1.04 A Letter From the Editor

The Virtual Times

Opinion

Want to share an opinion? Let's start thinking...

What do I want to say?
What are my feelings about this subject?
For whom am I writing? (Who is my audience?)

Like so many areas of life, sharing opinions is most effective when you follow some guidelines. These include:

providing a clear and convincing opening.
using specific examples to fortify your point.
writing in a tone which is confident.

Q&A

Do you know when to use a semicolon correctly?

Remember that whatever follows a semicolon must be able to stand on its own, as a full sentence.

Example: I love English 3; it is my favorite course.

In this lesson we will explore the concept of editorial writing, and you will see an example of an editorial written just for you: a great English 3 student.

What is the purpose of an editorial?

Most editorials are used to influence readers to think or act the same way the writer does. Not all editorials take sides on an issue, but have one of the following four purposes:

Inform: The writer gives careful explanations about a complicated issue.
Promote: The writer tries to promote a worthy activity and tries to get the reader involved.
Praise: The writer praises a person or an event.
Entertain: The writer encourages or entertains the reader about an important issue.

What is the process of writing an editorial?

Step one: Choose an issue

Determine an issue about which you feel strongly.
Make sure you can speak to this issue in a confident, focused manner.

Step two: Collect information

Gather as many details to convince others about your opinion.
These might include:
- facts or evidence
- statements from sources or authorities on the subject
- comparisons to similar situations

Step three: Connect

Give strong arguments in the beginning and end of the editorial.
Be sure to show the opposing arguments and their weaknesses.
Offer a solution at the end.

Step four: Correct

Your editorial should be clear and forceful.
Avoid attacking others.
Your paragraphs should be brief and direct.
Aim to give examples and illustrations.
Be honest and accurate.

Sebranek, Meyer and Dave Kemper. The Write Source 2000 . Burlington: Write Source Educational Publishing House, 1990.

To continue with this lesson, click on the Investigate tab at the top of this page or the next page arrow at the bottom of the page to see your assignment.