What is an Editorial What is an Editorial

What is an Editorial?

What is an Editorial? ? An editorial is a piece of writing that presents the newspaper’s opinion on an issue. It is usually unsigned (compared to a letter? ) Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated/argumentative news story.

Editorials Have: 1. Introduction, body, and conclusion like other stories news 2. A focus on topics that are up to date and interesting. 3. Arguments from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses 4. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities, and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion.

Editorials Have: 5. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions. 6. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's argument. Give it some punch.

Libel vs. Bias: What is the difference? How do we avoid it?

Using the Wrong Tools Libel and Bias are two tools that are sometimes used in writing that mislead the reader. They are tools that shouldn't be used and writers can be in BIG trouble for using them. They are a lot like chewing gum at school. Writers aren't always caught, but it still isn’t allowed.

Libel *Based on the picture, what do you think libel means?

Libel: A published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.

Georgia Teen Sues Two Classmates for Facebook Libel http: //digitaljournal. com/article/323834 After reading article, turn to a partner and answer these two questions in the margin of your notes: Explain why this would be considered libel? How was this girls reputation “defamed? ”

Libel More examples of libel: Examples: If the trial is still in process, the writer may say, “O. J. Simpson allegedly killed two people. ” Only AFTER the trial has ended with a final judgment can the writer say, “O. J. Simpson is guilty of killing two people. If the interviewee said, “I accidentally ran over a skunk once, ” but the article reports that he is a skunk tormentor, the writing is libelous. If the source that the writer consulted in forming his opinion reads, “People with brown hair cry more often than those with blonde hair, ” but the writer reported that “People with brown hair are generally depressed, ” the writer may be accused of libel.

BIAS: *Based on the pictures below and previous knowledge, what do you think bias means?

Bias A feeling or preference against something for or silly reasons. tors Trai unjust

Bias Examples of bias: People named Sally are juvenile and immature. It’s okay to abuse animals with stripes, but not spotted animals. She’s at the top of her class in school, therefore she’s a geek.