EDITORIAL,

EDITORIAL
WRITING &
EDITORIAL
CARTOONING

Prepared by: ANTHONY LOPEZ | ARMER ALCORANO | RENIA BARIL

 What is
EDITORIAL?
 EDITORIAL
An article that states the newspaper’s ideas on an issue. The
Editorial serves as the official view of the paper, reflecting the
many sides of an issue.

The newspaper is the voice of the community. The editorial is

the voice of the newspaper. The voice can inform readers,
stimulate thinking, mold opinion and occasionally move
people to action.
Editorials appear on the paper’s editorial page, which
also includes
EDITORIAL COLUMNS

OPINION ARTICLES

LETTERS TO THE EDITORS

REVIEWS

EDITORIAL CARTOON
There are two basic functions
of the newspaper:

1.To INFORM
2.To INTERPRET
 EDITORIAL BOARD
is a group of people, usually the
top editors, who decide on a
plan for each editorial that will
appear in a newspaper. Once
the editorial determines the
stance they will take on a
particular issue, one editor is
selected to research and write
the actual article.
CONTENTS OF THE EDITORIAL:
1. It deals with a current issue which is affecting many readers.
2. It may attempt to influence, by giving readers all the facts and
concerns.
3. It offers suggestions and indications as to outcomes of the
issues.
4. The opinion, if offered, will not be an extreme view, but a well-
prepared and informed one, taking into consideration many
aspects from both sides of the debate.
PARTS OF EDITORIAL
1. News Peg (introduction) is a brief statement about the news
even upon which the editorial is based or an existing issue that
needs to be solved right away.
2. The Body may take two or three short paragraph that support or
justify the reaction.
3. The Conclusion, oftentimes called the punchline or clincher,
summarizes the editorial’s stand on issues.
STRUCTURE OF AN EDITORIAL

Editorials are written according to a well-established

formula:

1. Introduction – It is where the issue or problem is stated.

2. Body – It expresses an opinion and discusses it.
3. Solution – Where a solution to the problem is stated.
4. Conclusion – It emphasizes the man issue.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EDITORIAL
1. It follows a pattern.
2. It simplifies an issue.
3. It provides opinions from the opposing viewpoints.
4. It shows evidence delivered in a professional and formal
manner.
5. It offers alternative solution.
6. It proffers a solid and concise conclusion.
POINTERS IN WRITING AN EDITORIAL
1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and
expanded into the body of the editorial.
3. Have purpose well in mind which should be accomplished with sufficient
data.
4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument
leading up to the conclusion.
5. Peg the lead sentence on recent relevant news for its impact value.
6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely
understood analogy or with an illustration that makes for easier
understanding.
7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.
8. Is the writing simple, direct, clear and forceful?
 DO’s & DON’Ts IN WRITING AN EDITORIAL
1. Win the reader’s interest with an impelling lead paragraph.
2. Avoid generalities by using plenty of facts and by telling what
these facts mean.
3. Keep your editorials short; around 300 words only.
4. Do not preach, scold or moralize.
5. Relate editorials directly to the readers.
6. Avoid the first person “I”. Use the editorial “We”.
7. Write simply.
 DO’s & DON’Ts IN WRITING AN EDITORIAL
8. Develop the editorial from only one specific, limited idea, phrased in
one sentence and expanded it into the body.
9. Sentences and paragraphs should be relatively short.
10. Research your topic and find out what is happening and what went
on in the past.
11. Know the facts and be able to refer them in your argument.
12. Use facts and details to back up your opinion and help you make
your case.
13. Leave your readers with a lasting impression – a strong point that
will make them consider your point of view.
14. Do not preach to the reader. A good editorial will make the readers
notice of the situation and form their own opinions on the issue.
TYPES OF EDITORIALS
1. Editorial of argument and persuasion (critical/one-sided)
2. Editorial of information and interpretation (balanced)
3. Editorial of tribute, appreciation or commendation
4. Editorial of entertainment
5. Editorials that explain
6. Editorials that evaluate
7. Editorials that persuade offer specific solutions to a perceived
problem.
INVOLVING THE READERS
A newspaper editorial staff has the responsibility to create
community conversation. In order for readers to have their turn to
speak in this conversation, the newspaper must provide space for
dialogue on current topics of concern. Readers are given their
turn into two ways: letters to the editor and in opinion features.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
It is a healthy sign for the newspaper when readers submit
letters. The shows they are actually reading the paper and are
using the op-ed pages as they should be used – as a public
forum. If some controversy is stirred because of what appears in
the paper, that, too, is a healthy sign. That shows that the
newspaper is causing readers to think and to get involved.
STYLES IN WRITING THE EDITORIAL
1. Standard/Conventional

2. Non-conventional
a. Narrative b. Ironic c. Inanimate
d. Literary
LOGICAL ERRORS TO AVOID IN EDITORIAL WRITING
1. Name Calling
2. Glittering/Sweeping Generalities
3. Plain folks Appeal
4. Argumentum ad Populum – what they want to hear/read
5. Argumentum ad Hominem – personal attack
6. Transfer – guilt or glory by association
7. Bandwagon – everyone is doing it, so let’s do it!
8. Post hoc ergo propter hoc – after this, therefore because of this
9. False analogy
LOGICAL ERRORS TO AVOID IN EDITORIAL WRITING
10. Begging the question
11. Two extremes fallacy
12. Card stacking – selecting only the facts that support a point of
view
13. Testimonial
14. Reification – treating an abstract idea as if it has concrete
reality
15. Equivocation – shifting original meaning to suit one’s point of
view
16. Composition – what is true for one is true for all
Editorial Cartoons
An editorial cartoon is an illustration that shows an opinion and
interpretation of happenings and events.

The word cartoon is derived from caricature and lampoon.

A caricature is an exaggerated description of something. It is

usually done through sketching. It is a representation of a person
or object in which the peculiarity or defects are exaggerated to
produce an oftentimes humorous or humiliating effect.
EDITORIAL CARTOON
Editorial cartoons, like the editorial, also inform, influence or
entertain.

Editorial cartoons can be inspirational, satirical and correctional.

A good cartoon does the following:
1. It appeals to the sense of humor.
2. It persuades the readers to accept opinion.
3. It deals with a single idea.
4. It tells about political, social, and other problems of the society.
CHOOSING CARTOONS
Cartoons can do much more than enrich popular culture and
make us laugh.

• Editorial cartoons can be a form of expression.

• They can grab the attention of readers in a single glance.
• Cartoons should be timely and well-drawn.
 EDITORIAL CARTOON
Editorial Cartoon is a tool for
conveying a paper’s stand on certain
issues. Editorial cartoon provides
visual, usually in light vein, for the
message. The aim of the editorial
cartoon is to exert influences as well
as to entertain. Some newspapers
prefer that the themes of their cartoons
jibe with those of the editorial. In other
papers, the editorial cartoons have
themes of their own.
SYMBOLS IN EDITORIAL CARTOON
Editorial cartoons, to be effective and more appealing to the
minds and hearts of the readers, use symbols. Some of these
symbols are universally recognized and accepted, while some
are innate to certain localities and cultures.
Some examples of symbols are as follows
1. Dove – Peace, Freedom and 9. Mallet, Weighing Scale – Law and
Democracy Justice
2. Laurel Leaf – Victory and Triumph 10. Key – a means to succeed or
3. Heart – Love accomplished goal
4. Pen, Newspaper – Freedom, right 11. Skull – Death
to expression 12. Sunrise – Hope, new beginning
5. Sword – Power 13. Thin child – poverty
6. Cross – Church or Religious 14. Nukes – war, military destruction
groups
7. Chain – Slavery of repression
8. Crocs – Abusive, corrupt persons
CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING EDITORIAL
1. Issue
2. Message
3. Impact
4. Symbolism
5. Humor
6. Emotions
7. Movements

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.
Pointers in Writing an Editorial
1. Make the editorial interesting enough to read.
2. Develop it from one specific, limited idea, phrased in one sentence and
expanded into the body of the editorial.
3. Have purpose well in mind which should be accomplished with sufficient data.
4. Organize all data into well-reasoned arguments, with each argument leading up
to the conclusion.
5. Peg the lead sentence on recent relevant news for its impact value.
6. Present both sides of an issue and clarify tricky aspects with a widely understood
analogy or with an illustration that makes for easier understanding.
7. Direct the editorial towards the establishment of a consensus.
8. Is the writing simple, direct, clear and forceful?
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.
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.
THE EDITORIAL PAGE
The editorial page of any newspaper is the VOICE of the
editorial staff and the readers.

It expresses the opinion of whatever the management of the

publication feels in relation to the present occasion.
WHAT MUST BE THERE IN THE EDITORIAL
PAGE?
1. Folio – consists of the page number, date of publication, and name of the
newspaper usually written on the top of the page.
2. 2. MASTHEAD- the editorial box containing the logo, names of the staff
members and position in the staff, the publisher and other pertinent
data about the newspaper. A logo ( a shorter word for logotype ) is a cut
which contains an identifying word or words, such as the name of the
newspaper.
3. Editorial proper-a commentary written by any of the editors who
comments or gives the opinion of the staff or of the whole paper on
various subjects. It is the stand of the paper, sometimes called Top
editorial/ Lead editorial. TRIVIA: The top editorial must be published on
the LEFT side of the paper since, psychologically speaking, people tend to
read more articles which are written on the right side.
Objectives of an Editorial
To explain and interpret the news, to put it in on its proper
perspective, to analyze it, to draw conclusions from that analysis and

To persuade the readers to follow a course of action that the

newspaper believes is for the public good regardless of party interests
involved
Functions of an Editorial Writer
Explaining the news
Filling the background
Forecasting the future
Passing moral judgment
Editorial Cartooning
CARTOON - The word cartoon comes from two words: caricature and
lampoon.
CARTOON - Caricatures are drawings of people in which certain physical
features are exaggerated.
CARTOON - Lampoon is a subtle attack presented humorously.
EDITORIAL CARTOON
It is an illustration expressing opinion and interpretation.
It is also called a “wordless editorial”.
It may or may not be a complement of the editorial.
It serves the function of the editorial and the other contents of the op-
ed pages: to present an opinion on an issue.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR:
Symbolism
Stereotyping
Exaggeration
Humor
Analogy
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Use of technical tools (pencil, pen and ink).
Shading
Shadowin
TIPS FOR CARTOONING
Take a side. Are you for or against a certain issue?
Use facial expressions and emotions.
Use universal symbols, those which can be understood at once by your
intended reader.
Do not clutter your cartoon with unnecessary details or complicate
your drawing with artistic touches.
TIPS FOR CARTOONING
Limit the use of words or labels.
Use shading to make your article more convincing. Have only one light
source.
Draw your cartoons in landscape.
Use margins/border: it shows professionalism.
Have your own style. Do not copy or plagiarize.
Read, read and read. Remember: the editorial cartoonist is not just an
artist. You are also a JOURNALIST.
• What tools does the editorial cartoonist use to communicate ideas and
opinions with readers?
• Caricatures are drawings of public figures in which certain physical features
are exaggerated. Caricatures of Richard M. Nixon often show him as
needing to shave.
• Stereotypes are formulaic images used to represent particular groups. A
stereotypical cartoon mother might have messy hair, wear an apron, and
hold a screaming baby in her arms.
• Symbols are pictures that represent something else by tradition. A dove is a
symbol for peace.
• Analogies are comparisons that suggest that one thing is similar to
something else. The title of a popular song or film might be used by a
cartoonist to comment on a current political event.
• Humor is the power to evoke laughter or to express what is amusing,
comical or absurd.