1. Warm Up
Respond to the following prompts in your notebook in full sentences.
If you were to submit an opinion column to Arizona Republic or The Wolf Howl, what would you write about?
Would you be writing to praise, criticize, or explain this issue?

2. Today’s Game Plan Agenda Genre Study: Opinion Columns Learning Goals:
I can examine and identify the conventions of opinion columns.
I can emulate the stylistic devices of either an opinion column.

3. Activity Read one of the opinion columns with a partner.
Respond to questions/prompts on handout in full sentences.

4. Conventions of an opinion column:
Writer takes a stance, gives an opinion on a topic
1st person, individual’s viewpoint
Tone: informal, casual, informational, snarky, disrespectful, hurtful, persuasive, formal, professional
sometimes an opposing viewpoint is acknowledged and explained (but always)
Support viewpoint with evidence, examples (selective), quotes from experts
Don’t have to offer a solution to viewpoint (can)
No set format
Hooks: grab the reader’s attention from the 1st line- question, shocking comment
Writer needs to get reader to care (ethos, pathos, and/or logos)

5. Conventions of an opinion column:
No set format
Expresses the opinion of an individual- submitted to the newspaper for publication.
Expresses only one viewpoint and sometimes does not acknowledge or explain another viewpoint/opinion.
Some can be disrespectful or hurtful.
May or may not provide a solution to the issue discussed.
Written in first person (“I”).

6. Even though opinion columns don’t have set formats, they do have 6 possible defining characteristics:
1. Voice - This refers to many aspects of language including word choice, verb tense, tone and imagery.
2. Newsworthy - The column relevant to its time of publication.
3. Call to action -Columnist call on the reader to become involved or care about an issue.
4. Humor - This is really an aspect of voice.
5. Hard facts - This aspect of newsworthiness gives an opinion column credibility.
6. Logos - Appealing to logic will help persuade readers. Nothing is more persuading than having a valid argument.

7. Conventions of an editorial:
Introduction, Body, and Conclusion
Opinion of the newspaper, not an individual author
Explains the opinions of both viewpoints of the topic including reasons why the opposing opinion is incorrect.
Written in a professional manner. No name-calling or disrespect.
Takes a proactive approach to to improving the situation or the topic discussed.
Ends with a powerful conclusion summarizing the newspaper’s opinions.

8. Editorials Aim To:
Explain or interpret: explain or interpret controversial subjects.
Criticize: constructively criticize while providing solutions to the problem.
Persuade: persuade readers to take a particular stance or specific, positive action.
Praise: Commend people and organizations for something done well.

9. Structure of an editorial:
Introduction that includes an unbiased explanation of the controversy or topic
Body (1+ paragraphs)
Identify the opinion or viewpoint that you disagree with and give reasons/evidence why this opinion is incorrect.
Identify your opinion in a professional manner and give reasons/evidence why your opinion is correct.
Powerful conclusion summarizing your opinions and including solutions for improving topic or controversy