Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: The basics
• Method 2 of 2: Writing your editorial
• Tips
• Warnings

An editorial is an article that represents a group's opinion on an issue and is therefore usually unsigned. Like lawyers, editorial writers base their article on a pre-existing argument and try to convince readers of their point of view on a current, pressing matter. In essence, an editorial is an opinion piece combined with news.

To step

Method 1 of 2: The basics

1. Choose your topic and your angle. Editorials are intended to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes persuade people to take action. Your topic should be topical, interesting and have a purpose. There are generally four types of main articles:
   • Explain or interpret: This format is used to explain how and why a newspaper or magazine takes a particular attitude towards a controversial topic.
   • Give criticism: This format criticizes actions or decisions made by a third party and offers a better solution. This is more to show readers that there is a bigger problem.
   • Convince: This markup is used to prompt the reader to take action and focuses on solutions, not the problem.
   • Give praise: This format is used to show support for people and businesses in society who have done something important.
2. Get the facts right. An editorial is a combination of facts and opinion; not only the opinion of the writer, but the opinion of the entire editorial team. Your facts must include objective reports and investigations.
   • A good opinion piece needs at least one "aha moment," an observation that is fresh and original. So get your facts from a number of different sources, which indicate patterns, imminent consequences or gaps in current analysis.
3. Keep it easy to use. Most of the time, editorials are meant as quick, engaging texts. They are not intended to be page-long sections that elaborate endlessly on particular points. Nor are they intended to make the average Jan in the cap feel that he is missing something. Make sure your editorial is not too long or overly esoteric.
   • Keep it at 600-800 words. With anything longer than that, there is a chance that you will lose your reader. A short, spicy, fiery piece is much more captivating than a long-winded lecture.
   • Avoid jargon. Your audience reads your article to get information about something they want to understand; using technical terms or specific jargon can repel them and make your article difficult to understand. Keep the lowest common denominator in mind.

Method 2 of 2: Writing your editorial

1. Start your editorial with a hypothesis-like statement. The introduction - the first or first two paragraphs - should be designed to grab your reader's attention. You can start with a deep question, a quote or you can summarize what the article is about.
   • State your argument clearly. The rest of your article is based on substantiating this opinion. Make it as striking as possible. However, never use the first person as that diminishes the power and credibility of the article and sounds rather informal.
2. Start with an objective description of the problem. Your work should explain the problem objectively, as a journalist would, and explain why this situation is important to the reader or to society as a whole.
   • State who, what, when, where, why and how. Cover the basics and use facts or quotes from relevant sources. This ensures that every reader gets at least some (neutral) basic knowledge about the subject.
3. Present the opposite argument first. Identify the groups that hold opposite views, otherwise the debate will be unclear. State their views objectively, using accurate facts or quotes. Never speak ill of anyone.
   • It's okay to say positive things about the opponents if they are correct. It shows that you are morally above all else and provide a balanced overview. If you don't show the opponent's good side, your article will come across as one-sided and poorly educated.
   • Give the opposition a current and strong argument. You gain nothing by refuting a non-issue. Make their beliefs and what they promote clear.
4. Present your reasons / prove that directly refutes the opposition. Begin this section with a transition, moving clearly from their arguments to yours. Use facts and quotes from others that support your opinion.
   • Start with strong reasons that only get stronger. Don't feel limited to existing opinions - include yours too. Whatever your reasons, be clear about your side of the argument; there is no room for gray area here.
   • Literary allusions are appropriate. It can strengthen your credibility and learning. Summon images of persons or moments in history that give your reader an image.
5. Let us know your solution. This differs from reasons and evidence. If you believe that cutting the defense budget is wrong, what would you rather cut back on? Providing your solution is necessary for dealing with the problem. If you don't have one, all solutions are better than yours.
   • Your solution must be clear, rational and achievable. It shouldn't work alone in a vacuum. In addition, it must be convincing. Ideally, your readers will be prompted to take action by the information and answers you have presented.
6. Strongly close your article. A remarkable statement ensures that your article leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Use a quote or question that makes the reader think (for example: If we don't take care of the environment, who will?)
   • End with a powerful summary; you may have a few readers who absent-mindedly scanned your piece. Overall, your audience should feel more informed and want to get moving to do something about the problem.
7. Correct your work. A good article is no good if it is full of spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Have someone on your team look at your work; two heads are always better than one.
   • If you work as part of an organization, make sure you have properly interpreted their views. Have your group look at your piece to make sure everyone (at least the majority) is behind the arguments you are going to make public. They can simultaneously ask questions or provide ideas that you may have missed.

Tips

• Don't repeat yourself. Your points then all sound the same and the reader loses interest. Keep it as fresh and vibrant as possible.
• Choose an attractive title. Many readers judge whether an article seems interesting purely on those few words. So make sure you have a short but sharp title.

Warnings

• Don't use vulgar language or malicious speech. Slander is a serious offense.
• Never use “I” or “me”; this is not just your opinion.
• Never blame others by name. Focus on a group or opinion as your opponents.
• Don't plagiarize. Plagiarism is a serious crime punishable by law.