English B Paper 1 Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

Writing Editorials
UNIT 7 : Experiences
Writing editorials as mass media texts
 Editorials
Discuss in groups

What are editorials? What do they express? What is their purpose?

English B Paper 1 Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

what are
editorials?

Editorials are mass media texts. They express the view of the senior leadership of a newspaper. They are
unsigned and are the voice of the news organization. Editorials can offer an opinion or present a collective point
of view on some topical subject. They can explore a whole range of newsworthy issues, events and ideas. They
can inform, entertain or persuade.Editorials are designed to stimulate public debate, and readers are invited
to send letters to the editor in order to comment on the topic. Such letters may be printed in the newspaper.
English B Paper 1 Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

01
01

Editorial Structure
What are the essential structural components
of editorials, that help readers engage with
the writer's message and reasoning?
English B Paper 1: Introduction Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

Like any form of persuasive writing, an editorial has specific

characteristics that help the readers follow the writer’s reasoning.
While content may vary, an editorial should always include a headline,
byline (authors and date), introductory paragraph, a main body
consisting of supporting paragraphs and a conclusion.

Headline: The headline grabs the readers’ attention and persuades

them to read the piece. If the headline is neither interesting nor
relevant, no one will read the text.

Introductory paragraph: The purpose of the introduction is to

capture the attention of the readers and make them want to read
further. The introduction may also explain the context and
background to the topic being discussed.
English B Paper 1 Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

Kickers
Journalists often use an attention grabber (sometimes referred to as a “kicker”).

- This “kicker” may be a provocative rhetorical

question about a topical issue: “Do you really
need a university degree?”
- An introductory paragraph can begin with a
dramatic moment in a news story: “Yesterday
the Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation
was unconstitutional.”
- Sometimes the editor will use a quote to start.
- Alternatively, the “kicker” could be a striking
fact or statement, “Rosa Parks, the Alabama
seamstress considered the one-woman catalyst
for the civil rights movement, died in much the
same way she changed the world: quietly.”
Writing attention-grabbing headlines ‘Kickers’
1. Understand Your Audience: Before you begin, know your target audience and what matters to them. Tailor your headline
to their interests and concerns.

2. Highlight the Key Point: Your headline should convey the main point or argument of your editorial in a concise manner.

3. Use Action Verbs: Incorporate action verbs that create a sense of urgency or excitement. These can make your headline
more dynamic.

Example: "Revolutionizing Education: Implementing Innovative Tech in the Classroom"

4. Keep it Short and Clear: Aim for brevity and clarity. A long headline can be overwhelming and may lose the reader's
interest.

Example: "Climate Crisis: The Path to a Sustainable Future"

5. Pose a Question: Asking a thought-provoking question can engage readers' curiosity.

Example: "Can Renewable Energy Solve Our Climate Woes?"

Writing attention-grabbing headlines ‘Kickers’
6. Include Numbers: Numbers can attract attention and promise a specific benefit to readers.

Example: "5 Proven Strategies to Boost Your Productivity"

7. Emphasize Benefits: Highlight what readers will gain from reading your editorial.

Example: "Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Aging: Tips for a Longer, Happier Life"

8. Use Strong Adjectives: Incorporate powerful adjectives to make your headline more vivid.

Example: "Epic Adventures Await: Exploring the Untamed Wilderness of Patagonia"

9. Add Intrigue: Create an element of curiosity or surprise in your headline.

Example: "The Hidden Costs of Convenience: What You Don't Know About Fast Fashion"

10. Stay Factual and Accurate: Ensure your headline accurately reflects the content of your editorial.
Misleading headlines can harm your credibility.
 Introduction
The introduction will also contain the
main idea or thesis that the writer wishes
to explore. Now look at these three
examples of opening paragraphs.

- How does the editor begin each one?

What techniques does the writer use to
grab the reader’s attention?

- What is the main idea/thesis of each

editorial?
English B Paper 1: Main Body Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

The main body and supporting paragraphs: The middle section

consists of a number of paragraphs that expand the main topic of the
article into subtopics. The paragraphs should link with your angle and
in fact prove your point of view. There are different structures you
can use for this.

- A “one-sided” approach: Each section of the feature emphasizes a

single point to support your angle. For example, your angle might be,
“X” is a great but vulnerable character”. Make sure to give examples
for each point you make. This is similar to a thesis-driven text.

- A “balanced” approach: There are two sides to the issue or

problem. Give both sides of the argument with supporting evidence.
English B Paper 1: Conclusion Week 3, Sep 10 - 14

Conclusion: A conclusion should tie everything together and sum up the

editorial. The concluding paragraph should leave a lasting impression by:

- reminding the reader of the article’s main idea; you can return to your
question/statement at the start of the editorial.
- suggesting an appropriate course of action or making a
recommendation
- if writing about a person, explaining that person’s future plans.

You can save an unexpected piece of information until the last paragraph.

Tone and style: If you choose to write an editorial, you must consider the
relationship between you, as the writer and expert opinion, and your
readership. You therefore need to use appropriate vocabulary and
register. Now read the editorial below and then comment on its
effectiveness using the chart on the following page.
 Structure Diagrams
A “one-sided” approach EXAMPLES
Introduction

Angle: "The impact of technology on modern education is overwhelmingly

Present the main angle and provide a brief overview of positive."
your supporting points. (Angle + POV) Overview: In this examination, w e will delve into the numerous positive
effects that technology has brought to the realm of education.

Supporting Point: Enhanced access to information and resources.

1st paragraph: Introduce and discuss the first point Exam ple: Technology has made it possible for students to access a vast
supporting your angle, providing relevant examples. array of educational materials online, leveling the playing field for learners
w orldwide.

Supporting Point: Improved engagement through interactive learning.

2nd paragraph: Continue with the second supporting point,
Main Body

Exam ple: Educational apps and platforms offer interactive lessons, quizzes,
backed up by examples. and simulations, making learning more engaging and effective.

Supporting Point: Personalized learning experiences.

3rd paragraph: Present the third supporting point and
Example: Adaptive learning software tailors lessons to individual
illustrate it with examples. students, addressing their unique needs and learning styles.

4th paragraph (if necessary): Include additional supporting

points and examples as needed.
Recap: We've explored how technology improves access to
conclusion

resources, enhances engagement, and personalizes learning in

education.
Summarize the key arguments made in the main body and Emphasis: The overwhelmingly positive impact of technology on
reiterate your main angle, emphasizing its significance. education underscores its vital role in shaping the future of learning.
 Structure Diagrams
A “balanced” approach EXAMPLES
Introduction

Issue: The debate over the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Present the issue or problem that has two sides. in agriculture.
Provide a brief overview of the two opposing viewpoints. Overview: This editorial w ill explore the arguments both for and against the
adoption of GMOs in farming practices.

Side 1: Pro-GMO stance.

1st paragraph: Present one side of the argument with Supporting Evidence: Studies have show n that GMO crops can increase
supporting evidence. Provide examples, statistics, or yields and reduce the need for harmful pesticides.
expert opinions that bolster this viewpoint. Exam ple: Farmers adopting GMOs have reported higher crop yields and
decreased pest-related losses.
Side 2: Anti-GMO stance.
2nd paragraph: Present the opposing side of the argument Supporting Evidence: Concerns exist about the potential environmental
Main Body

with supporting evidence. Offer counterarguments to the first and health risks associated w ith GMOs.
viewpoint and provide evidence to support this perspective. Exam ple: Critics argue that GMOs may harm non-target species and raise
concerns about long-term health effects.
Comparison: Both sides offer valid points, with pro-GMO
Analysis paragraph: Compare and contrast the two
arguments emphasizing increased yields and reduced pesticide use,
viewpoints, highlighting their strengths & weaknesses. while anti-GMO arguments focus on potential environmental and
Evaluate the evidence & arguments presented for each side. health risks.
Evaluation: The debate requires careful consideration of scientific
research and potential regulatory measures to strike a balance …
conclusion

• Summarize the key points made by each side of the

argument. Summary: We've examined the arguments for and against GMOs in
• Offer your own perspective or opinion on the issue, if agriculture, highlighting their respective merits and concerns.
appropriate. Perspective: Ultimately, finding a balanced approach may involve
• Leave room for readers to make an informed decision rigorous testing, clear labeling, and regulatory oversight to ensure
based on the presented information. the responsible use of GMO technology in farming.
Analyzing an editorial
Structure of the editorial
How effective and clear is the headline?

Introduction
How does the introduction capture the
attention of the readers?
How does it make them want to read further?

The main body

- Does the editorial take a one-sided or a
balanced approach to the subject matter?
Give evidence.
- How are the paragraphs organized?

Conclusion
What conclusion does the editorial reach?

Language
Is the language appropriate to subject matter
and the readership? Give evidence.
Language: Journalism Grammar and Vocabulary
Verb structures:

• Be set to is often used in journalism when something is likely to happen. We also use be set for and looks set to.

- This is a problem that’s surely set to get worse. (= It’ll almost certainly / It’s bound to get worse.)
- Campaigners are set to challenge the decision in court. (= They’re going to / ready to ...)
- The banking sector is set for explosive growth this year. (= It’s going to / about to experience explosive growth.)
- The strike looks set to intensify after talks broke down. (= It’s almost certainly going to intensify.)

• Be to basically means the same as be going to. It’s often used in if-clauses to show that one thing needs to
happen before something else can. It’s also sometimes used in journalism to talk about actions that have been
officially arranged or scheduled.

- If the show’s to work, we need you to tell us what’s on your mind. (= You need to call because if you don’t,
the show won’t work!)
- The Queen is to meet the President in private tomorrow. (= She’s meeting / going to m e et...)
Language: Journalism Grammar and Vocabulary
• Be due to is used to show something is planned to happen at a particular time.

- I’m due to stop work in the summer. (= I’m going to stop ...)
- The next train is due to arrive on Platform 3 in six minutes. (= It’s going to arrive ...)

• We can also use other prepositions with be due.

- All three films are due for release this month. (= They’re supposed to / They should be released then.)
- The baby is due in December. (= That’s when the doctors say it’ll arrive.)
- I’m due at a meeting in a minute or two. (= I’m supposed to / I should be there.)

• Be bound to shows you’re 99% sure something will happen - usually because of past experience.

- That’s bound to cause problems in the long run. (= It’ll inevitably / I’m certain it will cause problems.)
- He’s bound to hear about it sooner or later. (= He’s certain / sure to hear ...)
Language: Journalism Grammar and Vocabulary
Rewrite the sentences below using the words in brackets so they have a similar meaning.

1. In all probability, the situation will deteriorate. (bound)

________________________________________________________________________

2. They’re almost ready to finalize the deal. (verge)

________________________________________________________________________

3. The work should be finished by May. (due)

________________________________________________________________________

4. Inflation will probably rise above 10% next month. (set)

________________________________________________________________________