Editorials It’s time to voice your opinion

What are they? O An article that presents an opinion on an issue O Writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think as they do O It is meant to influence the public’s opinion and cause people to take action on an issue O It is basically a persuasive essay

Four types of editorials O Explain/interpret: explains the way a sensitive or controversial topic was covered O Criticize: constructively criticize actions, decisions, or situations while providing solutions O Persuade: addresses the solution, not the problem, and encourages a specific action O Praise: commends people or organizations

Editorial format O Introduction: presents the problem or solution O Reasons for position—provides sufficient explanation, with proof, for each point, and it addresses the counterargument O Presents a logical solution—realistic but goes beyond common knowledge O Conclusion—contains some “punch”

Things to consider while writing: O Topic should be significant and timely O Do research! You need to include facts. O State your opinion briefly O Give opposing viewpoint first O Use your refutation to build your case O Repeat key phrases to reinforce your idea O Keep it to 500 words

What to avoid O Not taking a specific stand O Arguments that are too generalized and not specific to the topic O Asking too many rhetorical questions O Using lots of quotes O Wording that is too pretentious or “preachy” O Getting off-topic O No credibility in your argument O Using stereotypes or personal attacks

Sample Structure I. Intro with objective explanation of issue --Include 5 W’s and H II. Opposing viewpoint --Use objective info and present a strong position III. Direct refute of opposing viewpoint --Have strong fact to support your view, but concede at least one point IV. Give other good reasons to support your viewpoint --Give your reasons in order from least strong to strongest V. Conclusion

Let’s practice!

The situation: O Because so many students skip the awards assembly, Mr. Starzenski has proposed moving it to the evening and use the awards assembly/field day as a day of instruction. Parents are happy because they won’t have to take time off to attend the assembly, and more community members will be able to attend as well. Teachers are not happy because they will be expected to attend, but receive no pay for the time that they give up in order to go. O Mr. Starzenski will speak with parents, teachers, and students before making a final decision.

Intro O As a result of last year’s lackluster attendance, and at the request of several parents and community members, Mr. Starzenski has proposed moving the awards assembly to the evening.

Your stance O The evening would be a much better time to have the awards assembly.

Body O Reason #1 O Reason #2 O Reason #3 O No loss of class time for awards assembly O Only interested students would attend O More parents and community members could attend an evening ceremony

Support for argument O Only a small portion of the student body wins an award, but all students must attend the assembly. If the ceremony were in the evening, then no class time would be missed because students are forced to watch their peers receive awards. That time could be spent preparing students for exams or closing down classroom issues like book returns and reviewing grades.

Opposing viewpoint O Opponents may argue the all students should attend as a way to praise their peers and be motivated to receive awards, but moving the awards assembly would create a more intimate setting for the students receiving awards. Because many students will skip or get early releases, there aren’t that many students who show up for the awards assembly. By not forcing all students to attend, you reduce the amount of behavioral issues during the ceremony, and the ceremony is more accessible to those who are most interested in it.

Conclusion O Mr. Starzenski’s proposal is a good one, but he is looking for feedback. Students and faculty should tell him that they support this change in order to make this year’s ceremony better.