EDITORIAL WRITING AND COLUMN WRITING.pptx

powerpoint presentation on editorial writing and column writing

1. EDITORIAL WRITING & COLUMN WRITING MARILOU U. PACLOB CLAVERIA EAST DISTRICT

2. Editorial Writing What is an Editorial?

3. What is an Editorial? It is an article that expresses opinion  It can be on any topic , but it should be relevant to an issue that is being talked about in society in general  It should be backed up with facts, data, and/ or statistics  

4. What is an Editorial? It can offer an solution to solve the problem mentioned earlier It should have “inside information ” to make the editorial more relevant  It should be “ memorable ” especially in its concluding part

5. A. It is an article that expresses opinion It is an opinion, yes… but NOT your own opinion (Unless you are a columnist).  Avoid using “ I ” or “ Me ” in writing the editorial  These types of editorials usually have no bylines and are attributed to a statement coming from the newspaper/ campus paper itself.

6. B. It can be on any topic, but it should be relevant to an issue that is being talked about in society in general Before you can express an option, choose a topic The topic chosen can be or not be related to the front page of the newspaper. Best topics are those that are current issues in society. If the topic is current, readers will be interested to read it since it grasps their attention.

7. C. It should be backed up with relevant facts, data, and/ or statistics Make sure to use the most recent information . In some cases, you can use older information as sources to help prove your case (e.g. historical data). Use statistics to help prove your argument. (e.g. number of typhoon victims if you are writing a piece on natural disasters, SWS survey numbers when you are writing about elections, etc.) Avoid “ hearsays ” when citing a number

8. D. It can offer an solution to solve the problem mentioned earlier You can’t be on both sides when writing an editorial piece. The purpose for the editorial is to give strong opinion, specifically, the newspaper’s opinion. Make a strong resolve with your solution/ opinion, otherwise, readers will not be convinced to side on your point of view.

9. D. It can offer an solution to solve the problem mentioned earlier Sometimes, it is wise to put a “ counterargument (giving the other side)” as you are making your own argument stronger. Only one paragraph is needed. After you state the other side, you must then refute it. In other words, give reasons showing why that side is not valid. What do you propose to solve the issue? This should be one paragraph. Provide some options to fix the problem.

10. E: It should have “inside information” to make the editorial more relevant Usually, editorials do not quote a person; however, his or her statement (Or opinion) can be used as part of the piece. It is important to differentiate between “ inside info ” and “ gossip/ hearsay ”… again, the editorial’s integrity is of prime importance.

11. F: It should be “memorable” especially in its title and concluding part The first step is to pick a headline that grabs attention . Otherwise, you can finish the entire editorial and pick a line or two and transform it into a catchy title. The title can be a question, a statement, even a name or a parody of a certain issue.  

12. F: It should be “memorable” especially in its title and concluding part If you grab the reader’s attention with your title and opening statement, then they will be inclined to keep reading (otherwise, they will jump to sports for guys or entertainment for ladies). Tip: State the topic you will be discussing in one or two opening sentences.  As much as possible, make your editorial “ memorable ” but not “ controversial ”  

13. F: It should be “memorable” especially in its title and concluding part Make sure your strongest argument is left for last. Do not also become passive in the arguments that come before the strongest. The conclusion should be able to “ tie up ” all your arguments so that it will become a “ recap ” to the entire piece.  

14. F: It should be “memorable” especially in its title and concluding part Your conclusion should also have a few solutions you think would help with the issue at hand. It would be great if you could get the reader to engage in asking him or herself questions on how they stand on a particular issue. Tip: It should appeal to the emotion or the intellect or should make the reader act on something.

15. SAMPLE of an EDITORIAL Paragraph I: Introduction (STATE PROBLEM) The warning labels on cigarette cartons tell the story: smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, premature birth and injury to babies born to smokers. Yet, despite the dangers, cigarettes are readily available in convenience stores, gas stations, and liquor stores. Paragraph II: Reaction (POSITION) Although tobacco companies may defend their products, numerous studies have shown that cigarettes are as addictive as any illegal drug and as treacherous as a drunk driver. Like those hazards, cigarettes should be officially outlawed. Title: SMOKING GUN

16. SAMPLE of an EDITORIAL Paragraph III: Supporting arguments and facts Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death, cancer and other disease in the Philippines. Just look at the statistics from the Department of Health: Health problems traced to cigarette smoking lead to one of every five deaths, more than HIV, illegal drugs, car accidents, suicides and murders. Smoking is blamed for the majority of lung cancer deaths among men and women, and boosts the rate of heart disease, bronchitis and emphysema. Paragraph IV: Supporting arguments and facts Smokers are not the only ones risking illness and death from cigarettes; second-hand smoke also kills and debilitates. A 2014 report by the DOH concluded that nonsmokers have a substantially increased risk of heart disease and lung cancer after being exposed to second-hand, or environmental, tobacco smoke. Many experts also trace high incidents of asthma and other respiratory ailments among children to second-hand smoke, illustrating how cigarette smoke can harm the innocent. EVIDENCE

17. SAMPLE of an EDITORIAL Paragraph V: Supporting arguments and facts Even with clear evidence linking serious health problems to cigarettes, many smokers are unable to quit. According to the Philippine Cancer Society, about 70 percent of smokers express a desire to stop smoking and about 40 percent try to give up cigarettes each year. However, only about four to seven percent actually manage to break the grip of cigarette addiction. The rest continue to endanger their lives and the lives of others. Paragraph VI: The Other Side Tobacco companies, such as Philip Morris International, have funded studies disputing the health risks associated with smoking and produce “safer” cigarettes that supposedly cut down on dangers. On its website, Philip Morris also defends the right of businesses to allow smoking in public places. Yet, even the company admits, “cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other serious diseases in smokers ...There is no such thing as a "safe" cigarette.” EVIDENCE

18. SAMPLE of an EDITORIAL Paragraph VII: Conclusion (CONCLUSION) It is time politicians took decisive action. It is time for cigarettes to be declared illegal. Paragraph VII: Suggestions (SOLUTIONS) Cigarettes are deadly; the risks are real; the benefits are non-existent. The only way to stop the danger is to stop the sale of cigarettes altogether.

19. IMPORTANT TIPS TO WIN IN EDITORIAL WRITING COMPETITIONS Make your handwriting clear and legible . Create a catchy title and opening statement . It spells the difference between your piece being read by the judges or not. Do not wander off the topic . It is usually the pitfall of editorial writers Cite some relevant data/ personality Appeal to emotions , to the community , or to the family unit . But avoid melodrama. End with a striking statement that will be remembered by the judges.

20. THANK YOU! Prepare to be a CHAMPION!