yourself at all in the article! �This usually appears in the 2 nd paragraph of the article (remember your lead is the only thing that appears in the 1 st paragraph)

Structure of the article �Concession: acknowledges the other side’s strongest argument and refutes it �Ex. “Certainly, an open campus lunch policy can be dangerous for some students. However…” �Make this other side’s point quickly and then move on to your position with supporting details

Structure of the article �Supporting details: facts to defend your position �Write using short paragraphs with 1 -2 supporting details in each paragraph for increased readability �Place supporting details in order from weakest to strongest. You want your reader to remember your best point!

Structure of the article �Conclusion: the way to wrap up your article �Suggest a course of action. Don’t just complain about something! There has to be a purpose for your writing �Remind your reader of your lead in some way

Final notes �Good editorials usually run 250 -500 words in length. �Make your argument clear. �Defend it with facts. �Brevity is powerful!