Editorial writing is a style that can be hard to explain since it's usually a unique mixture of fact and opinion. Viewing editorial examples is one of the most helpful ways to learn what the style should look like. After all, if you know what you're going for, it's way easier to understand how to produce this kind of writing yourself.
Click on the document images to open and download the two examples of editorials provided here. Find troubleshooting tips and tricks in the guide for Adobe Printables.
Charter Schools = Choices
At under 450 words, this 'Charter Schools = Choices' piece is an example of a fairly short editorial written in favor of a particular subject. The sample uses a serious tone in taking a stance in favor of public charter schools.
Reality TV Creates an Alternate Reality
Some editorials, like 'Reality T.V. Creates an Alternate Reality,' use humor and sarcasm mixed with facts to get a point across. With around 600 words, this example is a bit longer and takes a stand against reality television.
Editorial Writing Tips
Writing an editorial can be challenging and intimidating. Editorials can have tremendous impacts on local issues and political campaigns. They can be written in a serious tone, filled with sarcasm, or infused with humor. It's all about the tone you want to set. Understanding the basics of editorial writing can help you create a smart, purposeful piece.
Definition of an Editorial
The subject matter of an editorial commonly concerns a current issue. Unlike other parts of a news publication, an editorial is meant to be biased, somewhat insightful, and often includes persuasive writing techniques. Publishers utilize the editorial section of their publications as a forum to express their views and try to influence the opinions of the readership.
Although editorials are traditionally printed in newspapers or newsletters, you might also post an editorial in an online forum like Reddit or on your social media. Use your followers and choose your own audience. The better written that piece is, the more effective it will be in getting your point across and maybe even changing people's minds about an issue.
Editorial Structure
Regardless of the point of view or length of the editorial, the structure you use for writing one follows a basic pattern.
- Introduction: State your topic up front, explain its history, and affirm why it's relevant and who is affected by it. Clearly word your opinion and the main reason you have embraced it.
- Body: Support your position with another reason. Acknowledge counter-arguments and opinions. Present relevant facts and statistics and include ethical or moral reasons for your stand. Give an example of what you think would be the best approach to or outcome of the situation.
- Conclusion: Make an emotional or passionate statement regarding why your opinion or proposed solution is better than others. Tie up the piece by clearly restating your stance.
When you're writing the introduction and conclusion in particular, take some time to think about how to connect with your audience. You need to grab their attention right from the get-go, and leaving them with an emotional connection can also make your conclusion more powerful.
Helpful Hints for Writing Editorials
You've totally got this, but if you want to ensure the piece stays professional and powerful, keep some guidelines in mind while writing.
- Cite positions and quotes from community, business, or political leaders to present informed arguments. The more perspectives you cover, the more compelling your position will be.
- Avoid using first-person syntax. Using the word 'I' can weaken the impact of your statements. Skip the "I think" or "I feel."
- Keep on topic and avoid rambling. Read the whole thing over after you're done writing to see if each sentence is essential.
- Make sure the views expressed are yours and not 'borrowed' from examples used for inspiration.
- Check the guidelines for content and word count limitations to be sure a submission is not rejected for technical reasons.
Related: How to Proofread Your Own Writing
More Editorial Writing Examples
Editorials traditionally appear in newspapers and other media publications. In several instances, such pieces have won Pulitzer Prizes for their excellence in writing and outstanding presentations of varying opinions, views, and outlooks.
- You can find additional editorial examples on websites for most major publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
- See TheOpEdProject.org for a list of additional publications that include editorial sections, along with their submission guidelines.
- Some of the best examples of editorials are in the "Letters to the Editor" section of your local paper's website.
Opinions Matter, So Share Yours
Everyone has an opinion and a right to express it. And it's not just newspaper editors who get to share their opinions in writing. Anyone can state their views in most 'Letters to the Editor' sections if the paper picks your editorial to print. The more editorial examples you look at, the better you'll get at writing your own. Sharing opinions with a factual basis can inspire others to take action on issues of greater societal concern.
