Kinds of Summary Lead

As stated earlier, the summary lead uses the 5 W's and one H as bases for starting such a lead. The
position of the W's and H is determined by their degree of importance. In discussing the kinds of
summary lead, the details in the box are used.

At the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday, the Board of Trustees of the Batanes
State College approved the new

grading system which will take effect next semester.

1. What lead. This is applied if the most important angle of the news is the event per

se.

Example: The new grading system in Batanes State College will be imposed next semester after the
Board of Trustees approved the resolution at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office
yesterday.

2. Who lead. This type of lead is used if the most important angle of the news is the

person involved, thus, more significant than the event.

Example:

The members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College approved yesterday the new grading
system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office. 3. Where lead. If the location where the
event takes place is more significant than the
other aspects of the news, then this kind of lead is best applied.

Example: At the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday, the Board of Trustees of the
Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take effect next semester.

4. When lead. This type of lead is seldom used since this is only applicable when the time element is
more important than the other angles of the story. Nonetheless, it suggests urgency and immediacy.

Example: Yesterday at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office, the Board of Trustees of the
Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will take

effect next semester.

5. Why lead. If the cause of the event is the most effective angle of the story, this type of lead is best
suited. Example:

To cope with the standards of ASEAN integration, the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College
approved yesterday the new grading system which will take effect

next semester. 6. How lead. If the process or the manner of how the event happened is most important
among the other angles of the news, the how lead is used.

Example:

Through a 7-5 vote the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State

College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education
Central Office yesterday.

Kinds of Grammatical-Beginning Lead

There are times when the lead is introduced by a kind of grammatical form which is usually a phrase or a
clause used to emphasize a feature. Here, the important W's are

found in the main clause, not in the introductory or subordinate clause which is just a

modifying feature. Again, it breaks the monotony of summary lead in a newspaper. It

may also denote that the story belongs to soft news.

1. Prepositional Phrase Lead. A phrase is introduced by a preposition.

Example:

With the power of resolution numbered 32 approved by the members of the Board of Trustees of the
Batangas State College yesterday, the new grading system of the

College will take effect next semester. 2. Infinitive Phrase Lead. As the name suggests, it starts with the
preposition "to"

plus the main verb.

Example:
To meet the demands of the ASEAN integration, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas
State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office
yesterday.

3. Participial Phrase Lead. This lead is signaled by the presence of the present or past participle of the
verb, acting as a modifier.

Example:

Recording a 7-5 margin vote, the members of the Board of Trustees of the

Batangas State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher

Education Central Office yesterday. (Present Participle) Armed with the desire to synchronize the
standards of the ASEAN integration, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College
approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday.
(Past

Participle)

4. Gerundial Phrase Lead. This lead is introduced by a gerund. It is a verbal ending in -ing, which acts as a
noun. Many beginning writers interchange the present participial lead to gerundial lead. Remember, the
former acts as a modifier, while the latter acts as a noun. Example:

Synchronizing with the standards of ASEAN integration was the primordial aim of the members of the
Board of Trustees in approving yesterday the new grading system of Batangas State College.

5. Clause Lead. This lead commences with a clause, which may become either an independent or
subordinate, or may transform as either a noun or an adjectival or adverbial clause. Example:
Because there is a need to synchronize with the standards of ASEAN integration the members of the
Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on
Higher Education Central Office yesterday (Subordinate, adverbial)

Kinds of Novelty Lead

When writing news features, a writer should remember that the article should still have a soft touch of
feature writing. Thus, his/her article should be written in such a way that it arrests the readers'
attention. These leads may also carry out a definite

purpose. 1. Narrative lead. It draws the reader into the story by allowing him/her to relate
himself/herself with the character of the story. Example:

The fifth of June 2015, Herodes Barabas, 34, experienced the longest one hour in his life as he sat on a
swivel chair in front of his eight interviewers at Aklan State University. It was an entrance interview of
the long queue of applicants mustering their patience in waiting for instructor I position.

Example:

Recording a 7-5 margin vote, the members of the Board of Trustees of the

Batangas State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher

Education Central Office yesterday. (Present Participle) Armed with the desire to synchronize the
standards of the ASEAN integration, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College
approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday.
(Past

Participle)
4. Gerundial Phrase Lead. This lead is introduced by a gerund. It is a verbal ending in -ing, which acts as a
noun. Many beginning writers interchange the present participial lead to gerundial lead. Remember, the
former acts as a modifier, while the latter acts as a noun. Example:

Synchronizing with the standards of ASEAN integration was the primordial aim of the members of the
Board of Trustees in approving yesterday the new grading system of Batangas State College.

5. Clause Lead. This lead commences with a clause, which may become either an independent or
subordinate, or may transform as either a noun or an adjectival or adverbial clause. Example:

Because there is a need to synchronize with the standards of ASEAN integration the members of the
Board of Trustees of the Batangas State College approved the new grading system at the Commission on
Higher Education Central Office yesterday (Subordinate, adverbial)

Kinds of Novelty Lead

When writing news features, a writer should remember that the article should still have a soft touch of
feature writing. Thus, his/her article should be written in such a way that it arrests the readers'
attention. These leads may also carry out a definite

purpose. 1. Narrative lead. It draws the reader into the story by allowing him/her to relate
himself/herself with the character of the story. Example:

The fifth of June 2015, Herodes Barabas, 34, experienced the longest one hour in his life as he sat on a
swivel chair in front of his eight interviewers at Aklan State University. It was an entrance interview of
the long queue of applicants mustering their patience in waiting for instructor I position.

2. Descriptive lead. Effective in writing personality sketches, travelogues and the like, this lead illustrates
a mental picture of the subject to the reader. A writer must be adept in creating mental images through
the play of the language to satisfy the readers in using this technique.
Example

If Palawan were a class record, it must have received a nearly perfect grade weighted average for the
unending praises of tourists coming in to experience its breathtaking grandeur. Who would not drop his
jaw when he sees the evidence of God's dexterous hand that crafted the seascapes and landscapes of
Palawan? Add on the list the cerulean waves that unendingly race towards the stony foot of the island.
And if hoarding is legal, one must have put in a tank the cool and pristine breeze. Indeed, when God said
in Genesis "it is good," He must be looking at the northernmost island in the Philippines - Palawan.

3. Quoted Statement Lead. It is a statement uttered by well-known personality or celebrity. Usually, in

school setting, when student journalists want to highlight the message of the guest speaker, they use
this type of lead.

Example:

"You have to spread your wings and fly!"

This was emphasized by Dr. Malou H. Wang, the guest of honor and commencement speaker of
Mindanao State College last April 5 at the auditorium.

4 Question lead. It is a thought-provoking question to capture the interest of the

reader and lead them to find the answer provided by the succeeding details of the

article.

Example:
When was the last time you told your mother you loved her? Maria Mantis, 35, wishes she could tell her
a thousand times how much she loves her now, but her mother is already heedless inside her coffin.

5. Teaser. Generally short, crisp and witty, this is a device to deceive the reader in a jesting manner as it
arouses his curiosity and gently leads him into the story. Often, riddles are used, and they do not give
the readers any clue on the nature of the story. They are mostly suggestive and humorous.

Example: Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Well, egg could not be made possible without the hen.
But where does the hen come from?

6. Punch lead. It is short, striking one-sentence lead

Example:

Hungry farmers in Kidapawan were asking for food, but the enforcers of the law

fed them with bullets.

7. Astonisher lead. This lead aims to give the reader a strong sense of emotional

value. Thus, it primarily uses an exclamatory sentence.

Example:

Unbeatable, indeed!

After grabbing the Intramural crown from the Green Aggies team three years ago, the Blue Titans (team)
has sustained its supremacy as it sent all its foes kneeling before its royalty throne.
The awarding ceremonies happened at the Cagayan State University - Lal-lo Gymnasium on August 12,
2015, the last day of the three-day clash.

8. One word lead. It uses a very significant word to capture or arouse the interest of

the reader.

Example:

Boom!

Residents in Basco, Batanes seemingly ran to nowhere when a restaurant situated in Kayhuvokan
exploded on April 1, 2016 around 9:15 in the morning.

9. Parody lead. It consists of a parody of a well-known quotation, song, poem, or movie film title. book

Example:

"There was never an us!"

This familiar line from a movie of Sarah Geronimo was the exact statement of Ms. Sug Poe to Mr. Cheap
Ezcuderow yesterday when asked if there was a time when

both agreed to share stocks in the top performing Paquino Airline Company,
10. Background lead. It describes an event in which the background overshadows the individuals who
participate in it; often, it uses stories about carnivals, festivals, dances and others.

Example: With the glittering and shimmering bantings along the skimpy roads, as if throng of rainbows
came to visit the town of Gattaran, Cagayan to celebrate with its 30

Agsalukag Festival on April 13, 2016.

11. Freak lead. In order to enhance its appeal and to easily catch the attention of the reader, this kind of
unique lead uses typographical effects. Example:

Wanted: Loyal Filipino Teachers

This is the appeal of the Commission on Higher Education yesterday, amidst the exodus of many Filipino
teachers abroad.

12. Contrast lead. It is used to point out opposites and extremes.

Example: Last year, she campaigned for Maygun Yang as the president of the student body Today Maria
Malou Wang, the head of Students Performing Arts, takes the lead in calling for Yang's resignation.

13. Staccato lead. Primarily rooted from musical parlance, this term suggests a lead that consists of a
series of words and phrases, punctuated by periods, commas or dashes. Example: Neglected. Denuded.
Abused. Abandoned. This is the real picture of our forest

today.

Reasons for Using Novelty Lead

1. To enhance the readability of the newspaper 2. To arouse the reader's interest 3. To add vigor and
color to writing

4. To challenge the ability of the writer

Rules of Thumb in Lead Writing

1. Make sure the lead includes the most important of the five W's and H. particularly the "who" (person
or thing), (did) what and when. For a story about a report, never begin with the statement "A report was
issued by...."

2. The lead should be simple, brief, compact, vigorous and attractive; it should not inject too much
information. In general, keep the lead to 17-35 words. Try letting others read your lead. When he cannot
grasp the meaning at once, consider revising it.

3. Facts first: Do not start with WHEN or WHERE, unless such information weighs the heaviest
importance.

4. Consider your subject matter. Not all news articles are treated light as well as serious. However, bear
in mind that all news articles should be forceful. A writer once opined that in making the lead forceful,
the main verb should be embedded within the first six words. Try doing it.

5. Keep it up-to-date. Use the correct tense. If in doubt, consult a grammar book or bring with you a
pocketbook of grammar rules. Remember, being accurate and being correct are foundations of
journalism. the

6. Your lead should not carry your gratuitous opinion. To avoid this, indicate person or the source from
whom such opinionated statement came from. 7. Practice avoiding to begin the lead with the time, day
or date, or place. Better
focus on the action, the "who or what".

8. Cut off non-essential details. News writing or news reporting is straight to the point. Hence, do not
begin with an empty, say-nothing expression or a generality that fails to distinguish this news from other
news: There were... In a report released today... According to...

9. "Practice makes perfect," so the saying goes. Soon, you will enter the threshold

of skilled writers; so, avoid using a form of the verb to be in the lead, if possible.

Use an action verb, instead. Action verbs are more forceful, more vigorous than

verbs to be

More Concepts in News Writing

If the lead tells the story in capsule, the body of the news explains the facts in detail. Should one base
the meaning of news writing on this argument, a writer may surmise two concepts. First, the body of the
news retells the story found in the lead. Second, the facts are to be arranged logically in the body of the
news. With these conclusions, the writer should not only be good at sensing newsworthy items and
gathering news but also be adept in weaving the facts into the most comprehensible and logical way.

As you go on to write the body of the news item, you should not delete the image of the inverted
triangle, which tells that the most important facts should come first. However, this is mostly true to a
fact story or a straight news. For an action story, the version is different. The action story follows a
chronological arrangement of data other than according to the importance of facts. Sample stories
under action story include stories that lead to themselves such as accident, fire, some sports events and
the like.
Qualities of News

The aim of a news writers is to provide stories to startle and to engage the readers within the first few
sentences and, in the middle, to widen, deepen or sharpen their knowledge. As a writer you should
ensure that the news articles are of quality. When can you say that your articles are of good quality?

1. Fairness and balance

As a reporter, you must learn to get other's point of view. This may mean calling a person late at night to
get his side of the story or even holding back an investigative story for a day. But you must do so. This is
the best way to bring balance in the copy.

There may be times when an individual may avoid making a statement. In such a case, state the point,
indicating the efforts you made to get his point of view.

Fairness requires that you do not impute motives. Remember that your news report is going to be read
by hundreds of people, and you can influence their thinking by using loaded words. It is always best to
use neutral words.

2. Accuracy

As a reporter, you have much power. What you write can influence decisions, help form public opinions
of people and contribute to the general attitude of your readers.

With that opportunity in dipping your finger to public forum come the huge responsibilities that cannot
be taken so lightly. Say, you inadvertently committed an error of detail like, misspelt the name of the
guest speaker, misquoted the witness of the school crime or omitted an essential piece of information.
You not only distort the truth, which is the foreground and anchor of the news. You not only misinform
the public. You also damage the credibility of your campus paper. Hence, being accurate in your writing,
whatever article that may be, is your primordial yardstick in telling if your article is of good quality.
A writer once opined, "I pardon the slight error on comma and period, but Labhor the error on detail
and fact." Further, by being accurate means editing the article before you send it.

The facts that you need to check are: a. names and their spellings

b. their school designations c. incident details. In case it is an accident, you must know the exact number
of people who were injured or killed.

d. statements: The quote reported in the news report must be accurate and in context. It should not be
misinterpreted to imply another meaning.

e. scientific names if it is a science story, you must make sure that all

scientific names are correctly spelt and explained.

f. number of runs or goals if it is a sports story, then you must make

sure that the number of runs made or goals scored is mentioned

accurately.

3. Attribution

All news reports, with a few exceptions, must be sourced. This ensures that you are injecting both facts
and opinions, but the opinions are not yours. Always ask yourself, "Who said this?" The source can be
identified as follows:
a. Individual. An individual, who witnessed an accident or survived

an earthquake, can be quoted by name as an eyewitness.

b. Organization. Do not forget to attribute the statement to a spokesperson authorized by an

organization to brief the media on its behalf. An organization in the school may be the Parent Teachers
Association, the Faculty Club, Performing Arts Society, Supreme Student Government and others. The
spokesman can be referred to by:

1. name and designation Sample:

Mr. Pedro Agdeppa, president of the Parent Teachers Association, said that the auditorium is...

2. designation alone Sample:

The president of the Parent Teachers Association said that the auditorium...

3. anonymous sources. There are occasions when a news

source, who happens to be a senior government official or

an important leader, does not want his or her name to be

used. In such case, the reporter can attribute the story to informed sources, well-connected sources,
official sources or sources who do not wish to be named. However, the reporter must know the source
well and should trust that the information provided is correct. Sample:
4.

According to a trusted source coming from the school. the auditorium...

exceptions: The reporter need not to worry about attribution in those cases that he/she has witnessed.
For instance, the reporter can report a vel leyball match or a rally stating what happened. This is
because these are statements of fact that have occurred in public domain and have been witnessed by
scores of people. The same applies to the swearing in of a new principal or president of the college or
historical facts.

4. Brevity and Clarity

Newspaper writing is not just academic writing. Hence, as a journalist, do not use big words and long
sentences to show the readers how smart you are or how extensive your vocabulary is. Your
Cornmunication Arts teacher must have shouted this, "Write to express not to impress." Also, remember
that, as a writer, your target readers or audience are pressed of time. You have to give the news very
quickly, concisely and briefly. Think of this: if all your news stories are newsworthy and with high degree
of interest, then every story in the campus paper competes for the reader's attention. With every story
you write, ask yourself, "What is the news here?" Then, ask yourself, including the persons around you-
say, your co-writers - what questions will the reader have that need to answer? Jot them down and be
sure none is left unanswered.

When the reader starts to scratch his scalp, there are only two reasons why the reader does so. First, his
scalp is truly itchy. Second, you, as the writer, have failed to attain clarity. If his reason is the second one,
then the reader must be lying on a bed of thorns to grasp the details of your news story. The culprit
must be your lengthy sentences and paragraphs. In short, write short. Write short sentences, short
paragraphs and short articles. Use simple words. One tip to ensure clarity is to read your story aloud.
Doing this technique may be awkward, but it will help you find sentences difficult to understand.

The importance of this characteristic cannot be over stressed. You must learn to write short stories
without missing important facts. Please remember that today's reader is in a hurry. He does not have
lengthy patience to go through long news reports. Brevity does not only mean writing a short story. It
also means using short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.
5. Style

Good writers are artists, so are news writers. As a promising news writer, you can entertain, inspire,
educate and sometimes earn the ire of your readers. A song goes, "Never to walk in anyone's shadow."
So, act according your own style, Do not copy others' style but always remember to follow the
guidelines in writing news articles. Look for some opportunities like the construction of your paragraphs
and phrases, to veer from the old and traditional scenes in the newspaper. Never forget, though, that
your primordial objective is to tell people what they need to

know, not to show them how much of a literary artist you are.

First Five Formula for an Inverted Triangle News Story

1. Effective lead, focused, short, memorable

2. A second paragraph that amplifies the lead 3. A third paragraph that continues to build detail

4. Additional details in decreasing importance 5. Power quote: an interesting quote that propels
meaning, not just a fluffy quote

that gets in the way

The Do's of News Writing Style

1. Omit needless words.

2. Be sparing with adjectives but lavish with verbs.

3. Beware of your special words. 4. Simplify words.

5. Remember your signposts.

The Dont's of News Writing Style

1. Colloquialism. This can be described as writing in the way that one would speak. In doing so, you
should avoid using "filler" words like beginning the sentence with "basically," "often," "well," and "so".

Avoiding contractions is also included in the ambit of colloquialism. As a journalist, you replace "can't"
with cannot [take note: cannot is one word], "doesn't" with does not, "aren't" with are not, "could've"
with could have, and so on.

In news writing, too, you should limit your use of subjective pronouns. That is, use third person
perspective. Do not use first or second person pronouns like "1." "me," "you" and "we".

Included in the list of rules in writing is to avoid vague words. They are described as expressions or
words that are open to interpretation or that do not express precise ideas.

2. Circumlocution. This means that the writer uses many words where few would do. Circumlocution is
basically a figure of speech where the meaning of a word or a phrase is indirectly expressed through
several or many words. It is in contrast to brevity and conciseness.

3. Ambiguity. This case may be syntactical or semantical. Ambiguity can be either intentional or
unintentional. Intentional ambiguity may be used to mislead a reader or might be necessary due to the
context or subject matter. Unintentional ambiguity, on the other hand, should always be avoided and
can be with care and practice.
Here are samples of ambiguous sentences from a news report.

1. Dr. Malou Ho, the school principal, tells her secretary, Mrs. Ana B.

Yan, that the fault was hers. (Whose fault?)

Improved: Talking to her secretary, Dr. Malou Ho admitted her fault.

2. According to some sources, when Mr. Carreon put the jar atop the glass

table, it was broken. (What was broken?)

Improved: According to some sources, the glass table had broken when

Mr. Carreon placed the jar on it.

3. Ambiguous: The Dean of the Agriculture Department required eggs

to be stamped with the date when they are laid by the animal science

majors. (Who laid eggs?)

Improved: The Dean of the Agriculture Department required the animal

science majors to stamp the eggs with the date when they are laid. 4. Clichés. These are phrases that
have been exhausted to the point where they have completely lost originality.
Avoid these clichés:

No shadow of doubt

Needless to say

Strange as it may seem

Stands to reason

Last but not least

In any shape or form

Leave no stone unturned

5. Grandiloquence. These are expressions that are too pompous and use too colorful

language.

Grandiloquent paragraph:

Editorial: Its Definitions and Concepts

As Filipino students, you might have experienced getting into a class divided
into opposite positions on an issue. For instance, you were 40 in a class and you were

debating on which is more popular: GMA 7 or ABS-CBN 2. Say, 25 were siding ABS

CBN while 15 were on GMA 7's side.

Then group one started to provide pieces of evidence why ABS-CBN was better. One member of the
group talked about the latest Neilsen survey that the network's audience share was then higher than the
other. Another member talked about lengthier time for commercials due to numerous sponsors of ABS-
CBN. A member from GMA's side stood and pointed out that GMA had been producing more
blockbuster films than the other network. Before the bell rang, each group had commented a punchy
tirade to defend their respective positions. From the situation above, let us elicit the concepts and the
elements that are

embedded in an editorial. First, an editorial should be based on an issue. Such issue should be timely
and

should have a high degree of sensibility and relevance to the reading public. In the given situation, the
practical issue was all about which network was better.

Second, there should be a group or a cluster of minds analyzing a given issue. In

the case of the example above, there was a GMA 7's group and an ABS-CBN's group.

Third, there should be a stand. The identified group should have a position on the issue. The story above
gives a clear understanding that group one defended ABS-CBN. while the other group sturdily stood on
GMA 7. Fourth, there should be pieces of evidence. If you reread the story, it would give
you a situation when the members were giving specific pieces of evidence to support

their claims.

From among the elements, it can be hard that an editorial is an article that states

the concerted opinions or single stand of the publication's staff on a particular issue. Further, an
editorial reflects the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper. It is
usually unsigned or without a byline. Like 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.

A more comprehensive definition of an editorial is, "It is a concise expression of

facts and opinions or an analytical interpretation of significant and timely topics or

issues. It is logical and pleasing to influence opinion or to interpret significant news

such that its importance to the reader will be clear. It is treated with formality. Through

an editorial, the paper has the opportunity to write what it thinks about issues affecting

the readers. If the editorial is well-written, it can be a vital force to make changes and

reforms."
Other Characteristics of an Editorial

1. It follows a pattern. An editorial is an essay like a feature story. This means that the editorial article
should bear an introduction, body and conclusion.

2. It simplifies an issue. An editorial is an objective explanation of the hottest issue, within the coverage
of the paper's release. Hence, it usually simplifies the complex issues by eliminating extraneous parts of
the news. In other words, it puts the news in its proper perspective. Say, the hottest news is about the
imposing of higher grading system in the school or in the university. An editorial may talk about its
causes and effects to the students, teachers and stakeholders.

3. It provides opinions from the opposing viewpoints. Although an editorial showcases a stand of the
paper, it attempts to be objective by presenting views that refute directly the same issues the group
addresses.

4. It shows evidence delivered in a professional and formal manner. Formality encompasses the use of
the language and the style of argumentation. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities. It refrains
from name-calling or other petty tactics of persuasion like stereotyping, ad hominem, ad baculum and
others. Feature writing bears a set of loosely rules in the use of the language, that is, the writer may
expound the idea by using creative language. In contrast, editorial writing is direct to the point and
yields a serious tone.

5. It offers alternative solutions. One prime function of editorials is to effectuate change in others'
beliefs and stands. The editorial does this by offering a suggestion to remedy the problem or issue being
criticized. Anyone can gripe about a problem, but a good editorial should take a proactive approach to
making the situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.

6. It proffers a solid and concise conclusion. Towards the end of the editorial often lies the powerfully
summarized opinion. In other words, it gives the readers an unforgettable punch that they can live by.

Functions of Editorial
1. Explain or interpret. Editors often use editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive
or controversial subject. In a school setting, the publication may explain new school rules or a particular
student body effort like a fund-drive.

2. Criticize. As discussed, editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or

situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. The purpose of

doing so is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.

3. Persuade. An editorial primarily aims at driving the readers to crusade with the paper's stand. Take
note that in the first chapters of this book, journalism is viewed to effectuate change. Hence, the paper's
task, being in the realm of journalism, is to encourage others to take a specific positive action.

4. Praise. Editorials are also used to commend people and organizations for having contributed
something to champion progress, development and peace. In the context of a campus paper, editorials
may praise the initiative of the student body to raise funds for the erection of a new dormitory.

Types of Editorial

1. Editorial of Interpretation. The main aim of this editorial is to put the news in its proper perspective.
The paper may take a neutral stand on the specified issue and may give the responsibility of choosing a
side to the readers themselves. 2. Editorial of Criticism. By criticism, it means that the editorial points
out the

faults in a situation or in an issue mentioned in a news. It uses a scientific method

by defining the problem, examining the evidence available and then, perhaps

suggesting a solution.
3. Editorial of Argumentation or Persuasion. This type of editorial is the most common type being used
in the dailies. Following the principles of argumentation and debate, this type of editorial takes a stand
in a controversial issue and tries to convince the reader to adopt this stand.

4. Editorial of Commendation or Tribute. Editorials may be used to praise a worthy

deed done by a person or by an institution, thus this type of editorial. The paper should qualify the
tribute and therefore see that such contribution impacts on the lives of the reading public or the
academic community.

5. Editorial of Entertainment. Some editorials also discuss issues lightly but often

have a serious point gently and subtly suggested and sometimes satirically. 6. Editorial of Crusade. This
editorial usually endorses a thought or course of action. It promotes a concept, an idea or an advocacy.
This is also called a campaign

editorial. 7. Editorial liners. These are short, witty paragraphs, either serious or light.

Example

Love is looking up to find comfort in mother's smile. It's running and kissing father's hands to deserve his
package. It's thinking and dreaming about a loved one day and night. It's doing things to please the
other. It's answering and writing love letters on perfumed paper. It's crying and brooding over careless
words. It's rejoicing and walking on clouds on hearing sweet things. It's loving happily day by day.

Editorial Structure
An editorial is similar to an essay that focuses on a specific issue or topic, offers a thesis and provides
evidence and supporting arguments to convince its readers. The title clearly identifies the topic; the
introductory statement includes the writer's view on the issue; the body provides supporting evidence
and examples; and the conclusion restates the writer's view and provides a final appeal for the reader
with agree to that view.

Duties of an Editorial Writer

As stated, it is not necessary that chief editors write the editorial. Whoever is the choice of the board to
do so, he/she must remember that he/she should

1. present facts honestly and fully 2 draw objective conclusions from the stated facts, basing them upon
the weight of

evidence and upon his/her considered concept of the greatest good, 3. never be motivated by personal
interest, nor use his/her influence to seek special

favors for himself/herself or for others. 4. realize that he is not infallible.

5 regularly review his/her own conclusions in the light of all obtainable information 6. have the courage
of well-founded conviction and democratic philosophy of life,

and 7. support his colleagues in their adherence to highest standards of profession integrity

Crafting the Editorial: Suggestions for Students

1. Planning the Editorial a. Decide what issue you will write about and clearly define the issue.
b. Consider who your intended audience will be (for example, it may be the general readership or it may
be directed at those who hold a particular view that may or may not already have been expressed in the
media or other public forum).

c. Brainstorm a variety of strategies you can use to gain reader support for your view on the issue. These
might include acknowledgment of the reader's current viewpoint, listing benefits of the view you are
promoting. providing reliable evidences and using sound reasoning.

d. Develop logical and ethical arguments; avoid purely emotional rhetoric. Remember, you are not a
priest to moralize the issue and just mainly attack the emotion.

e. Conduct necessary research both to gather information about the audience you are writing for and to
collect evidence, examples and support for the view you are promoting.

f. Develop an outline to follow before you begin writing.

2. Writing the Editorial

a. Follow the pattern and style of editorial writing. In most editorials, the

opinion of the writer is given near the beginning, followed by supporting

evidence and reasoning. This is called the direct approach

6. The first person plural voice (we, our) is most common in editorial writing and is appropriate in
establishing the credibility of the board.

c. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement. Remember to explain the issue
objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important.
d. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts. Then, refute

(reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other
side's logic.

e. Concede a point of the opposition-they must have some good points you

can acknowledge that would make you look rational.

f. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.

g. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common

knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and proactive reaction.

h. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis

statement). i. Keep it to 300-500 words (for beginners like you) and make every word

count.

j. Develop a strong introductory statement to capture the reader's attention and to state your opinion.
Use a logical sequence for presenting your arguments, and an effective conclusion to maximize the
impact on the

reader.
Editorial Writing: A Sample Structure

1. Start with the news peg with an objective explanation of the issue or controversy. The editorial lead,
like in the news story, is the showcase of the write up. However, it is not considered the heart of the
story like in the news. The first paragraph is usually called the news peg. A news peg is a brief statement
about the news event or issue upon which the editorial is based.

Included in the first paragraph is your stand or your reaction. Such reaction should be clear and concise.
For instance, you tell right away if you agree or are against the new rule imposed by the Supreme
Student Government or the Student Council. Give your position at once in the first or second paragraph
whether you opt to continue the project of your organization.

2. Present your opposition first.

As the writer, you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically those who oppose
you). Use facts and quotations to state objectively

their opinions. You may opt to give a strong position of the opposition. You gain

nothing in refuting a weak position.

3. Directly refute the opposition's beliefs. You can begin your article with transition. 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. 4. Give other original reasons or
analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. Use

a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence.

5. Conclude with some punch.

Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed. A

quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected source. A rhetorical question can be an
effective concluder as well (example: If the government does not defend the

interests of children, who will?).

Some Techniques in Beginning the Editorial

Editorials are likened to a feature story whose beginning statement arrests the interest of the readers.
Remember that the introduction must contain enough "sparks" to urge the readers to read the whole
article. A flat, dull and dragging lead will readily turn readers away. It does not necessarily have to follow
the traditional five W's and one H. The editorial writer has more freedom to display his/hercreativity
than the news writer in the

writing of the lead.

1. Emphatic statement or maxim

Example: Life is unfair, but life is what we live for.

2. A striking statement about the topic.

Example:

Zero-crime rate. Peaceful. Safe. These are just some of the epithets attached to Batanes province.

3. A quotation

Example: "Many are called, but few are chosen," so the Bible tells.

4. Narration

Example:

The 25% of April marked a seemingly job interview of the Presidentiables as they engaged in the third
and last round of debate in Pangasinan

5. An order Example:

Stop media killings!

6. A question

Example: Do you still remember when Rodrigo Duterte vowed to clean the country's criminality in three
to six months?

7. Poetic
Example:

As the election nears, many Filipinos are still like small boats, tossed

by the wind, yet innocent that half a kilometer away is a waterfall that

may wallow them down to perpetual poverty. They need to say no to vote buying.

8. Prophecy

Example:

If we do not listen to the cry of Mother Earth, we will wake up one

morning wishing to live in Jupiter and Saturn.

9. Reaction Example:

Never did we see the Student Council dip its finger in the issue of

amending the student manual

10. Analogy
Example:

Like a stern bowl cleaner, the newly elected president of the Student

Council is trying to clean up the controversies attached to the

organization. Some Techniques in Ending the Editorial

As discussed, the last paragraph should give a punch to the readers. This part should encourage them to
act on an urgent issue, to take part in the call for a change or to persuade them to approve your
position. In doing so, you may use some techniques

like:

1. Proverb

Example: People look up to the home of the Ivatans as an honest and safe haven. We must then prove
that "first impression is lasting"

2. Quotation Example:

If we think that education is expensive, let us take it from Will Durant who said,

"Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance. "Do you want to stay

ignorant?
3. Advice

Example: We should start changing our system. Let us dress up and vote.

Some Techniques in Persuasion

Editorial writers should master the craft of persuasive language to convince others to agree with the
publication's facts, to share its values, to accept its argument and conclusions and to adopt its way of
thinking. There are many different ways to persuade people. Here are some of the common techniques:

1. Appeals. One persuasive technique is appealing to the audience's emotions, fears, need to protect
their family, desire to fit in to be accepted, desire to protect animals

and the environment, pride in our country and others. 2. Evidence. Using evidence is very persuasive as
it makes the reader see the editorial writer as knowledgeable, thus, the argument is more logical or
reliable. One example of showing evidence is by providing statistics, expert opinions, research

findings and anecdotal evidence.

Example:

The latest study shows that 46.9% of women students marry at the age of 15-19. (statistics)

Mr. Juan Pakleb, SSG president, revealed that the program aims only to generate

funds. (statement from authority) According to UP Population Analysts, the prime cause of over
population is... (statement from authorities)
3. Attacks. Attacks on opposing views or the people who hold them can persuade the

readers by portraying views and beliefs which are contrary to the editorial board's

contrition as foolish, dangerous, uncaring or deceitful. Using humor to make fun of

these views can be particularly persuasive. Note: it can offend or alienate audience if overdone. 4.
Rhetorical Questions. These are questions that do not require an answer. They are asked for effect only.
They engage the readers and encourage them to consider the issue and accept the editorial board's
answer or imply that the answer is so obvious that anyone who disagrees is foolish. Example:

Do we want that we will only be the higher learning institution in the country which does not change its
opening of classes?

5. Cause and Effect. Arguments may claim that there is a cause-and-effect relationship

when really there is just a relationship, and other factors should be considered. 6. Connotations. The
connotation is the emotional meaning associated with the word. Persuasive editorial writers often
choose their words carefully so that the connotation suits their purpose. For example, "Kill" and
"Slaughter" both mean the same thing, but the word "slaughter" has a different connotation to "kill," as
it causes the readers to imagine that the act was particularly horrific. Another are words like "health
issue" vs. "health crisis" and "terrorist" vs. "freedom fighter."

7. Analogy. This is a form of reasoning which compares one thing with another in order to make a
particular point.

Example:

School is like a prison, and students are like prisoners.

8. Generalizations. Make sweeping statements about a whole group, based on only one or two members
of that group. These can be persuasive if the readers believe the generalization is appropriate but can
also undermine argument if they do not. For example, a teacher might see one or two teenagers
cheating in class Sampaguita. and write a letter to the editor claiming all students in class Sampaguita
are cheaters and cannot be trusted.

9. Humor. The use of humor, such as puns, irony, sarcasm, satire and jokes can be persuasive by
dismissing opposing views, providing a more engaging and friendly tone, and sway an audience by
having them enter into the joke. Example: "Totally Artraged as a pun on "Totally Outraged when talking
about controversial art. A writer may use "Malice in Wonderland" as a pun on "Alice in Wonderland"

regarding some malicious issues in school. 10. Repetition. By repeating letters, words and phrases the
author can reinforce an argument and ensure that the point of view being made stays in the readers'
mind.

Example:

Now is the time to amend the student manual. Now is the time to arrange the students system. Now is
the time for student development. Yes, now is the time. 11. Hyperbole. The use of hyperbole
emphasizes points by exaggerating. It can be used to mock opposing opinions, as a shock-tactics
technique or an appeal to fears.