WRITING EDITORIALS AND OPINION COLUMNS

What is an Editorial? An Opinion Column

Editorial Opinion article that represents the voice of

the newspaper at large First person plural “We” Not signed

Opinion Column Opinion article that represents a single

writer First person singular “I” Signed

Types of Editorials

Advocacy Editorial Interpret, Explain, Persuade, and Advocate

change Tied to significant news stories Why is it important? Trying to persuade the audience to accept a

certain interpretation Presents facts clearly and logically Tone; not negative, not point by point

criticism

Types of Editorials

Longer lunch period a gift for students, staff “The Student Senate made a positive and

reasonable request with their proposal. No instruction time is lost with the longer lunches, and students and staff are given more time to eat and gear up for their afternoon classes. The administration should vote in favor of keeping the 45 minute lunch this April.”

Types of Editorials

Problem-Solution Editorial “Editorial of criticism” Calls attention to a problem or criticizes

someone’s actions. Responsibility; use facts to back up criticism.

Explain. Statement of the problem, presentation of

evidence, conclusion with potential solutions. Must criticize for public actions. Lies and fabrications: unethical. Popular Issues.

Types of Editorials

“Recently in the Live Oak parking lot, there have been multiple acts of random vandalism. Cars have been keyed, things stolen, and antennas destroyed; not to mention the damage on Half Road, the only alternative parking place. All this has happened while we have two very capable and attentive yard monitors, who simply have too much area to watch at once.”

Types of Editorials

Commendation Editorial Praising a group or person for an act. Elevates the person to a special level of

notoriety. Retirements, state championships, death of

an inspiring student/teacher/administrator, community service, etc.

Careful Consideration. Reasons must be clearly stated, impact

should be noted. Not very long. Ex. Student saves life in Florida.

Other Types

Brief Editorial Comment Short… ex. Drinking at graduation

Editorial short Making the grade

Editorial Cartoon

Writing an Editorial

Current Issue Start out with a thesis Use facts as examples Direct Persuasion Personal touches

Writing an Opinion Article

Argument Facts

Statistics, studies, quotes or polling results Include the other arguments… then

rebut them

Writing an Opinion Article

Well, at least the lawns are safeThe Madison Police Department came out with everything short of drone strikes to get students off of Mifflin Street this year. On top of that, they spent last Saturday patrolling downtown threatening to ticket anyone daring to drink outside in the 70-degree sun. For that, we feel they deserve the Get Off the Damn Lawn award.Choosing to approach a campus weekend with the subtlety and tact of 70-year-old yelling from his porch, MPD busted up any party not crowded indoors. Come on guys — we know you are usually a reasonable and respectful bunch when it comes to student house parties. Do not change just because you wanted to beat out Mayor Paul Soglin for this award.