EDITORIAL WRITING
Reporters:
Marie Anthonette Nicole C Toyor
Lyka S. Villano
M – cel M. Rivera
Contents of Presentation
What is an Editorial?
What are the goals of an Editorial Article?
What are the parts of an Editorial article?
What are the types of an Editorial?
What makes a good Editorial?
What is an Editorial?
An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper’s
opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the
editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made
up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned.
Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build
up an argument and try to persuade readers to think the
same way they do.
Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote
critical thinking, and sometimes cause the people to take
action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated
news story.
Editorial Concept Map
Gives
EDITORIAL alternative
solutions
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF AN
EDITORIAL?
The objectives of an editorial are…
Formation of Public Opinion To adopt the habit of thinking
Political Awareness Accountability of administrations and other
National Welfare dept.
Source of Discussion Government Dependency
Emphasize intensity of a problem Dependency of Democracy
Knowledge of Internal affairs
Promotion of Good objective and war against
Represent the public evil
Political Awareness Entertainment
Analysis and effective power
THE PARTS OF AN EDITORIAL
What are the parts of an editorial?
Introduction – state the problem
Body – express the opinion
Solution – offer a solution to the
problem
Conclusion – emphasize the main
issue
TYPES OF AN EDITORIAL
How do you write a certain type of editorial? What is its structure?
EDITORIAL OF CRITICISM
It points out the good or the bad
features of a problem or situation
mentioned in the news. Its purpose is
to influence the reader. It suggests a
solution at the end.
How do you write an editorial of
criticism?
Example of Editorial of Criticism
A JUNE 12 THOUGHT: RESPECT FLAG RITES
A flag ceremony, wherever 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 anniversary of the declaration of Independent in Kawit in 1898 it is
perhaps timely to remind all and 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 Fledge (Panatang Makabayan), move around play and have completely
disregarding what’s going on.
It is for this reasons that we are calling the attention of all teachers, especially
the social studies teachers to give more emphasis on teaching values, love of country,
respect for the flag, veneration of heroes, and proper behavior during flag ceremonies
In flag ceremonies cannot be held properly, why then do we hold them at all.
Editorial of Persuasion/Argumentative
This is oftentimes called editorial of
persuasion. The editor argues in
order to convince or persuade the
reader to accept his stand on the
issue.
How do you write an editorial of
Persuasion?
Example of Editorial of Persuasion
NO REAL CONTRADICTION
There is no contradiction between science and religion when both are property understood; what is needed is
a proper knowledge of religion and a more scholarly interpretation of the bible, the Koran, and other similar books, for
there can never be a contradiction between any truth revealed by God in the holy scriptures and any findings of
science, properly tested and verified.
Holy Scriptures of whatever religion are not textbooks of science. Their purpose is all the same-to inculcate
moral, spiritual, and religious truth.
The subject matter of science on the other hand is the physical universe. Its purpose is to discover the law of nature.
Religion and science move in the essentially different orbits. Religion is concerned primarily with spiritual
realities with moral values, with the intangibles which elude both the pills and the test tubes; science with matter and
energy which can be seen, weighed, and measured.
Religion has no fear of science. It does not tremble before discussion but before ignorance. It welcomes with
eager hospitality every new finding. Thus further man goes into outer space, the better vision he has of GOD, and the
deeper insight he acquires into the Divine Administration of the universe.
Scientists are searching for the truth in the field of nature just as the moralists are seeking to clarify the
application of ethereal and eternal truth to the changing social and economic conditions of modern life.
The church welcomes truth wherever it may be found in history, in Biblical researchers, in psychological and
natural fields of human inquiry. It welcomes every wise thought and every useful discovery, whatever its origin.
Editorial of Information
it seeks to give information on facts of
news stories or add other facts with
minimum explanation. It may define
terms, identify persons or factors or
provide a background.
How do you write an editorial of
information?
Example of Editorial of Information
BAYANIHAN: FILIPINO CULTURAL HERITAGE
The effectiveness of the “bayanihan” spirit was best shown by groups of students,
hundreds of them, as they took to the streets in support of the Metro Manila clean-up and
beautification drive.
The students, coming from different schools in Tondo , pooled themselves together,
cleaned the streets, and beautified them with potted ornamental plants. This is bayanihan in
action.
The bayanihan is an ancient Filipino custom, symbolic of the Filipino way of group
work. As found in the Vocabulario de la Lengua Tagala (1745) by P. Juan de Noceda and P.
Pedro de Sncluar, the word bayanihan is derived from the rootword bayani meaning Obra
comun or group work.
Another related word, magpabayani, is a request for help by one who wants a job done
for him, and evokes response from neighbors who come in groups to offer their services in all
forms and their own simple ways. In return, the nagpabayani gets free breakfast, lunch or
merienda —-a token of appreciation and gratitudes of the nagpabayani.
Editorial of Interpretation
It explains the significance or meaning of a
news event, current idea, condition, or situation,
theory, or hypothesis. The writer doesn’t argue
nor criticize, but merely present both sides of an
issue and leaves the judgment to the reader. It
merely interprets, say for example, the content
of a new memorandum issued by the principal.
How do you write an editorial of Interpretation?
Example of Editorial of Interpretation
A TALE OF HORROR: POPULATION EXPLOSION
Today the Philippines has a population of 80 million. At the present rate of growth, this small country, would only
be most affected by the evil effect of population explosion.
This means that most of our high school students now, who would only be in their early 40’s or 50’s at that time,
will be the ones to be most affected by the evil effect of population explosion.
As of today our basic problems are food, water, housing, education, and pollution. Just imagined how these
problems would be aggravated by the 150 million mouths to feed, backs to clothe, heads to shelter, and minds to educate.
Also today the world has a population of four billions. These will double in 35 years time. The world population is
increasing at the rate of an additional 2,000 million every eight years.
In six and a half centuries from now, there would be one person standing on every square foot of land on earth. By that
time, men would be no more place for plants to grow.
The only way to avoid this situation would be through population planning. The first consequence can be seen in
the faces of hungry men. One half of humanity is hungry at this moment. There is less food per person on earth today than
there was30 years ago during the worldwide depression.
Political chaos is death through world wars, revolutions, aggressions, rebellions, and the like.
The third and the best remedy is population planning done through family planning. Family planning simply
means the planning of the size and spacing of one’s family by means of scientific knowledge and method.
Editorial of Commendation, Appreciation, or Tribute
It praises, commends, or pays
tribute to a person or organization
that has performed some
worthwhile projects or deeds, or
accomplishments.
How do you write an editorial of
tribute?
Example of Editorial of Tribute
THE GRAND OLD MEN OF CEBU
September 9 marks the 106th birthday anniversary of a great man whose un measurable
deeds can never fade but should always live in the memory of every Filipino. The man was Don
Sergio Osmena sr., the Grand old Man of Cebu.
In his lifetime, President Osmena was the light that illuminated our darkened trail during the
first days of the liberation, leading to our national enlightenment and freedom-the building of our
Republic. It was he who continued the fight when his predecessor, President Quezon, failed to
return to his beloved people.
President Osmena, in spite of wealth and power, was one of the humblest government
officials and President that our country has ever had. As a man, he was real; as a friend, he was
indispensable and true; as a leader, he was an example; as a citizen, he was most patriotic; and as
a personality, he was dynamic and virtuous.
All that he was is now a shadow, but that same shadow stands as a standard with which we
can realize our present state of being. Indeed, few are the men who live the life of Don Sergio
Osmena. That our school was named after such a great yet humble hero is something every
Osmenan should be proud of.
Editorial of entertainment
It evokes a smile, a chuckle,
laughter, while suggesting truth. Its
main aim is to entertain. It is usually
short.
How do you write an editorial of
entertainment?
Example of Editorial of Entertainment
Mood Editorial
It presents a philosophy rather
than an argument or an
explanation. Oftentimes, the
subject matter is nature or
emotion.
How do you write a mood editorial?
Example of Mood Editorial
THE CHALLENGE OF 1994
Old year 1993 with knitted brown, limping and hungry, black-eyed by student demonstrations, social
unrest, dirty, politics, criminality, kidnapping, and a revillion has just departed, leaving behind great
problems to Youthful 1994.
All around the country are tensions, miseries, and a starvation. Hunger stalks the land, as different
kinds of diseases inflict the people.
The poor and the unfortunate stage the same old story. The power of political struggle and the
growing strength of the NPA and Muslim rebels have crept even into the once peaceful barrios
throughout the country, while countless of millions look up to the sky with hope for order, peace,
and sobriety.
Now that the New Year is here, it is the time to take stock of and adjust ourselves to a brighter
tomorrow. Let us stand firmly, for the future depends on how we make it. All that we do is only a
matter of trials, struggles, and sacrifices.
But above all, let us practice peace and love of God and of our fellowmen.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD EDITORIAL?
In writing an editorial, you must…
Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest
readers
Collect information and facts
State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
Explain the issue objectively as a reporter and tell why this situation is
important
Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotation and facts
Refute the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures,
quotations.
More…
Concede a point of opposition – they must have some good points
you can acknowledge that would make you look rational
Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader’s mind.
Give realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common
knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and proactive reaction.
Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening
remark (thesis statement).
Keep it to 500 words; make every word count. Never use “I”
END OF PRESENTATION
References:
[Link] (“Writing an editorial” by Alan Weintraut)
[Link] (Sackstein’s Journalism Resources)
[Link] (Types of Editorial / First Draft)
[Link] (Definition,Structure and Types of Editorial by Adan,Liaqat,[Link] (V))