Monday Matters #2

Information on Editorials

Definition of an Editorial

1.     Of editing: relating to, involving, or concerned with the editing of a text or broadcast

2.     Opinion piece: an article in a newspaper or magazine that expresses the opinion of its editor or publisher

Unique Attributes of an Editorial

Writing an editorial is different from writing a news story. Where in a news story, the facts are prized, and opinions unwelcome, in an editorial, the piece is based on opinion with facts as support.

A thesis is stated near the beginning of the piece. The thesis is the foundation for the author’s opinion and selected evidence/facts.

An editorial strikes a balance between off-topic banter and dry reporting. Facts (logos) are interspersed with emotional (pathos) or social (ethos) appeals to the reader.

Readers tend to follow along more easily when the piece includes direct persuasion and personal touches not found in news reporting.

Most newspapers dedicate a section to editorial writing. Contributors or newspaper editors write columns once or twice per week.

Famous editorialists

Peggy Noonan of the wsj.com (conservative)
David Brooks of the nytimes.com (liberal)
Bill Simmons of Grantand.com (moderate/humorous)
Rick Reilly of ESPN.com (sports commentary)
Malcolm Gladwell of newyorker.com (analytical)

Monday Matters Week #2- Your Assignment

Return to the issue that you selected for Monday Matters #1. Now find an editorial that discusses the event. Read the editorial, then compose a paragraph that paraphrases the author’s position. Be sure to hit on the main points of the editorial (focus on what the author is saying).