editorial writing activities

• Close Menu Search
• Tips and Lessons
• Classroom in a Box
• Journalism Training
• News Literacy Principles
• Media Literacy Articles
• Curriculum and Lessons
• Q and A with the Pros

SchoolJournalism.org

Editorial writing: what’s on your mind.

Mario Garcia McCollum High School San Antonio, Texas

Unit Theme How to write editorials / letters-to-the-editor for publication (The Pony Express)

Overview This unit is to:

• help me show my students how to write an editorial
• utilize the English department and Speech teachers in helping teach students to write and submit letters-to-the-editor

Last school year, my newspaper staff had a difficult time writing editorials and getting other students to submit letters-to-the-editor. After the ASNE High School Journalism Institute, I came up with some ideas on how to implement a plan to help with this problem. Basically, we have to go “back to basics” and re-teach on how to create opinion-based writing.

Goals for Understanding (TEKS emphasized)

The student reports and writes for a variety of audiences and purposes and researches self-selected topics to write journalistic texts. The student is expected to:

• Locate information sources such as persons, databases, reports, and past interviews; gathers background information and researches to prepare…
• Evaluate and confirm the validity of background information from a variety of sources such as other qualified persons, books, and reports
• Use different forms of journalistic writing such as reviews, ad copy, columns, news, features, and editorials to inform, entertain, and/or persuade
• Select the most appropriate journalistic format of present content
• Use journalistic style
• Gather information through interviews (in person or telephone)
• What are editorials and where do you find them?
• What is the Op-Ed page in a newspaper and what are its contents?
• letters-to-the-editor
• opinion articles
• Where do editorial ideas come from?
• What are the elements of an editorial?
• How do you organize your editorial?
• How do I create and submit a letter-to-the-editor?
• Does my opinion count in a school of 1,800 students?
• Am I attempting to explain, evaluate or persuade with my writing?

Performances of Understanding

Because of the new state standardized test (TEKS) that our students are now taking, critical thinking skills are very important for them to know and understand. I have noticed that our students are almost hesitant or lack the critical thinking skills needed to help them with their courses. With the TASS test, they were drilled on writing persuasive pieces. In my three years of teaching, I have seen students master it and others completely miss the whole point. They know from that test about persuasive writing. Now they need to learn how to write something that explains (expository) or evaluates. With this knowledge our students can start becoming more critical thinkers with a voice for their opinion. This unit would probably take approximately 1 week. These students are adjusting to a traditional schedule now being utilized on campus (50 minute classes compared to 90 minute classes). By getting the help of the English and Speech teachers (cross-curriculum), I feel we can meet the objectives of this unit.

Activity 1: Students will be introduced to editorial writing (that explains, evaluates, persuades) through examples from the various media. “Do you have an informed opinion?” will be the focus question for them to consider at the end of this unit. Topics include: guidelines of where editorial ideas come from four steps of organizing an editorial keeping the target audience in mind how essential proper reporting skills play a role in this type of writing how their reputation as a writer (in general) is based on the accuracy of supported material found in their writing, whatever form it may be. Activity 2: Students will analyze various forms of newspaper editorials (use 3 to 5 different newspapers so students can divide up in groups). In their groups they will identify main ideas, facts and opinions and author’s viewpoint and discuss among themselves on their findings. Modeling for them at this stage is critical especially for those who need some extra examples or help. Then in turn they will summarize the gathered information and respond in writing by creating their own individual editorial. By doing this they give their own opinion on the topic. This activity can be repeated so students can have several of their essays to choose from to submit for possible publication in the school newspaper or community publication depending on the topic. Activity 3: Students will now analyze various forms of broadcast media editorials by watching and videotaping television news programs with an editorial format (2 to 3). In their groups they will again identify main ideas, facts and opinions and author’s viewpoint and discuss among themselves on their findings. After viewing their findings, they will summarize and respond in writing by creating their own individual editorial. Then they can compare and contrast the difference of print and broadcast media and how each discusses and handles a similar topic or idea.

Methods of Assessment / Observations:

• Submissions for student publications
• Journalism Projects on editorial writing
• Journalism student portfolio additions
• Independent community-based journalism opportunities
• Students engaged in learning activity
• Students interacting with one another
• Informal classroom/lab observations
• Directed questioning
• Observation of student performance or process
• Leadership performance
• Rivers/McIntyre/Work, Writing Opinions: Editorials 1988 ed.
• Ferguson, Donald L., Patten, Jim, Journalism Today 4th Edition
• Gilmore, Gene, Inside High School Journalism 3rd Edition

Comments (0)

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Writing an Editorial

Another Tutorial by: Alan Weintraut Annandale High School Annandale, VA 22312 [email protected]

CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL WRITING An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper's opinion on an issue. It reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper made up of editors and business managers. It is usually unsigned. Much in the same manner of a lawyer, editorial writers build on an argument and try to persuade readers to think the same way they do. Editorials are meant to influence public opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue. In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.

Editorials have: 1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories 2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues 3. A timely news angle 4. Opinions from the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer addresses 5. The opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion. 6. Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions. 7. A solid and concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it some punch.

Four Types of Editorials Will: 1. Explain or interpret : Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive. 2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution. 3. Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion. 4. Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well. They are not as common as the other three.

Writing an Editorial 1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest readers. 2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research 3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement 4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important 5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts 6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side's logic. 7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational. 8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds. 9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction. 10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement). 11. Keep it to 500 words; make every work count; never use "I"

A Sample Structure I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy. Include the five W's and the H. (Members of Congress, in effort to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held …)

• Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
• Additional research may be necessary.

II. Present Your Opposition First. As the writer you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you. (Republicans feel that these cuts are necessary; other cable stations can pick them; only the rich watch public television.)

• Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
• Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.

III. Directly Refute The Opposition's Beliefs.

You can begin your article with transition. (Republicans believe public televison is a "sandbox for the rich." However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than $40,000 per year.)

• Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
• Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options (fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however, …).

IV. Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies

In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education …)

• Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence (We should render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)

V. Conclude With Some Punch.

Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed. (Congress should look to where real wastes exist — perhaps in defense and entitlements — to find ways to save money. Digging into public television's pocket hurts us all.)

• A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected source
• A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well (If the government doesn't defend the interests of children, who will?)

Go to the library or any computer lab and complete the “webquest” located at

http://library.thinkquest.org/50084/index.shtml

http://library.thinkquest.org/50084/editorials/index.html

How to Write an Editorial: Your Students' Opinions Matter!

Return from How to Write an Editorial to Creative Writing Lesson Plans

Return from How to Write an Editorial to Creative Writing Ideas and Activities

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Helping You Write Across the Curriculum!

copyright 2009-2013 www.creative-writing-ideas-and-activities.com

• Writing Topics
• Writing Prompts
• Writing Ideas
• Writing Activities
• Lesson Plans
• Writing Tips
• Privacy Policy

Our Most Popular Pages

1. Teaching Resources

2. How to Write a Myth

3. February Writing Prompts

4. How to Write a Legend

5. Writing a Personal Narritive

6. Writing Fables

7. Writing Mystery Stories

8. Math Prompts

9. Science Writing Prompts

10. Elements of Persuasive Writing

Recommeded Resources:

AnyWord(TM) Spelling Practice Series!

Worksheets, games and activities to use with  any  spelling words. Three volumes in all!

Download yours today!

Stop Essay Pain!

LitWorks.com

Resources to help students prepare for literature examinations.

Teach Kids Drama!

editorial activities

All Formats

Resource types, all resource types, editorial activities.

• Rating Count
• Price (Ascending)
• Price (Descending)
• Most Recent

Spanish- American War Study Guides & Editorial Activity

• Google Docs™

Identifying Bias: Article Comparison Group Activity

• Easel Activity

Current Events Analysing Editorial Cartoons PDF AND Digital Activity

Abby Sunderland 7th Grade Cornell Notes Activities (Article, Editorial ,Interview)

Critical Period Editorial or Political Cartoon Activity and Rubric

Peer Revising Activity - Argumentative Writing - Editorials

Newspaper Editorial + treasure hunt activity

Newspaper Activity - Comparing News Stories and Editorials

• Word Document File

Cross Curricular Activity : Editorial Creative Writing & the History of Housing

FREEBIE! Loyalist POV Editorial Worksheet Activity

Love Advice Valentines Activity Editorial Advice Column One-Pager

Editorial Writing Activity

Tuesdays with Morrie Editorial Activity

Business Management Activity and Project Bundle

A Letter to Ireland: Irish Immigration Primary Source Stations, Writing Activity

Coach Carter Film Unit: Common Core-Aligned Assignments & Activities

Editorial Writing for Young Writers

American Flag Texas v. Johnson Debate Activity -Landmark Supreme Court Case

• Google Apps™

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation: A Rhetorical Analysis Activity

The Boy in the Stripe Pajamas by John Boyne Chapter Activities

Journalism, Newspaper Opinion Editorial Writing--Full Unit

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor Chapter Activities

How To Write An Editorial

Christmas Activity : Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus

• We're hiring
• Help & FAQ
• Privacy policy
• Student privacy
• Terms of service
• Tell us what you think

Worksheetplace.com For Great Educators

All worksheets are created by experienced and qualified teachers. Send your suggestions or comments .

Your browser is not supported

Sorry but it looks as if your browser is out of date. To get the best experience using our site we recommend that you upgrade or switch browsers.

Find a solution

• Skip to main content
• Skip to navigation
• Macmillan English
• Onestopenglish
• Digital Shop

• Back to parent navigation item
• Sample material
• Amazing World of Animals
• Arts and Crafts
• Mathematics
• Transport and Communication
• Teaching Tools
• Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship
• Support for Teaching Children
• Vocabulary & Phonics
• Phonics & Sounds
• The Alphabet
• Onestop Phonics: The Alphabet
• Alphabet Booklet
• Interactive Flashcards
• Warmers & Fillers
• Young Learner Games
• Stories and Poems
• Fillers & Pastimes
• Fun Fillers
• Ready for School!
• Topics & Themes
• Young Learner Topics
• Young Learner Festivals
• Festival Worksheets
• Art and Architecture
• Business and Tourism
• Geography and the Environment
• Information Technology
• Science and Nature
• Topic-based Listening Lessons
• Cambridge English
• Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET)
• Cambridge English: First (FCE)
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
• General English
• News Lessons
• Topics and Themes
• Beyond (BrE)
• Beyond: Arts and Media
• Beyond: Knowledge
• Go Beyond (AmE)
• Go Beyond: Arts & Media
• Go Beyond: Knowledge
• Impressions
• Life & School
• Skills for Problem Solving
• Digital Skills for Teens
• Support for Teaching Teenagers
• Games Teaching Materials
• Business and ESP
• Business Lesson Plans
• Business Skills Bank
• Business Top Trumps
• Elementary Business Lessons
• Business News Lessons
• ESP Lesson Plans
• Career Readiness
• Professional Communication Skills
• Cambridge English: Business (BEC)
• Everyday Life
• Celebrations
• Macmillan Readers
• Live from...
• Live from London
• Discussion Cards
• Writing Lesson Plans
• Life Skills
• Support for Teaching Adults
• Vocabulary Lesson Plans
• Language for...
• Vocabulary Teaching Materials
• Macmillan Dictionary Blog
• Vocabulary Infographics
• Kahoot! Quizzes
• Blog Articles
• Professional Development
• Lesson Share
• Methodology: Projects and Activities
• Methodology: Tips for Teachers
• Methodology: The World of ELT
• Advancing Learning
• Online Teaching
• More from navigation items

One World Magazine

• 1 One World Magazine
• 2 One World 01: An interview
• 3 One World 02: Where am I?
• 4 One World 03: The sports page
• 5 One World 04: The problem page
• 6 One World 05: The adverts page
• 7 One World 06: Mr and Mrs
• 8 One World 07: The fashion page
• 9 One World 08: The review page
• 10 One World 09: Horoscopes
• 11 One World 10: Cover and contents
• 12 One World 11: Quiz
• 13 One World 12: The editorial

One World 12: The editorial

By Jackie McAvoy

• No comments

Students write an editorial based on the written pages they have already done in class.

Pre-writing tasks - Students do a gap-fill exercise on an example editorial.

Writing tasks - Students write an editorial based on the written pages they have already done in class.

Post-writing tasks - Students listen to editorials being read out and identify the pages being referred to.

One World 12: The editorial - teacher's notes

One world 12: the editorial - worksheet.

• British English
• Language / Skill
• Printable Worksheet
• Teaching Notes
• Up to 60 mins
• Whole Class

One World 01: An interview

One World 02: Where am I?

One world 03: the sports page, one world 04: the problem page, one world 05: the adverts page, one world 06: mr and mrs, one world 07: the fashion page, one world 08: the review page, one world 09: horoscopes, one world 10: cover and contents, one world 11: quiz, related articles.

Shouting at children can be as damaging as physical abuse, study says

By Jennifer Cantave

Discuss with your students the adverse effects of verbal abuse on children’s well-being and development.

Onestopenglish Quizzes: Christmas & Winter

Have fun with your students throughout the holiday season with this jolly Christmas quiz.

‘Could be the next big thing’: how pickleball is courting a new generation of players

By Engeli Haupt

Pickleball is a popular new sport, but what challenges does it face for continued growth?

No comments yet

Only registered users can comment on this article., more from writing lesson plans, when and what.

By Sue Kay and Simon Greenall

A British English worksheet to ask and answer questions about daily routines.

Spot the similarities

An American English worksheet to find similarities between two different pictures by asking and answering questions. To write brief descriptions of the pictures.

By David Riley and Simon Greenall

A British English worksheet to dictate part of a story and to write down what your partner dictates to you.

Join onestopenglish today

With more than 700,000 registered users in over 100 countries around the world, Onestopenglish is the number one resource site for English language teachers, providing access to thousands of resources, including lesson plans, worksheets, audio, video and flashcards.

• Connect with us on Facebook
• Connect with us on Twitter
• Connect with us on Youtube

Onestopenglish is a teacher resource site, part of Macmillan Education, one of the world’s leading publishers of English language teaching materials.

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie policy
• Manage cookies

©Macmillan Education Limited 2023. Company number: 1755588 VAT number: 199440621

Site powered by Webvision Cloud

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Suggested Searches

This Lesson Plan is a part of the ED Collection:

Here’s What We Think: Editorials and Opinion Articles

In this activity, students learn the purpose of editorials and opinion articles and evaluate their effectiveness.

Get even more great free content!

This content contains copyrighted material that requires a free Newseum ED account.

Registration is fast, easy, and comes with 100% free access to our vast collection of videos, artifacts, interactive content, and more.

Newseum ED  is provided as a free educational resource and contains copyrighted material. Registration is required for full access. Signing up is simple and free.

or log in to your account

With a free NewseumED account, you can:

• Watch timely and informative videos
• Access expertly crafted lesson plans
• Download an array of classroom resources
• and much more!

Additional Details

• Current Events

Instructions

• Find out what the class already knows about editorials and opinion articles. Tell them: Most newspapers have an editorial and opinion section. These articles express opinions and ideas. They do not necessarily report news; rather, they comment on current events. Editorials are written by a member or members of the editorial staff of a newspaper and express the opinion or idea of the newspaper as a whole. Opinion articles, sometimes called op-eds because of their traditional position opposite the newspaper’s editorial page, express the opinion or idea of only the person or people writing the article.
• Discuss: What’s the purpose of editorials and op-eds? What’s the difference between fact and opinion?
• Explain, interpret or inform
• Praise, commend
• Argue, persuade, propose a solution or call for action
• Criticize, identify a problem
• These can be chosen in advance to save time or students can find their own articles.
• Give the class time to read the articles and complete the worksheet.
• Discuss their work as a class.
• Here’s What We Think: Editorials and Opinion Articles worksheet (download), one per student
• Newspapers, magazines or internet access

Discussion Questions

• Which type of editorial/op-ed was most common?
• How can an editorial or opinion article open or advance dialogue on an issue?
• What makes an editorial or opinion piece effective?
• What influence do they have? How do you know?
• Compare and contrast editorial and opinion articles.

Extension Activity

Write an editorial. Have students outline or write an editorial. First, have students brainstorm  important issues in their school or community. Write the ideas on a board. Have students vote to narrow the list to one issue. Then divide students into small groups; each group will be “an editorial board” for their school newspaper and decide their position on the issue. Together they should outline an editorial. (Optional: Have students write the full editorial in class or as homework. They may need to do research to get additional facts.)  Follow this format:

• Begin with an objective statement/introduction of the issue or controversy.
• Give and discuss the opposing viewpoint. (Who are the opponents? What are their opinions?)
• Refute the opposition’s beliefs.
• State your paper’s position and reasoning. Use facts and details.
• Offer a realistic solution.
• Conclude concisely.

Related Standards | National Center for History in the Schools

National center for history in the schools: nchs.historical thinking.5, national center for history in the schools: nchs.us history.era 10, more from our edcollections, all edcollections.

Free Speech Essentials

Fact Finder: Your Foolproof Guide to Media Literacy

Media Literacy Booster Pack

Women, Their Rights and Nothing Less

Making a Change: The First Amendment and the Civil Rights Movement

Decoding Elections: Process, Persuasion & Participation

Freedom in the Balance

Related videos, historical events and more ….

House Impeaches Trump, 2019: Archived Pages

Quick Skim or Deep Dive? Picking the Right Search Strategy - Explainer Video

Am I Being Fair? - Explainer Video

Is It Fair? - Explainer Video

Getting to the Source - Explainer Video

Is It News? - Explainer Video

Explore the Information Universe - Explainer Video

Preventing the Spread of Fake News

10 Tips to Spot Media Manipulation

White Nationalists March in Charlottesville, 2017

Protests in Charlottesville Lead to Violence, 2017

Unite the Right Marchers in Virginia, 2017

Ask an Expert: Breaking News

Photography at Ground Zero

Fox News Hosts Trump-less GOP Debate, 2016

Jeb Bush Campaigns With His Brother, a Former President

Facebook Event Condemns 'Killing the Innocent' in Syria

Poster Contrasts U.S. Press and Nazi Press

Republicans Blamed for Stock Market Losses

Ad Pushes Enrollment in Children's Insurance Plan

Author Makes Outsized Claims about Celery Juice

Russian-Created Post Salutes U.S. Military

Image Stokes Fear of Flu Vaccines

Facebook Ad Labels Migrants, Muslims as 'Invaders'

Facebook Ad Claims Police Dislike Black Lives Matter

Facebook Post Links Flint and Foreign Policy

The Marines and Tet: The Battle That Changed the Vietnam War

Search Boosters: How Content Creators Can Game the System - Explainer Video

Search Signals: Understanding Your Top Hits - Explainer Video

Paper Calls Moon Landing ‘Greatest Feat in History’

Spanish Paper on Apollo 11: 'Start of a New Era'

Apollo 11 Moonwalkers Appear 'Toy-like,' 1969

‘Space Age Newspaper’ Covers First Moonwalk, 1969

Apollo 11 Wives, World Cheer Moon Landing

‘Moon Madness’ Grips the Planet, 1969

Apollo Crew Arrives on Moon, 1969

America Plants Footprints on the Moon, 1969

Related ed classes & training.

Photo Ethics

Students become more critical consumers of visual information by examining real-life case studies of photojournalists striving to be accurate, fair and clear.

• College/University
• Virtual (no limit)

Fighting Fake News: How to Outsmart Trolls and Troublemakers

Can you navigate the flurry of fake news and strike a balance between being a cynic and a sucker? Get the tools you need to stay ahead of online tricksters and trolls.

Media Ethics

Is it OK to clean up a quote or broadcast unconfirmed information? Students become more critical consumers of news media by examining real-life case studies of journalists striving to be accurate, fair and clear.

Believe It or Not?

Students explore the basics of media literacy and practice using tools to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a wide range of sources.

Choose the News

Students learn how a newspaper’s front page or website reflects the interests and values of the community, then work in teams to create their own front page or homepage.

Is It Fair? Evaluate Your Media

Are accusations of bias clogging your news feed? Are your students quick to point out that something's unfair — but not as ready to explain why? Tune up your “fairness meter” to assess how objective or biased content really is.

On the Campaign Trail: The Battle for Votes

Students learn the persuasion techniques used by candidates when running for office, deepening their ability to analyze a variety of media produced by campaigns and to help separate fact from fiction.

Covering a Catastrophe

Through the lens of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, students explore the unique practical and ethical challenges journalists face when covering breaking news.

Sign up for Newseum ED updates and newsletter today.