Lesson 11 - Bugs and Beefs - Editorial Writing

Part 1

Purpose:

Students will clarify and develop their own points of view by examining the ideas of others.

Time:

1 period, about 45 minutes

Materials:

• Copies of the editorial page of a newspaper. You may wish to photocopy an editorial (samples are also provided on this website) to be shared with the whole class.
• Handout Writing an Editorial
• Paper/pencils/pens

The Lesson:

1. In whole group ask students to turn to the editorial page of the newspaper. Here they will find the opinions of the newspaper’s editorial board.
   
   The editorial board is made up of journalists assigned to follow local, provincial, national and world issues. This is where the paper takes a stand on issues, offering opinion mixed with facts. Be sure to review the Writing an Editorial? Note with students.
   
   Ask: Where else will you find opinion in the newspaper?
   
   Personal opinion is found in columns and in film, theatre and music reviews. It’s also found on the page opposite the editorials – the Op Ed page. This is where members of the public express their opinions in the form of guest columns and letters to the editor. It is one of the most popular pages in a newspaper.
    
2. After reading the editorials, choose one and discuss it in class. Ask:
   • What is the writer’s opinion?
   • Are there facts to back up the opinion?”
    
3. Make a list of the facts versus opinion. Ask: Has the writer done a good job of presenting a point of view? 
    
4. Ask students to argue a different point of view. If you have practiced debating in class, this is a good opportunity to stage a debate on a current issue in the news. Students will need research time to prepare for a debate. End the lesson here and provide a second period for student research before holding a debate.

Part 2

Purpose:

Students will clarify and develop their own points of view by examining the ideas of others.

Time:

1 period, about 45 minutes

Materials:

• Copies of the editorial page of a newspaper. You may wish to photocopy an editorial (samples are also provided on this website) to be shared with the whole class.
• Handout Writing an Editorial
• Paper/pencils/pens

The Lesson:

1. Begin with a list on the board. Write, “It bugs me when…”
2. From the list of topics, choose one and ask students to give their opinions. School rules are a good source of editorial ideas. Expect a lively discussion when the topic touches the lives of adolescents.
3. Think, pair and share with a partner bugs and beefs. Instruct each pair to find common ground in their likes and dislikes.
4. When each pair finds a suitable topic, have them research the issue. Editorials contain opinion, but they also contain facts to back up the opinion. Provide time in class, or assign the research for homework.
5. With the research completed, have students write an editorial using a mix of opinion and facts. Remind students to remove all references to “I” or “we” in their editorial (I think, we believe). Tell students this assignment will be marked.

Assessment:

A marking scheme is available for this assignment.

Follow-up Idea:

Homework connection: Ask students to write a letter to the editor on a topic or news event that has touched their lives. Post the letters on a bulletin board in the classroom.

Optional: have students sign the editorial and mail it to their local daily newspaper. Public opinion is important and often has an impact on government and business decisions.

Sample Editorial (Adobe Acrobat format)

Adobe Acrobat software is required to view these files. To download and install the free Adobe Reader, click here.

Sample 1 - Sample Editorial - National Post - 191 KB

Sample 2 - Sample Editorial - Toronto Star - 198 KB

Sample 3 - Sample Editorial - Hamilton Spectator - 300 KB

Sample 4 - Sample Editorial Writing - Peterborough Examiner - 349 KB

Sample 5 - Sample Editorial Opinion Piece - Windsor Star - 360 KB

Sample 6 - Sample Editorial Soft News Story - Calgary Herald - 483 KB

Sample 7 - Sample Editorial News Story - Star Pheonix (Saskatoon) - 281 KB

Writing an Editorial

The editorial page of a newspaper is where fact and opinion mix.

Editorials are written about current issues affecting many people. They are written to influence readers. Editorials often include suggestions on how to solve or correct a perceived problem.

An editorial is the official view of the paper and therefore must be well thought out. Editorial writers may consult with politicians, business leaders and members of the community before presenting an informed opinion.

Daily newspapers run more than one editorial on the page. Editorials are usually not signed or by-lined.

As you read an editorial you may notice that the writer is giving his or her opinion without making an “I”statement such as, I think or I believe. The writer’s opinion is cleverly blended into statements that sometimes read like facts. Remember, the purpose of the editorial is to persuade you to support the writer’s view on the topic.

Now read the “Heed Lake Safety Rules.” This editorial appeared in a daily newspaper after several adults drowned in Lake Simcoe, a popular place to swim and boat.

The editorial writer wants people to follow safety rules and use common sense when they go swimming or boating on a lake. That means wearing a life jacket, following boating rules, avoiding the use of alcohol and checking weather conditions before heading out on the water.

It’s a message people expect to hear every summer. Many readers will tune it out, except for the fact that the editorial writer points out that there have been four, possibly five people who have drowned on the lake over the course of a few days. Statistics show that normally only two people die on the lake each summer. With this information the warning becomes more newsworthy.

Rubric for an Editorial

Name :__________________________________________

Title: ___________________________________________

Writing an Editorial Marking Sheet

Student Name :_____________________________________

Editorial: ___________________________________________

The editorial contains facts:

The review contains opinion:

Conventions of Language Are Followed:

Ideas are Expressed Clearly:

Two stars and a wish: