example of an editorial essay

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In This Post

How to write an editorial, in 6 steps.

An editorial is an opinion-driven piece that brings awareness to current events or topics of importance. Here’s what to include.

Editorials assert an opinion or perspective using journalistic principles.

If you have a strong opinion about a topic, knowing how to write an editorial essay can help you land more media visibility and readership.

Editorial writing is when a columnist, journalist, or citizen submits an opinion-based article to a media outlet. A good editorial will be measured and fair; it will make a clear argument with an end goal to persuade readers, raise awareness on a particular issue, or both. Editorials give people a chance to present a supporting or opposing view on a topical issue, and they’re usually formatted as first-person essays.

Opinion editorials (Op-eds) can be a great way to land a byline or full article with a media publication. It can let you assert a stance more powerfully than you would in a quotation or interview.

Key Takeaways

• Also known as an opinion piece, an editorial asserts an author’s position, and often tackles recent events.
• Newspapers have allocated space for editorials from readers for years. The opinion-editorial section is sometimes abbreviated as “op-ed.”
• Editorials are written in first person, from the perspective of the writer, but they should still lean on credible sources.
• Readers should also know how the writer or organization reconciles apparently conflicting positions. True editorial coverage is earned, not purchased.

In this article, we’ll touch on what an editorial piece actually is, along with examples of editorial structure to help you organize your thoughts as you're brainstorming ideas.

What is Editorial Writing?

Every strong editorial has, at its core, a thought-provoking statement or call to action. Editorial writers formulate viewpoints based on experience, supporting evidence, objective analysis, and/or opinion.

Editorials perform very well online. These days, readers don’t always want information alone. They also want interpretation or analysis, whether that be through a newspaper article, a thesis statement, a newsletter , or an opinionated news story. Editorials are powerful, but they are also often biased.

Here's an example of an editorial I wrote recently for Fortune Magazine . This section of Fortune is called Commentary, and it publishes one to two pieces a day from non-staff writers on a variety of business topics.

The specifics of this pitch are detailed in my “Pitching Publications 101” workshop.

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Many media outlets rotate in opinion columnists to offer unique perspectives on a regular basis. Here’s a screenshot from The Washington Post opinion page ; the paper has over 80 opinion columnists, who write regularly about topics like policy, health, and climate change.

Large media publications usually have a separate section for opinion and commentary.

What Is an Editorial Board?

In contrast, you may have seen a newspaper or media publication release a statement from its editorial board. The editorial board consists of the publication’s editors, who together release a joint statement about a certain topic.

Examples of editorial topics include:

• An editorial board endorsing a local politician in a forthcoming election.
• Commentary on issues of local importance.
• Scientists announcing a newly published research paper that has mainstream relevance.
• Perspectives from citizens who come from various walks of life.
• Submitted opinion pieces in school newspapers or academic journals.

Good Examples of Published Editorials

The best way to get a feel for writing editorials is to see some effective editorial examples in action.

The Los Angeles Times and 70+ other newspapers condemned the actions of Scott Adams, the illustrator behind Dilbert cartoons. Since the cartoons were scheduled to run in the paper for a few more weeks, the editorial board released a statement updating readers on their decision to pull the cartoon, along with what next steps would be taken.

Many editorials are written by celebrities or public figures as a way to create awareness or touch on a controversial subject. Chrissy Teigen published an editorial on Medium about her miscarriage. Medium is an open-source publishing platform that many personalities use to make independent op-ed statements publicly.

A peer of mine, Zach McKenzie, wrote an editorial on the lack of sober queer spaces in Houston, America’s fourth-largest city. He pitched it to the Houston Chronicle, and an editor accepted and published his opinion piece.

He later became a freelance writer for the paper. Since you'll often work with an editor on your editorial, this could open doors for freelance opportunities.

Editorials can also refute other editorials. These are sometimes formatted as letters to the editor instead. In 2011, Martin Lindstrom published an op-ed with The New York Times entitled “You Love Your iPhone. Literally” , which asserted that neuroimaging showed we feel human love for our smartphones. A response letter signed by a total of 45 neuroscientists was sent to the Times condemning the op-ed as scientifically inaccurate.

Types of Editorials

Editorials typically fall into one of four categories: explanation, criticism, persuasive essay, or praise.

No. 1: Explanation or Interpretation

Not all editorials have to be about controversial topics. Editorials written by a board or an organization might simply summarize main points of new research or a recent decision.

No. 2: Criticism

Criticism is by far the most popular type of editorial, because, well, we love the drama! 🍿

Opinion editorial usually disagrees with the status quo on a given topic, but does so in a well-researched way. An opinion editor will do more than simply fix grammatical errors; they often guide the contributor through the writing process and reinforce good editorial style.

No. 3: Persuasive Essay

Technically, an editorial can also simply be a persuasive essay, written in first person. As long as the main point has a good chance at catching a reader’s attention, editors will be interested in the piece.

No. 4: Praise

Sometimes, an opinion piece actually agrees with the status quo or current news angle, although these pieces are less common.

How to Write an Editorial in 6 Steps

• Pick a topic that has mainstream appeal.
• Lead with a summary of your opinion.
• State the facts.
• Summarize the opposition’s position.
• Refute the opposition.
• Offer readers a solution or reframe.

Step 1: Pick a Topic That Has Mainstream Appeal

If you want your essay to be published in a news outlet, it has to be, well, news!

Connect your thesis statement to a current event. Your topic should be one that the majority of the public can understand or relate with. Remember: Business is niche, media is broad. Make it mainstream.

Step 2: Lead With a Summary of Your Opinion

Editorial format usually opens with a summary of your thesis statement and/or new ideas in the first paragraph. In journalism, this section is known as the lede —part of the “inverted pyramid” writing process —and it’s the most important section of your article.

Remember, if readers can’t get oriented and understand your own opinion within the first few sentences, they’ll leave.

Related: How to Write a News Lead

Step 3: State the Facts

One detail any writers miss regarding how to write an editorial is giving sufficient background information. In some ways, you have to operate like a journalist when you begin writing editorials. Collect facts and outline the main points for your reader so they grasp the issue at hand.

Step 4: Summarize the Opposition’s Position

Good editorial presents both sides of the story. Even though this is an opinion-based essay, you want your editorial format to acknowledge common counter arguments.

Step 5: Refute the Opposition

This is the fun part! Use logic and evidence in your writing to reinforce your point. When you cite sources and statistics, your writing will pack more punch.

Step 6: Offer Readers a Solution or Reframe

Lastly, go into a clear conclusion and possible solutions. Don’t just dump an opinion on your reader and then leave them with nothing to do or consider. You’ve persuaded us with a hard-hitting editorial on a topic you feel strongly about—now ask us to do something!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good editorial.

A good editorial will assert a clear and compelling point. The editorial should cite reputable sources in order to form its point, and should address why the opposing viewpoint is misguided.

What Is the Purpose of an Editorial?

An editorial provides contrast to day-to-day journalism with perspectives and commentary on recent events. Editorials are not objective; they are subjective and opinionated by design.

What Are Examples of Editorial Content?

An editorial could be a column in a magazine or newspaper, a public statement, a newsletter, or even a blog post. A letter to the editor is usually not considered an editorial.

Write Your First (or Next) Editorial This Year

You don’t have to be a journalist to pitch and write editorials, but you do have to have a point of view that will capture a reader’s attention. Study the writing process of editorials and you’ll have a better shot at getting your opinions published. ⬥

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Welcome to the blog. Nick Wolny is a professional writer and editor based in Los Angeles.

A Beginner’s Guide on How to Write an Editorial

• Academic Writing Guides

Writing an editorial essay lets you share your viewpoint on or advocate for a particular cause with your audience. A great editorial article creates awareness on a matter and influences people’s positions on it. But how do you compose such an article? 

This post shares valuable insights on how to write an editorial that impresses editors and influences readers. Keep reading to enhance your effectiveness and master how to write an editorial essay . 

What Is an Editorial Paper?

Let’s start by answering the big question, “ What is an editorial paper ?” As the name suggests, an editorial article or paper expresses an editor’s stand on a matter and explains the issue at hand. However, it doesn’t mean that the editor exclusively expresses their thoughts. That’s why the writer must research the topic and include other people’s ideas on the subject.

A great editorial paper focuses on a given topic. The author must focus on why their target readers care about the topic and why some people might hold contrary views. That’s why understanding the two sides of a matter makes an editorial more interesting and acceptable to many audiences. You will also need to present readers with valid evidence that supports your opinions. 

When your editorial addresses a problem, you must also present clear solutions. Tell your readers what should be done to address the situation. If necessary, speak to the relevant authorities that need to take appropriate measures to address particular situations. For instance, you can address the government or institutions that can midwife solutions. 

How to Write an Editorial

The rise of social media has provided more people with a free platform to express their platforms. Consequently, people are no longer sure of what it takes to write editorials . However, it doesn’t mean that you can master how to write an editorial that impresses editors. This section shares insights to help you compose a great editorial that speaks to your constituents.

Choose an Attention-Grabbing Topic 

Start your journey by selecting an interesting topic with current news value and serves a defined goal. At times, handling a controversial topic can attract people.

Research and Gather Facts

Next, gather the facts surrounding your topic before presenting it to your readers. You must research the facts so that your opinion isn’t based on your feelings. Use credible sources and collect the latest facts surrounding your topic. 

Drafting the Editorial

Draft your paper to be short and clear, at least 600 to 800 words. Additionally, avoid using jargon.

• Introduction. Make its intro as attractive as possible. You can open it with relevant stats, a quote from a famous person your readers respect, or a thought-provoking question. 
• Body. The body should address all the details surrounding your topic. It should follow the 5 W’s and H pattern (what, when, where, who, why, and how). This section should address opposition and provide evidence to support your stance. When addressing problems, propose valid and practical solutions. 
• Conclusion. End your editorial with a strong, thought-provoking statement. Give your readers a sense of closure and completeness from this section.

Proofread and Edit

Polish your editorial by editing and proofing it for styling, grammar, and spelling perfection before submitting it.

Tips for Writing a Good Editorial

Do you want to master how to write an editorial article ? Below are tips to help you up your editorial writing game.  

• Be decisive. A great editorial takes a firm position on a matter. Whenever you mention a contrary position, you immediately show readers why it’s inaccurate and why readers should agree with your stand. 
• Provide fresh ideas. Research your topic well to provide readers with fresh ideas. Whereas people have ideas on specific issues, adding a fresh angle to them makes your article more valuable. 
• Offer solutions. If you address a problem, your article should provide possible solutions. Don’t just describe problems for which you can’t prescribe solutions. 
• Focus on your interests. Whenever possible, select a topic you are passionate about to be better placed to address an issue you care about. Do you care about quality education? Then don’t write on maternal health. 

Types of Editorials

It’s essential to understand the types of editorials before you write an editorial for a chosen publication. We have four types of editorials, categorized based on their tone and purpose. These categories are:

• Explaining and Interpreting: These editorials let editors explain how they handle sensitive and controversial topics.
• Criticizing: Such editorials focus on the problem rather than the solution. They criticize actions, decisions, or particular situations.
• Persuading: These editorials propose solutions and convince readers to take appropriate actions towards a matter.
• Praising: Such editorials show support for and commend notable actions by organizations or individuals.

How Do Publications Choose Editorials?

So, how do newspapers and other publications choose an editorial for students ? Most major publications employ op-ed columnists to provide a given number of published editorials in a given year. Some college and high school newspapers have their own columnists who regularly provide editorial content. Most of these publications also solicit guest editorials from external sources. These editorials are like letters to editors but still receive a more generous word count.

The editors use their discretion to accept or reject some editorials. For instance, if they think an editorial touches a needlessly controversial subject or exposes the publication to legal implications, they reject it. In other cases, an editorial board may send the article to the writer to revise or streamline it before resubmitting it for publication.

Editorial Example

Whenever you are stuck on how to write an editorial,l examples will be of much help. This section contains an example regarding the educational system to inspire your writing. 

A Critical Editorial Example: A Clarion Call to Reform a Flawed Education System

Our education system is flawed and outdated in many areas and needs urgent reforms. It has many outdated teaching methods that don’t fully engage students. For instance, rote learning stifles innovation and critical thinking, leaving learners ill-equipped when they enter the real world.

Class sizes are still too large, hindering personalized learner attention. Overworked instructors struggle to address student needs. The obsession with standardized testing emphasizes memorization over creative learning. Consequently, it stresses learners and undermines the joy of learning.

Further, the system is unequal. For example, wealthier districts receive more funding, while underprivileged schools lack basic resources. This inequality perpetuates a vicious cycle of disadvantage and limits opportunities for many underprivileged learners.

Thus, everyone must demand radical and immediate reforms. We must all demand innovative teaching methods, smaller class sizes, and equal funding to transform the education landscape. Let’s call for reforms and create an education system that empowers our children, into whose hands we’ll leave our nation.

Editorial Essay Topics

Mastering how to write an editorial paper requires you to choose appropriate topics. To help you do that, we have selected hot sample topics for editorial essay projects. Check them out to jumpstart your next assignment. 

• The role of junk food in increasing obesity.
• Is PlayStation turning our children into zombies?
• The dark side of social media.
• Should governments legalize recreational marijuana?
• How does recycling promote a clean and healthy environment?
• The dark side of the selfie culture. 
• Are e-cigarettes any safer than traditional ones?

Conclusion 

There, you have everything you need to compose an editorial article that impresses readers and fetches good grades. We hope you will use all the valuable information this post shared on how to write an editorial to up your game.

• Citation Guides
• Essay Samples
• Essay Topics
• Essay Writing Guides
• Research Paper Topics
• Research Paper Writing Guides
• Study Tips and Tricks

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Jerz's Literacy Weblog (est. 1999)

Editorials: how to write opinion journalism.

The “lead editorial” represents the official collective position of the editorial board of a news publication.

More generally, an editorial is a special genre of journalism that aims to inform, persuade, and/or entertain through a well-written short essay. 

Like other forms of journalism, an editorial  uses quotes, facts, and logic to inform readers, and its content is still covered by ethical principles (such as fairness and libel). Unlike a hard news story (which aims for a neutral point of view), an editorial defends an opinion , which could be a non-partisan message about the importance of voting, but could also mean explaining why one candidate is better suited for an elected position than the other candidates.

Opinions that the editors express on the editorial page should stay there — they should not affect any of the news coverage. Individual reporters shouldn’t slant their stories to reflect or rebut editorial opinions.

Note how the webmasters have included the word “Editorial” or “Guest Column” in the headline, so that people sharing links won’t mistake these opinion pieces for neutral news stories. 

• Editorial: Let health experts accompany cops, police and reformers agree
• The Guardian view on nature tourism: tread lightly Editorial
• Will Smith Must Return His Oscar to Restore the Award’s Honor (Guest Column)

Related Terms

• column : a regularly scheduled article, usually containing an opinion, and often driven by the personality of the author. (Example: Dave Barry )
• op-ed (guest editorial): a persuasive essay written by a named, individual author, such as a managing editor or other newspaper employee, or a prominent figure from the community. So named because it traditionally appeared on the page opposite the editorials; it is not necessarily the “opposing view” of anyone else’s argument. ( LA Times Op-Ed page ; op-ed written by an AI bot )
• Why Biden Isn’t Getting Flamed as Being Soft on Terror
• Student Loan Forgiveness Is an Idea Whose Time Has Gone
• letter to the editor : a short essay written by a member of the general public, usually responding to a specific story. 

Opinion in Editorials

While you may put a bumper sticker on your car or ad a hashtag to your social media profile  in order to show your allegiance to an issue or philosophy, in the context of persuasive writing, repeating a slogan does not count as presenting an opinion .

My Seton Hill colleagues Michael Carey and Frank Klapak often talk about the difference between your gut reaction to an issue (“Smoking is bad!” or “Don’t tell me what to do!”), and your thoughtful, considered opinion (“A law that prohibits all smoking within 200 yards of school property places an undue burden on school employees with a physical disability, who may have to drive off campus for their smoking breaks, and unfairly makes criminals out of smokers who happen to own houses near school property.”)

An array of bumper-sticker slogans that support one side of an ongoing debate (abortion, smoking, Iraq) does not constitute a political editorial; neither does a list of rhetorical questions (“Does the president think the American people are stupid, or is he just too clueless to know how ridiculous his health care reform really sounds?” or “How does a rich, powerful woman like [name your target] manage to fool so many idiots into thinking she understands the concerns of the working class?”). These are attacks, not thoughtful approaches to exploring how and why diverse groups of people respond in various ways to a complex idea.

A few years ago, a student began an editorial assignment with a draft that was really a rant: “Why are so many classes at SHU only offered every other year?”  While his frustration was understandable, his first draft made no attempt to answer that question — he simply vented his anger, and announced that more courses should be offered every year.

I encouraged him to do what reporters do — find answers.

He talked to some faculty members about the issue, investigating the pros and cons of offering courses more frequently, and and he learned that if these every-other-year courses were offered every year, they would be much less likely to fill up, and therefore more likely to be canceled.

If 10 people take a course that’s offered every other year, then probably only 5 people would take it if it were offered every year.  Now, I personally would love to teach classes to only 5 students… but then who would teach all the  other  courses, the ones that 20 or 40 students need each semester?  We’d have to hire more faculty members to teach those courses.  Where would the money come from to pay for those additional faculty members?  From higher tuition, of course.

There’s usually a reason why things are the way they are. Sometimes it’s a pretty good reason. After you find out the reason, you’re ready to persuade your readers of a superior solution.

Tips for Writing Editorials

Write tight. Make a single point, in about 400 words. (Guest editorials, written by an invited expert, can tackle a more complex subject, and may be 800 words or even longer. The editorial page editor will work with a submission, helping the writer make his or her case with precise, snappy, expressive phrasing.)

• Write short, journalism-style  paragraphs — two or three sentences , not the page-long monsters you construct for academic papers.
• Start with your main point.
• Avoid “There are many ways that X has been important in recent weeks. One such way is Y.”  Instead, try “X forced itself upon us for the third time this month, when Y happened.”
• Finish strong.  Don’t just repeat your thesis — bring the reader somewhere.

Pick a topic that  emerges from the news . (That is, your paper is already running a news article on this topic, and you are adding your opinion to the coverage.)

Avoid vague references to “some people say” or “research shows.”  Name names. Interview sources yourself.

• If you’re writing about a national issue, you probably won’t get a quote from the President of the United States.
• You might, however, get a quote from a professor who specializes on a topic that’s in the news, or the president of a student club that’s relevant to your story.

Presume that  your opponent has good reasons  for disagreeing with you. Talk to people on the other side, and include some of their eloquent, well-argued points. Carefully and respectfully explain why your position is nevertheless more accurate (or ethical, or practical, or inspirational, or whatever).

• Avoid trying to make your opinion seem stronger by distorting the other side, either through exaggeration (“Animal rights groups would rather millions of people from cancer than have one animal die during a scientific experiment”) or by using unflattering labels (“nicotine addicts who oppose my right to breathe fresh air…” “reactionary tea-baggers whose pathetic world-view is threatened by Obama’s heroic economic vision…” ).
• Making “the other side” look evil or stupid may fool people who don’t know what you are talking about, but people who do know something about the subject can (and will) write a letter to the editor correcting your misrepresentations.

Don’t think of your goal as picking a fight with people who make you angry. Instead, try swaying the opinion of a reasonable person who sees the merits of both sides .

Write for something specific (not just against something)

Avoid simply listing complaints, or attacking a silent opponent with a series of aggressive questions that you have no intention of researching. 

Why is the salad bar so expensive this year? For the past several years, the cost of a large salad has gone up 10 cents each fall. This year, it jumped almost a dollar.  Is a salad really worth $3? For just a little more, I could get a hot meal. Why are our food prices so unfair?

Whine, whine, whine! Anybody can churn out a list of complaints  against  topic X.  It’s another thing entirely to come up with a solution, and then make a public statement in its favor.

So, instead of just whining about the high price of a salad, I might instead contact the dining services, and actually ask why the price went up. I might hear the manager tell me that customers had frequently requested more chicken salad and other expensive meat dishes.  My editorial becomes an opportunity to inform, as I explain the reason for the price increase, and make a sensible suggestion — $2.00 greens-only option.

Examples (Two from my blog, one from an online newspaper. Feel free to comment if you wish.)

• Surprising Sexist Statement from a University Professor  (200 words)
• About the Golden Rule for Ed Tech Vendors  (400 words, excluding article excerpt)
• Football Slouches Towards a Former Women’s College  (1600 words)

Additional Readings

A great series from Poynter Online (a craft-centered journalism education website)

• Introduction
• The Editorial Critique  by Fred Fiske
• The Baltimore   Sun Editorial  &  critique
• Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Editorial  &  critique

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• How to Write an Editorial on Any Topic in Five Easy Steps
• How to Write an Editorial for a Newspaper?

What Is an Editorial Essay

Types of editorial essays, interpretive, tips on writing an editorial essay.

• Editorial Structure
• Persuasive Tools Used in Editorials
• Other Tips on Writing an Editorial Essay
• Bottom Line

If you are looking for tips on how to write an editorial that will stand out , you are in the right place! In case you want to follow the herd and end up with an ordinary article, or what's worse, a boring piece, then this blog post isn't for you. Our professional essay writer service  team prepared this ultimate guide for you. It covers each step of developing a compelling editorial essay for a newspaper that will fascinate your audience. Keep reading to find out how.

Before we turn inside out the intricacies of writing a superb editorial, let's ensure you understand the basics.

An editorial essay is a piece that either shows an author's opinion on a specific subject or offers a solution to a current issue. The purpose of a great publication is to convince the reader to accept your standpoint and further spread your word. It can cover a wide range of topics; however, most editorials focus on burning or debatable issues . After all, an editorial piece is often deemed worthy if it makes a fuss among the readers.

The art of persuasion is the foundation of editorial writing. If your stance is too weak, the readers won't be convinced – no matter how great your content is. Whether it's a school assignment or an article for a newspaper, to craft a compelling editorial, a writer should be exceptionally good at persuading other people .

An editorial essay shouldn't only showcase a strong stance on a controversial issue. Just like in your research paper, you have to provide enough credible evidence to support your opinion.

Before writing an editorial, you may wonder how long does a college essay have to be . In fact, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since the length of your publication depends on the scope of the chosen issue. And, yet, it's strongly recommended to be concise to craft a good editorial. Remember, you have around 400-800 words to persuade readers, so you need to use your words wisely .

Editorials have uncommon classification – instead of being categorized by their nature, they are classified by their purpose. There are 4 major types of editorials you should know before writing your paper:

Let's learn more about each type of editorial writing.

Editorials focused on interpretation explain why a particular issue matters. An argument should be sensitive, debatable, and controversial to attract the readers. There is a garden variety of interpretive articles starting from those that offer background information to those that point out an issue.

A keen wit is what every good writer needs to create a meaningful piece which covers a significant problem. A good editorial criticizes specific events or cases through the masterful use of humor or irony. While it may be somewhat entertaining, a satirical editorial should be like a wake-up call, letting the reader finally see the issue and keep their eyes peeled.

Unlike satirical texts, persuasive editorials take a steadfast position on a subject matter to convince the readers. They should focus on the suggested solutions without going into the problem's details. From the opening line, the author should motivate the audience to take action. Political endorsements are great examples of persuasive content.

Commending editorials are written to appreciate people or establishments that have done something special or meaningful. Unlike the other three types, praising articles focus on good deeds or significant achievements.

In the age of harsh competition in the writing industry, people wonder how to write an editorial for a newspaper. Read these helpful tips from the industry's experts to master the art of persuasive writing.

The best idea is to select a debatable social opinion or a controversial topic and discuss it from all possible perspectives. Readers are always encouraged to read an essay from cover to cover when it has a thought-provoking title – it's another thing to consider. Besides, the topic must be up-to-date. After all, you want to keep your reader tuned about the recent events.

Developing an editorial is pretty much creating an argumentative essay. Wonder how to write argumentative essay ? You have to pick a hot topic and highlight your position on this issue using robust evidence. Your standpoint is basically a bottom line of your editorial piece. Do not waffle – make your opinion sound clear and concise.

Everybody is allowed to have their own opinion, but it would be a bad idea to make up your own facts. There is nothing worse that can jeopardize your editorial essay than inaccurate facts. With this in mind, you should do thorough research to find evidence that can back up your standpoint.

Having a well-structured plan in front helps to stay focused. Working on a newspaper article also involves this stage. Structure your thoughts and stick to the outline as you write an editorial. This way, you will be able to stay on track if fresh ideas come to your mind.

Build an argument around your problem; then, select a headline that draws the reader's attention. Create a thesis statement and focus on it as you develop your ideas. Make sure to support your claims with various examples.

The process of developing an editorial should end up with a compelling conclusion. Make sure your editorial provides a solution to the existing problem, not just goes around the issue. By doing so, you will ensure that your article has value to the reader.

If you create a particularly good editorial and prove your opinion on the controversial subject, the audience will respond to it. Be prepared to defend your point of view. In case someone doubts your arguments for whatever reason, get ready to explain the issue with a particular emphasis on supporting facts.

Editorial Structure 

Before you put your writing in motion, you need to build the structure of your article. An outline for essay should serve as the groundwork for your piece. And while there may be different approaches to organizing your persuasive editorial, there is one time-tested formula to get it structured:

• Introduction : It should overview an issue and clearly state your opinion. Besides, it would be best if you put extra effort into making it captivating.
• Body : The central part of your editorial should consist of 3 body paragraphs, each starting with a topic sentence . Here, you need to give your readers the reasons to believe you. Consider including the following elements:
• Argument : Your claim should state the reason why you think your opinion on the issue is true.
• Examples : No argument works if there is no evidence to support your opinion. Make sure to find enough facts and examples to prove your point of view.
• Counterargument : Justifying your opinion doesn't mean that you shouldn't refer to alternative points of view. Make sure to address a subject from the opposing perspective.
• Refutal : Now is a perfect time to disprove the opposite opinion on the issue. Explain why the counterargument is false. This way, you will be able to elevate your standpoint without being biased.

03. Conclusion : Your editorial's final paragraph is where you should sum up your arguments and restate your thesis statement. As a cherry on the top, mention once again the significance of the issue. Take conclusion pragrph essay examples , they will help you to summerize everything right.

Persuasive Tools Used in Editorials 

Now that we have covered a basic editorial essay structure, we would like to introduce several persuasive techniques that will take your writing to a whole new level. Here are just a few of them that really work:

• Repetition : Make your voice heard by repeating important information throughout your editorial. Mentioning the exact same thing in different ways guarantees that your audience will get it right. 
• Storytelling : Establish a human-centered approach. In fact, the masterful use of stories boosts text comprehension. As you write an editorial essay, make sure to break the ice by referring to your personal experience.
• Call to Action : Encourage your audience to take steps. CTA is a common persuasive technique used in advertising, and for a good reason. When composing an editorial, offer a solution and add a call to action to conclude your writing in a powerful way.
• Appeals : Otherwise known as ethos, pathos, and logos, the rhetorical appeals aim to persuade the audience through convincing strategies. Ethos builds the author's credibility; pathos appeals to the readers through emotions; and logos proves a point through sound reasoning.

Other Tips on Writing an Editorial Essay 

No matter what type of editorial you choose, the newspaper article has specific features every writer should keep in mind:

• Complex issues deserve more attention than simple topics.
• Fresh ideas on a subject are good attention grabbers .
• An article should have a unique angle – the selling point of your piece.
• Counterarguments are 100% objective, unbiased, and complete.
• A formal tone of voice is preserved throughout the entire article.
• A text should be in line with the instructor's guidelines.

Bottom Line 

Long story short, a great editorial piece should have a firm standpoint on the current issue and persuade the audience to take some action . While there may be different topics to discuss, it's vital for editorial writers not to keep the audience in the bubble of their expectations. If you are sure that you have reasonable arguments on a debatable problem, give it a shot.

It goes without saying, writing an editorial can be a hard nut to crack. If you have any questions regarding the writing process, don't wait until it's too late. Contact our qualified writers for flash assistance with any assignment you may have. From picking a catchy topic to crafting and editing an essay, we will do our best to deliver a polished paper within a given deadline.

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If your teacher asked you to create a good exploratory essay or500 word essay, remember that your goal is to research the problem, and introduce people to the different point of views on the issue. Types of papers like the one in question do not try to persuade readers that a single idea is correct....

You have never written an opinion essay before and now need a good guide on opinion writing? Or have already written such essay but this time want to write a comprehensive paper and get an A? You are in the right place! In this article we will tell you how to write a good opinion essay, will reveal ...

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A guide to writing a persuasive Newspaper Editorial Essay

Editorial essay definition.

To understand and personally define an editorial, you should first try to define the word “editorial.” It is a newspaper article that covers the diverse concepts of the author. The author may choose to write about any topic, but it should focus on social issues concerning the subject matter. Each point expressed should be backed up with reliable support evidence or facts to give meaning to your work.

Detailed research should be done to identify a suitable topic for discussion. An editorial essay should highlight and discuss the problem identified, and at the end offer reliable solutions. For example, if you as the author plan to address issues that are related to the mentally handicapped population, you should give detailed feedback about ways to tackle such an issue for a suitable solution. You should develop a message that addresses those affected with this issue, with part of the message sent to the healthcare providers on how to handle the situation.

A newspaper editorial essay also addresses the ruling government on the issue at hand and the need for them to take necessary actions. Writing an editorial essay is similar to writing a research or a normal essay paper. If you know this, then writing your piece will be easy and the work with come out interesting to the reader in the long run.

Ways of writing Different Editorial Essays

Editorial essays are quite different from other types of essays. They are clustered according to the purpose they serve, unlike other essays where they are categorized according to their nature.

With the above information, it’s safe to say that there is no single way of answering what an editorial essay is, without gaining knowledge of all the types of editorial essays. There are several ways of writing your essay. You could:

• Define/Expound/Interpret the Subject

While writing your newspaper article, highlight how it addresses a specific subject. For instance, as an editor of a fashion company’s magazine, you could address the different fashion trends on the rise to your readers.

• Criticize the Problem

Critical thinking is needed by all writers to come up with a meaningful and interesting piece which addresses a vital issue. Bear in mind that an excellent editorial essay provides a critique on cases in question which provide solutions to existing problems. This craft is intended to make the reader identify the problem and not just the solutions offered.

• Use the Central Argument Focus of the Editorial to Convince your Audience

You should inspire your readers to implement solutions by getting involved in the action from the introduction of your essay. While editorial essays only offer critique, persuasive papers handle all the suggested solutions without paying attention or providing information about the problem.

Editorials relating to this theme focus on praising and admiring the works of organizations or people involved in a beneficial activity to society. While writing these types of essays, remember to place your focus on highlighting the positive outcome and appreciation of the subjects involved.

If by now you are still not fully satisfied with the information given about editorial essays, no need to worry. Below Tutoriage experts have introduced and explained other ways that can help you to craft a first-class editorial essay.

More Ways to Ensure You Always Write a Persuasive and Attractive Editorial Essay

Social media is the reason for the fierce writing we all experience in this time and age. For that reason, many people cannot craft a creative piece for a persuasive newspaper editorial. However, this should not be a problem as we have provided more vital tips and advice on how to be a professional writer of an editorial essay.

• Look for controversial problems: -the use of this theme provides a debatable discussion which will engage your readers. Since the use of this theme provides room for research, ask your audience questions as you gain more perspective of the subject in question.
• Making the right decision is important in writing a persuasive editorial essay: -the author can only support one side of a controversial paper. Before you start writing one, choose a side you feel best fit for you and you can back up with your experience and knowledge about it.
• Read a famous newspaper from your state: -reading this type of newspapers is helpful in many ways. They contain the relevant topics that need to be addressed while providing facts and solutions to the issues addressed. As they lay down their opinion, they leave the final judgment in the hands of public opinion.
• There are many ways to explain solutions in an editorial essay: -it is important for you to provide your audience with multiple solutions for them to make their own preferred individual choices.

An inspirational excerpt by Minyvonne Burke from the United States’ Daily News says that: –

“For an argument to make sense, make sure you talk about a couple of analogies. You are entitled to choose diverse social, cultural and political analogies as many people place trust in such areas. For instance, your research problem could be about the rising suspicion of the integrity of the several mobile spying applications in the market.” Burke adds that “search for relating issues in other technologically advanced countries whose family adopt this type of security to ensure the safety of their families. When it comes to writing an editorial, you’re searching for solutions as you realize what other places did to resolve their issues.”

Steps of Writing a Newspaper Editorial

There are several features for writing an editorial essay you will require as an editor to know and have them at the back of your mind.

• An impressing and engaging introduction, which will be accompanied by the body paragraphs and a compelling solution. You will realize that the structure is similar to many other essay types.
• Your interpretation of the issue-at-hand should make sense, through the use of factual or statistical evidence. At this point, have in mind that the complex issues should get more attention.
• Find the most effective news angle and use it appropriately.
• You need to know that the arguments brought forward by the opposing group are totally impartial and objective.
• While you write an editorial essay, make sure that you put across your different perspectives on the topic of discussion and do it in the most formal language.
• Utilize professionalism and criticism while crafting solutions.
• Don’t forget to put down a summary and a persuasive call for action.

Ensure that you read the instructor’s guidelines before you start writing your persuasive essay. Consider factors that you need to develop your work such as the content, formatting and the number of words you are limited to.

Topics for Editorial Essays

Below are some of the best essay subjects you can use to create your own. Additionally, you will find appealing research issues and their respective solutions.

• For Charter Institutions, driving to the right decision is paramoun t

For example: – “Public charter schools are associated with the public schooling program, which sticks to the required standards of learning. These types of institutions should demonstrate high levels of efficiency in all their adopted teaching methods. Any school which does not stick to these aspects should be closed if they do not uphold the required standards. The teachers have the mandate to educated heir students according to the standards set by the United States of America learning system.”

• Reality alternation and development by reality television programs

Example: – “Reality shows aired on television mislead people into losing touch with the reality. Most of the directors try to convince the audience that the problems faced by their characters are the same we face in our day to day lives. They even try to convince the viewers that the consequences face by their characters is far more adverse than those faced in reality. Research conducted by Michigan State University by Dr. Gibson states that long term viewing of such programs brings about specific challenges. One of the challenges is heightened levels of aggression within the people living in the United States. The viewer rating of such programs should be placed at an age that will prevent the adolescent age group from viewing them.”

Other topic designs include:

• Advantages of higher education in the United States.
• Understanding the reasons and consequences of the Subprime crisis.
• Is legalization of marijuana a good move for its soothing effects, or destructive to the brain
• What challenges are likely to be faced with the banning of cigarettes
• A recap of the NBA season: Primary goals, training, prospect, prediction, best-performing players, debate and outcomes.
• Facts proving that gambling is illegal
• The best treatment available for diabetes
• Why is the death penalty legal in my country?

More example samples of persuasive editorial essay topics can be found in the academic writing websites. To create an editorial essay that is captivating and has a logical flow of ideas, you need to adopt a structure that will formulate the backbone of your work.

An Approach You Should Use in Writing a Persuasive Editorial Essay

Identify and pick the preferred topic.

Go ahead and select a debatable social issue and address it from all possible perspectives. Always remember to address a social issue that your target audience will be willing to read through to the end. Brainstorm on the ideas you have and choose one specific topic you are familiar with and can tackle with creativity and accuracy.

Offering Your Opinion

You should be aware that writing an editorial is the same as crafting an argumentative essay. At this point select a debatable, contradictive, and recently discoursed issue, and highlight your stance about it using valid evidence. An excellent tutorial should have both the positive and negative aspects concerning the topic of discussion. As you highlight your stand on the mater, remember not to pay attention to only one side. Looking for professional and editorial services are acceptable in instances you experience difficulty in handling the topic of discussion and writing the essay.

Putting Down the Outline

Having a framework for your editorial essay is vital in ensuring your work is well arranged, with the existence of a logical flow of ideas to make the essay legible and with high levels of professionalism. It is crucial because it helps you not to go off topic and keep to the subject of discussion when as new ideas pop up in the writing process. Your concepts will be well organized and structured to perfection.

Composing the Final Piece of Editorial

First, come up with an argument that is related to your selected topic and craft a headline that will attract the attention of your readers and impress them to read it some more. For instance, including an exclamation mark is a sure way for compelling your readers to look through your work. Use of rhetorical questions is also a way that will engage the reader. For each argument presented, make sure that you support them with valid resources, factual data, and examples. An effective way to achieve this is by highlighting the positive and negative aspects of issues addressed.

Here are some extra pointers to help you in your creation of a persuasive editorial essay: –

• Assimilating facts and figures from reliable online resources or those that are available in the library can be of great help. The resources will be of help in the explanation of your argument to make it credible and concrete.
• The most interesting evidence should be the last to be discussed. By doing this, you can keep your reader hooked to the essay and willing to read it all through.
• Don’t be too passive in the ideas that are not major. Engage your readers and address each point of view clearly and with necessary support offered to make sense out of it.

    Conclusion or Relatable Solutions

The edited piece of your work should have a concrete solution that is founded on constructive criticism. You should still remember you have two perspectives about your issue of concern. For example, if you’re covering the government’s effort to reduce the use of tobacco by applying regulations and rules to govern its use, identify and discuss why this strategy is effective and vital as compared to any other. Also, remember to propose any alternative regulations that can be effective in achieving the desired goal.

How to Start an Editorial: Step-by-Step Guide

The “How to Start an Editorial: Step-by-Step Guide” provides a comprehensive roadmap for crafting persuasive editorials. It covers selecting a relevant topic, conducting research , creating a persuasive thesis, and organizing your thoughts.

Table of Contents

Learn how to start an editorial with a captivating introduction, build a strong case, and polish your work for publication. This guide will aid you in maneuvering through the process, ensuring your editorial resonates with readers and sparks meaningful conversation.

Understanding the Basics of How to Start an Editorial

Understanding the basics of how to start an editorial is essential. This skill helps anyone looking to craft a compelling piece that resonates with readers. An editorial, opinion journalism, presents the writer’s perspective on a specific topic or issue.

The goal of an editorial is not only to inform but also to persuade, engage, and potentially inspire action. To accomplish this, it is essential to comprehend how an editorial should be structured.

Crafting a Compelling Editoria

A well-structured editorial typically consists of four key components: the introduction, the thesis, the body, and the conclusion. Each element plays a vital role in communicating your ideas effectively and persuasively.

Introduction: This is where you grab your reader’s attention and pique their interest in the topic. Start with a strong hook, such as a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or an engaging anecdote. This technique entices readers to continue reading.

Thesis: The thesis is a concise statement of your central argument or opinion. It sets the tone for your editorial and serves as a roadmap for the points you’ll cover throughout the piece.

Body: The body of your editorial is in which you showcase your arguments, evidence, and examination to bolster your thesis. Organize your points logically and coherently, ensuring each paragraph focuses on a single idea or argument. Use concrete examples, facts, and expert opinions to strengthen your case and convince your readers.

Conclusion: In the conclusion, reiterate your thesis and summarize the main points you’ve made in the body. End with a strong closing statement that either calls for action, offers a solution, or poses a thought-stimulating query. This approach helps create a lasting impact on your readers.

By understanding the basic structure of an editorial, you’ll be better equipped to craft a persuasive and engaging piece. Keep these essential components in mind as you embark on your editorial writing journey, and you’ll be well on the path to crafting a compelling and thought-provoking editorial.

How to Start an Editorial: Brainstorming Ideas

When embarking on the journey of writing an editorial, one of the first steps is brainstorming ideas for a compelling and relevant topic. The subject matter should be exciting and provide value to your readers, sparking meaningful conversations and potentially inspiring change. As you brainstorm ideas, consider how to write an editorial title that accurately reflects the content and seizes the interest of your intended audience.

To generate topic ideas, focus on current events, trending issues, or subjects directly impacting your community. Consider the opinions, concerns, and debates surrounding these topics, as they can serve as a rich source of inspiration for your editorial. Make a list of potential subjects , then evaluate each based on relevance, timeliness, and potential impact on readers.

Once you’ve chosen a topic, start thinking about an engaging title that accurately reflects the essence of your editorial. A well-crafted title should be concise, clear, and thought-provoking, enticing readers to explore your piece further. Consider using powerful words, phrases, or questions that evoke emotion or provoke curiosity. Additionally, incorporating keywords related to your topic can help your editorial reach a wider audience through search engines and social media platforms.

As you finalize your title, ensure it aligns with your editorial’s central thesis and overall tone. It’s essential to strike a balance between capturing attention and accurately representing the content within your piece. If your title needs to be more accurate and sensationalized, you risk losing credibility with your readers.

Brainstorming ideas for an editorial involves identifying compelling topics, evaluating their relevance and impact, and crafting a captivating title that precisely represents the substance of your piece. By adhering to these steps, you can develop a robust foundation for your editorial, ensuring it resonates with readers and sparks meaningful conversations.

How to Start an Editorial: Conducting Research

When learning how to start an editorial writing, conducting thorough research is a critical step. Regardless of your chosen topic, gathering accurate information and understanding different perspectives are essential for crafting a well-informed and persuasive editorial . This will enable you to present a strong case for your viewpoint and build credibility with your readers.

Begin your research by identifying reputable sources of information, such as newspapers, academic journals, books, government reports, and expert opinions. These sources can provide valuable insights, facts, and data to support your arguments. Be sure to critically evaluate each source for accuracy, relevance, and credibility, as this will help you build a solid foundation for your editorial.

As you collect information, make note of opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. Addressing these in your editorial demonstrates your understanding of the topic ‘s complexity and showcases your ability to engage in a balanced and thoughtful discussion. This will make your arguments more persuasive and help you establish trust with your readers.

During the research process, you must remain open-minded and willing to adapt your initial ideas or thesis based on the evidence you encounter. This flexibility will lead to a more nuanced and well-rounded editorial.

Organize your research findings clearly and logically, grouping related ideas and evidence together. This will help you identify patterns and connections that can inform the structure of your editorial and enhance the flow of your arguments.

In summary, conducting research is vital to starting an editorial writing process. By gathering accurate information, understanding different perspectives, and organizing your findings, you can build a strong foundation for a persuasive and well-informed editorial that engages and informs your readers.

How to Start an Editorial: Crafting a Clear and Compelling Argument

Understanding how to start an editorial article involves mastering the art of crafting a clear and compelling argument. A persuasive editorial hinges on presenting a solid case for your viewpoint backed by evidence, logic, and an engaging writing style. Following these guidelines allows you to develop an argument that resonates with readers and effectively communicates your perspective.

Mastering the Art of Persuasion

Develop a clear thesis: Your thesis is your editorial’s central idea or argument. It should be a concise and specific statement that reflects your opinion on the topic. Be sure to state your thesis early in your editorial, preferably in the introduction, to set the stage for your argument.

Provide compelling evidence: Support your thesis with well-researched facts, statistics, and expert opinions. Use a variety of credible sources to present a diverse range of evidence that bolsters your argument. Remember to cite your sources to maintain transparency and credibility.

Address counterarguments: Acknowledging opposing viewpoints and addressing counterarguments demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic and strengthens your position. You can further reinforce your argument by debunking or refuting these counterarguments.

Use persuasive language: The language you use in your editorial plays a significant role in swaying your readers. Employ persuasive techniques such as rhetorical questions, anecdotes, and analogies to engage your audience and make your argument more relatable and convincing.

Organize your thoughts logically: Ensure that your argument follows a coherent and orderly framework, with each paragraph concentrating on a singular point or piece of evidence. This will help readers follow your reasoning and make your editorial more coherent and persuasive.

Revise and edit: After writing your initial draft, take the time to revise and edit your editorial. Make certain that your argument is lucid, succinct, and well-supported and that your writing is free of errors and inconsistencies.

When learning how to start an editorial article, crafting a clear and compelling argument is essential. By developing a solid thesis, providing convincing evidence, addressing counterarguments, using persuasive language, and organizing your thoughts logically, you can create a persuasive editorial that engages readers and effectively communicates your viewpoint.

How to Start an Editorial: Structuring Your Editorial

Learning how to write an editorial page requires a solid understanding of the editorial structure, which is crucial in presenting your ideas coherently and persuasively. A well-structured editorial ensures readers can easily follow your reasoning and engage with your argument.

Structuring for Impactful Communication

Here are some essential steps to adhere to when structuring your editorial:

Introduction: Begin your editorial with a captivating introduction that hooks your readers and provides context for your topic. Use a thought-provoking question, an intriguing anecdote, or a surprising fact to grab their attention. Additionally, introduce your thesis statement, which outlines your central argument and sets the stage for the rest of your editorial.

Body Paragraphs: The body of your editorial should be organized into a series of paragraphs, each focusing on a single point or piece of evidence that supports your thesis. Use clear topic sentences to convey the main idea of each paragraph and maintain a logical flow throughout your editorial . Be sure to provide well-researched facts, statistics, and expert opinions to support your claims and address any counterarguments to strengthen your position.

Transition Sentences: Utilize transition sentences between paragraphs to create a smooth flow and maintain continuity in your argument. This will help guide your readers through your editorial and enhance its readability.

Conclusion: Conclude your editorial by summarizing your main points and restating your thesis in a fresh, compelling manner. The conclusion should create a long-lasting impact on your readers by offering a solution, urging action, or posing a thought-provoking question.

Editing and Proofreading: After completing your initial draft, carefully review your editorial for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and redundancies, and refine your language and style to ensure your argument is presented effectively.

By following these steps, you can structure your editorial to effectively communicate your ideas and persuade your readers. Mastering the art of structuring your editorial page is essential in producing an engaging and thought-provoking piece that encourages meaningful dialogue and inspires action.

How to Start an Editorial: Writing a Strong Opening Paragraph

Understanding how to start an editorial letter begins with crafting a solid opening paragraph that captures your reader’s focus and establishes the foundation for your argument. The introduction is a crucial component of your editorial, as it sets the tone and determines whether readers will be engaged enough to continue reading.

Strategies for Captivating Your Audience

Below are some pointers for producing a persuasive opening paragraph:

Use a Captivating Hook: Begin your editorial with a hook that immediately grabs your readers’ interest. his could encompass an astonishing fact, a thought-provoking inquiry, or an emotional anecdote relevant to your topic. A robust hook will pique your audience’s curiosity and encourage them to read further.

Provide Context: After capturing your reader’s attention, provide background information and context about your topic. This will aid your audience in comprehending the importance and relevance of the issue you are addressing. Be concise and avoid overwhelming your readers with too much information at the outset.

State your Thesis: Your thesis statement should be introduced early in your editorial, preferably within the opening paragraph. This statement should clearly articulate your central argument or opinion on the topic. A well-crafted thesis will serve as a roadmap for your readers, guiding them through your editorial and shaping their expectations.

Establish Your Credibility: Briefly highlights your expertise, experience, or other factors qualifying you to write about the topic. Establishing credibility from the outset will help your readers trust your perspective and be more open to your argument.

Engage Your Readers: Use a conversational tone to address your readers directly to create connection and engagement. This will help make your editorial more relatable and accessible, encouraging readers to continue reading and consider your viewpoint.

Writing a solid opening paragraph is essential when learning how to start an editorial letter. Using a captivating hook, providing context, stating your thesis, establishing your credibility, and engaging your readers, you can create an introduction that sets the stage for a persuasive and compelling editorial.

How to Start an Editorial: Adding Supporting Evidence

When learning how to write an editor’s note for a magazine, adding supporting evidence to your editorial is crucial in establishing credibility and persuading your readers. A well-researched and evidence-backed editorial will strengthen your argument and demonstrate your commitment to presenting a balanced and informed perspective.

Enhancing Your Editorial with Supporting Evidence

Here are some tips for incorporating supporting evidence into your editorial:

Use Various Sources: To create a robust argument, gather evidence from multiple reputable sources, such as academic journals, newspapers, government reports, and expert opinions. This will help ensure your editorial is well-rounded and credible, showcasing diverse perspectives and information.

Cite Your Sources: Be transparent about the origins of your evidence by citing your sources. This demonstrates your commitment to accuracy and allows your readers to verify your claims and explore the topic further.

Integrate Evidence Seamlessly: Incorporate your supporting evidence into your editorial naturally and unobtrusively. Employ unambiguous and succinct terminology to articulate your facts, statistics, and expert opinions, ensuring they support and enhance your argument without overwhelming your readers.

Address Counterarguments: Including evidence that addresses counterarguments or opposing viewpoints is essential in creating a balanced and persuasive editorial . By acknowledging and responding to these perspectives, you demonstrate your understanding of the topic’s complexity and further solidify your own argument.

Connect Evidence to Your Thesis: Ensure that each piece of evidence you present directly supports your thesis statement. This will help your readers understand the relevance of your evidence and follow your line of reasoning more easily.

Use Evidence Strategically: Be selective in the evidence you present, focusing on the most compelling and convincing information that supports your argument. Avoid overloading your editorial with excessive details, which may detract from your central message.

Adding supporting evidence is critical to writing an editor’s note for a magazine. By using various sources, citing your evidence, integrating it seamlessly, addressing counterarguments, and connecting your evidence to your thesis, you can create a persuasive and well-informed editorial that effectively communicates your viewpoint and resonates with your readers.

How to Start an Editorial: Wrapping Up with a Powerful Conclusion

Knowing how to write an editorial for a magazine involves mastering the art of crafting a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. The conclusion of your editorial should not only sum up your key arguments and restate your thesis but also provide a sense of closure and inspire further thought or action.

Strategies for Leaving a Lasting Impression

Here are some guidelines for crafting a compelling conclusion:

Reiterate Your Central Argument or Position: Begin your conclusion by restating your thesis statement freshly and engagingly. This will remind your readers of your central argument and reinforce the main message of your editorial.

Summarize Your Main Points: Briefly recaps your editorial’s key points and supporting evidence. This will help your readers remember your most compelling arguments and tie your ideas together cohesively.

Offer a Solution or Recommendation: If appropriate, present a solution or recommendation that addresses the issue or problem discussed in your editorial. This can demonstrate your commitment to positive change and encourage your readers to consider potential solutions.

Call-to-action: Urge your readers to take action or further think or discuss the topic. A solid call to action can inspire your audience to make a difference or explore the issue more deeply.

End with a Memorable Statement or Question: Conclude your editorial with a thought-provoking statement or question that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. This will encourage them to reflect on your argument and consider the broader implications of your editorial.

Maintain Your Tone: Ensure that the tone of your conclusion is consistent with the rest of your editorial. A cohesive tone will help create a sense of unity and polish in your writing.

Wrapping up your editorial with a powerful conclusion is essential in crafting a persuasive and engaging piece. By restating your thesis, summarizing your main points, offering a solution, calling for action, and ending with a memorable statement, you can leave a lasting impression on your readers and encourage them to engage with your ideas long after they have finished reading your magazine editorial.

What should I focus on when brainstorming ideas for an editorial?

Concentrate on current events, trending issues, or subjects that impact your community. Consider opinions, concerns, and debates surrounding these topics for inspiration. Evaluate each idea based on relevance, timeliness, and potential impact on readers.

How can I ensure my research is credible and accurate?

Use reputable sources of information, such as newspapers, academic journals, books, government reports, and expert opinions. Critically evaluate each source for accuracy, relevance, and credibility to build a solid foundation for your editorial.

What should I include in my editorial’s opening paragraph?

Use a captivating hook, provide context, state your thesis, establish credibility, and engage your readers to create a strong and engaging introduction.

What are some tips for writing a powerful conclusion?

Restate your thesis, summarize your main points, offer a solution or recommendation, call to action, end with a memorable statement or question, and maintain your tone to create a compelling and lasting conclusion.

How can I make sure my editorial is well-structured?

Organize your editorial into an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, using clear topic and transition sentences to maintain a logical flow. Ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single point or piece of evidence and that your argument is coherent and persuasive.

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How to Practice Academic Medicine and Publish from Developing Countries? pp 263–266 Cite as

How to Write an Editorial?

• Samiran Nundy 4 ,
• Atul Kakar 5 &
• Zulfiqar A. Bhutta 6  
• Open Access
• First Online: 24 October 2021

43k Accesses

11 Altmetric

An Editorial is defined as an opinion or a view of a member of the editorial board or any senior or reputed faculty written in a journal or newspaper. The statement reflects the opinion of the journal and is considered to be an option maker. If you have been asked to write an editorial it means that you are an expert on that topic. Editorials are generally solicited.

Editorial writers enter after battle and shoot the wounded Neil Goldschmidt, American Businessman and Politician (1940–…)

You have full access to this open access chapter,  Download chapter PDF

1 What Is an Editorial?

2 how is the topic for an editorial chosen.

This is decided by the members of the editorial board and is usually related to important work which is about to be published in the journal. If you are invited to write an editorial on a topic of your choosing you should preferably write one on a general or public health problem that might interest a wide readership [ 1 ].

3 What Should be the Contents of an Editorial?

It has been said that ‘Editors, by and large, are reticent people, with a magnified sense of their own importance. Well, this may hurt some, but before they jump at our throats, let us clarify that we belong there as well’. The editorial should not look like an introduction to an original article or a self-glorifying piece of fiction.

Editorial writing has been compared to a double-edged sword, you can be apolitical and pragmatic but at the same time dogmatic in your views. The majority of editorials provide the readers a balanced view of the problems raised in a particular research paper and place them in a wider context. But there is no harm in going to extremes if the data supports your view. However, you should not mock the paper’s authors [ 2 ].

4 What Is the Basic Information Required for Writing an Editorial?

First, read the paper for which the editorial has been asked again and again. Do a literature search and critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the study. Read about how and why other authors came to similar or different conclusions. Discuss whether or not the findings are important [ 3 ].

An editorial should be brief, about one to two pages long, but it should be powerful. The language should be a combination of good English and good science. The writing can be ‘embellished by language but not drowned in it’. While a good editorial states a view, it does not force the reader to believe it and gives him the liberty to form his own opinion.

5 What Are the Steps Involved in Writing an Editorial?

Choose a topic intelligently.

Have a catchy title.

Declare your stance early.

Build up your argument with data, statistics and quotes from famous persons.

Provide possible solutions to the problem.

Follow a definite structure consisting of an introduction, a body that contains arguments and an end with a tailpiece of a clear conclusion. It should give the reader a chance to ponder over the questions and concerns raised.

6 What Are the Types of Editorial?

Editorials can be classified into four types. They may:

Explain or interpret : Editors use this type of editorial to explain a new policy, a new norm or a new finding.

Criticize: this type of editorial is used to disapprove of any finding or observation.

Persuade: These encourage the reader to adopt new thoughts or ideas.

Praise: These editorials admire the authors for doing something well.

7 What Is the Purpose of an Editorial?

An editorial is a personal message from the editor to the readers. It may be a commentary on a published article or topic of current interest which has not been covered by the journal. Editorials are also written on new developments in medicine. They may also cover non-scientific topics like health policy, law and medicine, violence against doctors, climate change and its effect on health, re-emerging infectious diseases, public interventions for the control of non -communicable diseases and ongoing epidemics or pandemics [ 4 ].

8 What Are the Instructions for Writing Editorials in Major Journals?

Many editorials written by in-house editors or their teams represent the voice of the journal. A few journals allow outside authors to write editorials. The details for these suggested by some of the leading journals are given in Table 26.1 .

9 What Is a Viewpoint?

A Viewpoint is a short article that focuses on some key issues, cutting-edge technology or burning topics or any new developments in the field of medicine. It can be a ‘personal opinion’ or any piece of information, which gives the author’s perspective on a particular issue, supported by the literature. Viewpoints can also be unencumbered by journal policy. The normal length of viewpoints can flexible. The BMJ, for instance, also allows viewpoints to be written by patients.

Viewpoints may share a few common features with commentaries, perspectives and a focus which is a brief, timely piece of information. It is like a ‘spotlight’ that contains information on research funding, policy issues and regulatory issues whereas a commentary is an in-depth analysis of a current matter which can also include educational policy, law besides any other seminal issue.

10 Conclusions

An editorial is written to provide a crisp, concise overview of an original article. It is generally deemed to be an honour to be asked to write an editorial.

One needs to follow the general instructions for writing editorials for a particular journal.

It should have an objective and the flow of ideas should be clear.

Squires BP. Editorials and platform articles: what editors want from authors and peer reviewers. CMAJ. 1989;141:666–7.

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Singh A, Singh S. What is a good editorial? Mens Sana Monogr. 2006;4:14–7.

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Article types at The BMJ. Last accessed on 12th July 2020. Available on https://www.bmj.com/about-bmj/resources-authors/article-types

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Nundy, S., Kakar, A., Bhutta, Z.A. (2022). How to Write an Editorial?. In: How to Practice Academic Medicine and Publish from Developing Countries?. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-5248-6_26

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How To Write An Editorial: Helpful Tips And Guidelines

In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about the editorial essay, including its format, size, and size. You will also get a lot of useful tips and advice from our expert editorial writers. Let’s get started!

Table Of Contents

But what is an editorial, types of editorials, the editorial format, getting a good editorial example, how to make an editorial: tips and advice, writing an editorial: frequently asked questions.

So, what is an editorial? Or, better yet, what is an editorial essay? We will start by explaining what is required of you.

Basically, an editorial is a piece of writing that shares your point of view on a specific issue or event.

Some editorials can try to change a reader’s opinion and persuade him to adopt yours. Others will just present your critical analysis of the subject and let the reader decide what he wants to do next. There are even editorials that praise a person or organization for their involvement in a certain matter.

If you want to become an editorial writer, you need to be able to differentiate between the different types of editorials. There are many types of editorials, so we will just discuss the 4 most popular types:

• The interpretive editorial – discusses an even of an issue in detail and explains it in order to raise awareness on the topic.
• The critical editorial – discusses the main causes of an issue and proposes a solution (also acknowledges other points of view)
• The persuasive editorial – this editorial is aimed directly at the reader and aims to make him adopt the point of view of the author using strong persuasive language.
• The praising editorial – used for praising a person or an organization for their involvement in a certain matter of importance.

It’s now time to discuss the editorial format. Even though there are several editorial formats that you can use, we think that there is a specific structure that works great for all 4 types of editorial articles we have presented above. Here is how you should structure your piece:

• The introduction. Start with a hook and then introduce some background information about the topic.
• The argument. This is where you present your point of view and provide some reasons why your audience should agree with you.
• The evidence. Present the evidence that supports your point of view. Don’t hesitate to use strong arguments, facts and even anecdotes.
• The counterargument. Discuss the opposing points of view, acknowledging them. Be fair and don’t dismiss the opposing arguments yet.
• The refutation. Show your readers why the counterarguments are not relevant or even incorrect.
• The conclusion. Summarize everything, emphasizing your point of view and then wrap it up with a strong call to action (if appropriate).

Did you know that the best way to learn how to write an editorial is to read a great editorial example? While you may be able to find a good editorial article example on the Internet, you will most likely fail to find one that pertains to your topic.

We offer you an example of an editorial written by our professional homework writers . It’s completely free and absolutely original. Enjoy the quality and get the best ideas from this sample.

Opinion Editorial

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses within the United States is expected to increase by 15 percent between 2016 and 2026, and the demand for advanced practice nurses is expected to grow by a shocking 31 percent. At the same time, burnout among nurses is on the rise, with more nurses than ever leaving the workforce after only a few years of service. As the Baby Boomers hit retirement and the rates of chronic disease continue to rise, it is essential to keep more trained nurses in the profession. One way to achieve this goal is through nurse mentorship programs and preceptorship projects, which help nursing students transition to positions as RNs and newly-trained nurse practitioners transition into their new jobs. Programs like these offer the essential support that nurses need as they enter the workforce or advance within the field, making it more likely that they will continue in to pursue the profession for the long-term. However, for many educational and medical institutions, financial barriers are blocking the development and implementation of these programs, so it is time for the government to step in and provide funding through state and federal grants.

As a future Family Nurse Practitioner, I have witnessed the effects of nurse burnout for myself. Many of my colleagues have entered the profession as first-year RNs, excited to finally put their years of schooling to the test in the clinical environment. However, the mental, emotional, and even physical challenges of nursing can become overwhelming, and when the stress becomes too great, they start looking for work elsewhere. Not only does this mean that our institutions of higher education are wasting time and resources educating nurses who only stay around for a year or two, but it is also a problem for the providers and patients who are left behind. As a nurse, it is often easier for me to collaborate effectively with an experienced nurse than one who has just started working. Similarly, patients can benefit from the expertise of a nurse who has years of practice under her belt. However, with such a high rate of turnover, there are fewer and fewer nurses who have significant work experience.

Currently, the US Congress is considering the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act of 2017. Among a variety of provisions, this legislation would provide for grants that support nurse mentorship programs and preceptorship projects that can help registered nurses and nurse practitioners adapt to the hospital setting. Through these programs, nurses can receive support from experienced nurses that can help them better manage the challenges that so often lead to nurse burnout. Mentors and preceptors can also help new nurses and nurse practitioners get their feet under them more quickly so that they can make the most of their training from the very start of their careers. In 2017, identical bills funding such programs were introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, but they are stuck in committee and have not been brought to the floor for a vote. Therefore, I encourage Connecticut citizens to call their representatives in the Senate and House and call for them to move this legislation forward. I also urge lawmakers in the Connecticut General Assembly to take up similar legislation at the state level, in the event that the federal legislation is not passed.

More than ever, we need high-quality healthcare in the United States, but the size of our nursing workforce is on the decline, and institutions lack the funds they need to implement programs that can effectively support nurse retention. This serious issue requires a concrete policy solution. I hope you will join me to call for state and federal funding for nurse mentorship and preceptorship programs at institutions in Connecticut and around the country.

Newspaper name: Hartford Courant.

Now that we’ve discussed the format of an editorial and pointed you in the right direction, it’s time to take a look at a few tips and advice. If you want to become a better editorial writer, the following tips and advice should help you significantly.

The most important thing you need to keep in mind when writing editorials is that you need to take a firm position on the topic you choose as the subject. Even though you have to also discuss the opposing views, you must make it clear that the other view is incorrect and explain why. However, you must make sure you support your statements with data and information from reliable sources.

Also, keep in mind that you need to explain the issues you are discussing in great detail and that you should critically analyze all the points of view. You should also seriously consider taking one or more interviews from relevant people.

It is important to come up with new ideas in your editorial article. Every time you add something new to the discussion, your editorial becomes more interesting and potentially more engaging. Be confident in your point of view and your ideas and your readers will start to trust you.

Finally, your editorial should provide a solution to the issue you are discussing. You must come up with something tangible so that your audience can take action. If you want to learn how to make an editorial, keep in mind that is not an article where all you do is complain about something.

If you don’t know how to start an editorial, you should definitely take a look at some editorials written by renowned authors and publications. For example, here are some editorial articles that we have absolutely loved:

• The Guardian view on sick pay: a system unfit for purpose (The Guardian, February 6, 2022)
• The Observer view on Britain’s growing cost of living crisis (The Observer, February 6, 2022)
• Jeffery Gerritt: From Detroit to Pittsburgh, the long way around (Jeffery Gerritt, December 16, 2021)
• Editorial: The 1980s crack epidemic was a fork in the road. America chose racism and prisons over public health (Robert Greene, June 10, 2020)
• A Whitewashed Monument to Women’s Suffrage (Brent Staples, May 14, 2019)
• Editorial Observer; When Dogs Are More Important Than People (Brent Staples, September 10, 2000)

Get Assistance From Our Best Writers

If you are struggling with writing your editorial article, we would recommend you to get some assistance. Our expert writers enjoy doing homework for money and helping you get rid of all those troubles. They can finish an editorial piece in as little as 3 hours, so you can sit back and relax while our experts handle your assignment.

Also, we are the company to get in touch with if you need reliable homework help. Remember, all our ENL (English as a native language) writers have more than enough experience to write any essay or research paper for any class. Over the years, we have helped thousands of high school, college and university students with their assignments.

We are a trustworthy academic writing company that provides every student with custom content based on their needs. This means that your professor will never be able to accuse you of anything because our editorials and papers are all one hundred percent original – written from scratch. Because we work 100% online, we are able to cut costs and pass the savings on to you.

What are you waiting for? Tell us what you need, pay using one of our secure methods and an expert will write you an editorial worthy of an A+ in no time!

We realize that writing an editorial might be more difficult than you think. Even though we have done our best to provide you with all the necessary information, you probably still have some questions. This is why we will answer the most common questions we have received from students below:

Q: OK, but how long should an editorial be?

A: Truth be told, there usually is no limit on how long your editorial article can be. However, it is generally accepted that an editorial should fit between 500 and 1000 words. And of course, your teachers may set a number of minimum or maximum words.

Q: What is the hook in an editorial?

A: If you are preparing to write an editorial, you have probably encountered the word “hook” in various guides. The hook is basically a part of the introduction that must captivate the attention of your reader and keep him reading. It can be a question, a quote, or even a personal recollection.

Q: Can you tell me how to become a better editorial writer?

A: Well, learning how to write a newspaper editorial is one way. However, you need to practice. After all, practice makes perfect. After writing 10 or more editorial articles, writing another one will be a piece of cake. If you have a place where you can publish them (like a blog or a social media account), you can even make some money from the traffic you’ll get.

Q: Are there any directions for writing a counterargument you can share?

A: Basically, the counterargument section is where you acknowledge the opposing points of view. Make sure you are objective in the counterargument section, even when you don’t agree. If you have to refute the counterargument, base your statements on authoritative sources of information, not on your own vanity. Also, remember to be respectful of other people’s opinions.

Q: Does a good editorial need to be an opinion maker?

A: Not necessarily. Many excellent editorials are interpretative or praising editorials. They are not persuading people to adopt a specific point of view, so they cannot be considered opinion makers. A good editorial is one that presents the facts and your critical thinking as eloquently as possible and in an easy to follow manner.

Q: Isn’t the editorial the same thing as a persuasive essay?

A: Even though many editorials are persuasive in nature, there are differences between the persuasive essay and the editorial article. First, the editorial can’t be written just based on impersonal research, like the persuasive essay. In many cases, editorials are also shorter than persuasive essays. And let’s not forget that the scope of the editorial is to analyze all points of view on a specific matter, without persuading the reader to adopt the point of view of the author.

Remember, if you have a question that is not in this list, don’t hesitate to contact our experts. They are here to help.

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Sample Essays

The breadth of Georgetown’s core curriculum means that students are required to write for a wide variety of academic disciplines. Below, we provide some student samples that exhibit the key features the most popular genres. When reading through these essays, we recommend paying attention to their 

1. Structure (How many paragraphs are there? Does the author use headers?) 

2. Argument (Is the author pointing out a problem, and/or proposing a solution?) 

3. Content (Does the argument principally rely on facts, theory, or logic?) and 

4. Style (Does the writer use first person? What is the relationship with the audience?)

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History Paper

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What Is A Good Editorial?

What are the qualities that distinguish a good editorial? Are there certain essential attributes? What should a good editorial do to a reader, and what not?

These are some crucial questions that every editor, editorial board member, journal and its policy makers should decide for themselves and their respective publications. To that extent it is individual, and some may consider it the internal matter of the publication. However, a broad consensus on certain essential parameters maybe desirable, even essential, if the individual has also to be a significant part of the wider knowledge corpus which all editorials pooled together represent.

We wonder if ever an exercise to publish all editorials of a certain publication has been undertaken, say over a five or ten year period. Or for that matter, say hundred editorials from hundred different editors. It may make for fascinating reading. We hope some smart publisher is reading this. It is possible editorials of one editor may have been compiled and published in book form. That itself is not uninteresting. But the flavour of different edits by different authors is, well, in a class by itself. Wonder if it has been attempted ever?

Of course we know why it may not have been done. Editors, by and large, are reticent people, with a magnified sense of their own importance. Well, this may hurt some, but before they jump at our throats, let us clarify that we belong there as well (The group of editors, reticent, and pompous.). Hence, they may be willing to publish a book of their own edits, but maybe averse to a book with multiple editors as co-authors. Maybe some smart publisher should manage it. He will make his bucks, for sure. And the readers, including fellow editors, will hugely enjoy the fare offered, as they savour the stuff that goes into edit writing. And a second important service will be to help deflate some editorial egos, much in need of puncturing, as so many readers would vouch for.

Enough of that for the present, for we must concentrate on the questions raised at the beginning of this essay. And we hope fellow editors can take some ego puncturing sportingly. Are they not doing it to their writers all the time? It helps to get to the other side of the fence on occasions. Never mind, for those who feel sour faced, there is solace. Their position in the periodical will ensure their ego builds up with some speed once again.

Opinion Maker, Reconciliatory, Balanced and Crusading

The very first criterion is that a good editorial is an opinion maker. If it is based on evidence, so much the better. But it analyses evidence rather than produces it. Of course what it analyses can be the basis of the production of new evidence. But it is more like the ‘Results and Discussion’ that follow ‘Materials and Method’ in a research paper in so far as it is an objective analysis. However, it goes beyond an analysis. It must necessarily also express an opinion. It must attempt to critically analyse and sift from the various opinions, analyses and evidences floating around. It must present a refreshing perspective on an issue so as to retain balance when writings get opinionated; and/or stir up the crotchety and crusty when scientific/creative stupor sets in. Moreover, a good editorial is contemporary without being populist. It tackles recent events and issues, and attempts to formulate viewpoints based on an objective analysis of happenings and conflicting/contrary opinions.

An editorial is predominantly about balance. But that does not prevent it from occasionally stirring things up, when such is the need. Hence a hard-hitting editorial is as legitimate as a balanced equipoise that reconciles apparently conflicting positions and controversial posturings, whether amongst politicians (in news papers), or amongst researchers (in academic journals).

All said and done, the element of balance can never be lost. For that, it certainly helps if an editor is a balanced individual by temperament as well. However, let it not mean that balance in temperament excludes crusading zeal. Most editors of some merit have the latter in reasonable quantity, although they may play it down, or publicly make a mockery of it, since it is the in thing to do (the mockery, not the crusading). Moreover, denial can be a strong defense mechanism, as much in editors as in the rest of humanity.

Make no mistake about it. Forget the loud protestation to the contrary. Scratch the surface of any good editor who enjoys his job, and a crusader will shine through.

To sum up, a good editorial is either one or more of the following: it is an opinion maker, it is reconciliatory between contrary viewpoints or standpoints, it is balanced in its analysis of evidence and events, and it is, manifest or otherwise, crusading in its thrust.

The Language

An editorial is traditionally written in a literary style. While it is difficult to define what a literary style is, let us say it is one in which thought is well clothed in language. So well that an editorial may make for a literary piece in literature, aside and apart from its factual or scientific content. However, having said that, it must be noted that an editorial is not only a literary piece. It must also express a firm and balanced opinion on something, an opinion that clarifies the muddle into which committed writers and researchers may lead the reader. At no stage must the language overshadow the thought, however. That is a subtle distinction to maintain. The thought may be embellished by language, not drowned in it. It is very much like a beautiful lady in an equally beautiful dress. Her beauty must be accentuated by the dress. She should not get drowned, or over shadowed, by it, for then the whole exercise is counterproductive. Like when a model becomes just a peg to drape a dress on. That is a distinct danger a good editorial writer must beware of. But, even if it be so, we may note that an editor with a literary flair can make even a humdrum issue vibrate with his unique touch.

In sum, then, language is an important accessory, but never the main thing.

The After Taste

Like the dessert after a good meal leaves an, in fact decides the, after taste, a good editorial must also be careful to leave a good after taste. This is one in which the reader is held to the piece and retains his interest right till the end. So the piece has to be sufficiently brief to hold his attention, and equally entertaining to hold his attention so that the wholesome is imbibed. It must be such that the reader feels enlightened, or empowered, or helped in forming his own opinion on an issue. While a good editorial expresses an opinion, it does not force it down the throat of the reader. It is subtle enough to appeal to the good sense of the knowledgeable reader without forcing him to toe its line. This is its real test.

The feeling after a good editorial is done with is one of profundity. It is of being in the presence of an enlightened being. It is of feeling ennobled and charged to do something worthwhile, or feel reconciled from a knotty or vexing thought process. It must, moreover, want you to give it a second read. Like wanting a second helping of a good dessert. And want to read further editorials by the same author. Like wanting ones favourite dessert after a meal.

A good editorial should express an opinion without being opinionated. It should teach without being pedagogic. It should transform without being evangelical. It should engulf without drowning. It should motivate to action without making you dictatorial. It should enlighten without getting you dogmatic, prejudiced and egotistical.

The last, and probably most important, a good editorial should be brief.

An article about a good editorial should also, if possible, be brief.

We hope this was.

CITATION: Singh A. and Singh S. (2006), What Is A Good Editorial? (Editorial). In: What Medicine Means To Me (Ajai R. Singh, Shakuntala A. Singh Eds.), MSM, III:6, IV:1-4, p14-17.

Editorial Writing Examples

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Editorial writing is a style that can be hard to explain as it is 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. 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.

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Reality T.V. 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. 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.

Editorial Structure

Regardless of the point of view or length of the editorial, there is a preferred structure for writing one.

• Introduction: State your topic up front, explain its history, and affirm why it is 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.

Helpful Hints

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.
• Avoid using first person syntax. Using the word 'I' can weaken the impact of your statements.
• Keep on topic and avoid rambling.
• 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.

More Editorial Writing Examples

Editorials generally 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.

• Additional editorial examples can be found on websites for most major publications including The New York Times , The Washington Post and The Boston Globe .
• See TheOpEdProject.org for a list of additional publications that include editorial sections, along with their submission guidelines.

Opinions Matter

Everyone has an opinion and a right to express it. Even those who are not publication editors can still state views in most 'Letters to the Editor' sections. Sharing opinions with a factual basis can inspire others to take action on issues of greater societal concern.

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12 Best Editorial Writing Topics With Examples (2024)

Editorial content writing aims to inform or educate readers. Discover relevant editorial writing topics you can use, plus examples to help you in writing.

Editorials let writers share their points of view on different topics. It’s an opinion piece where you must research and find relevant facts that establish your credibility and demonstrate your writing skills. You might use editorial writing as a journalist; in that case, these best journalism tips will get you started! Keep reading to see our editorial writing topics to launch your career.

What Type of Writing is an Editorial?

What is an editorial opinion piece, 1. science and health, 2. environmental challenges, 3. social media and social networking, 4. devices and technology, 5. finances and the economy, 6. sports and entertainment, 7. significant past events, 8. social issues, 9. controversial topics, 10. current events, 11. “future of” editorials, 12. versus editorials, what are some essential rules for writing an editorial, what is the difference between an editorial and a blog post.

Editorial content writing is the opposite of content made to sell products. Instead, this type of writing is focused on entertaining, educating, or informing readers. It’s all to attract them to want to know your business further. With consistency, you improve your engagement and lay the foundation for a target audience loyal to your content.

Opinion pieces, as their name suggests, are articles published in periodicals, magazines, and newspapers presenting the writers’ opinions on a specific topic. These pieces can be signed or unassigned by the writer and are produced to offer readers a wide range of views about the subject. Below are interesting editorial topics you can use.

Editorials about science and health are usually selected by professionals who want to share their reviews or opinions on a specific subject in their specialized field. They help the readers understand natural phenomena, new products or technology related to science, research studies or methods, and claims made by fellow professionals, companies, or organizations.

Some examples are:

• The Sudden Outbreak of Swine Flu
• Bioterrorism and Its Effects on a Country
• Science in a Time of Crisis: Communication, Engagement and the Lived Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Junk Foods’ Negative Impacts on Children’s Growth
• Quick Meals and How They Contribute to Obesity in the US

Editorial writers for this topic must know how these challenges work and affect society. These environmental issues coax the readers to take the problems tackled in these pieces more seriously as they identify threats to humans and our ecosystems with reliable research and data.

• Tackling Our Biggest Environmental Challenges
• Global Warming, Climate Change, and Their Effects on People and Animals
• The Positive Impacts of Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
• How Oil Spills Destroy Bodies of Water
• Should We Decrease Companies’ Carbon Credits ?

Because social networking sites only became prevalent post-2004, research regarding their adverse consequences has yet to be thoroughly scoured. Additionally, brainstorming about editorials on social media is easier for the younger generations since they’ve been exposed to it for longer and have first-hand experience with its effects.

• The Different Pressures of Social Media
• Do We Need Stricter Cyber Crime Laws?
• Reality Shows and How They Alter Teenager’s View of the Real World

Editorials on technology often link devices and their influence on a group, usually students or employees who operate these devices in their daily activities. Pieces about this topic delve into the contributions and drawbacks of technology regarding convenience, innovation, and well-being.

• Why Technology Can Be a Catalyst for Social Good
• The Ethical Issues Concerning Nanotechnology
• The Risks of Giving Toddlers Phones
• General Data Protection Regulation: Are You Protected Enough?

Finances and the economy are always relevant subjects, and topics linked to them never run out. Therefore, many editorial pieces are prompted by constant analysis of economic trends, issues, and practices within a county, country, and globally. Editorial articles also explain how ripple effects affect an individual’s wealth.

• The Big Quit: Why Millenials Are Tired of Working
• Economic Recession and Its Effects
• Saving the Economy or Saving Lives: An Unnecessary Choice
• Causes of the Subprime Mortgage Crisis

If you’re writing for your school newspaper, see these excellent examples of newspaper headlines .

This topic highlights lifestyle, media updates, and game news reports. Sports can also focus on a coach, team, or player’s profile, where the editorial writer comments and analyzes their style and gameplay. It can also brush other sports subjects, such as the Iran football team who refused to sing their national anthem amidst the Mahsa Amini protests .

• Is Qatar the Right Host for the FIFA World Cup ?
• What To Know About the Latest NBA Season
• What Went Wrong With Rambo: The Video Game ?
• Steroids and Doping for Sports
• Habits: A Pandemic of Lost Routines

Middle and high school students find this topic more manageable to discuss since the information they need is already available. The editorial writer can examine a subject they relate with, like their ethnicity or personal experiences, to make the piece more compelling. They can also probe extreme historical events and reflect on their ongoing effects on current times.

• The Boston Tea Party of 1997
• A Glimpse of the Past: A Look at Black History

An unsigned editorial relays a newspaper’s stand on a social issue in a professional setting. The piece scrutinizes the social problems and shares most of the editorial board’s opinion on such matters. These social issues depend on various factors, such as pending cases, laws, and politics, that impact many people in a society.

• The Necessity of College Schooling
• Legal Recognition of Same-sex Marriage Should Proceed
• Capital Punishment Be Mandatory in All States
• Pardoning Student Loan: Is It Fair?

Controversial topics are subjects that rouse arguments and stir clashing groups who disapprove of another’s mindset. These themes spark debate among opposing parties with strong views, biases, or prejudices.

An editorial reveals both of the parties’ viewpoints and remains objective. It presents facts pertinent to the topic, such as why a partaker dramatically insists on or resists changes or if any participants are open to negotiations.

• Legalization of Marijuana: What Comes Next?
• Should Students Grade Their Teachers?
• What Follows Roe v Wade: It Doesn’t Stop Here

Journalists and other professional writers must keep up to speed to tackle current events and deliver fresh news. Readers are encouraged to read the most recent stories that pique their interest. Editorials that use current events intend to attract attention and keep the audience up-to-date on the latest affairs worldwide.

• The Victory of New Government Candidates
• The Russian and Ukrainian War
• Are You a Victim of Voter Fraud?

Here’s a tip, when there’s little happening in your field, check out these newspaper column ideas to be inspired on what to write next.

A good editorial knows how to keep its readers curious by opening a discussion regarding thought-provoking issues and posing possibilities. These editorials aim to educate and persuade readers to do something in support of or against the topic with facts and data.

• Future of Organic Food
• Future for Printed Journals
• Future of Smartphones
• Our Future is Uncertain and Stressful

Versus editorials compare and contrast two conflicting themes or ideas and expound on why they are opposed. If you’re wondering, an op-ed is not the same as an editorial. An op-ed is usually placed opposite the editorial and written by an individual not affiliated with the editorial team or the newspaper. Some examples of this are:

• ‘Faith vs. Fact:’ Why Religion and Science Are Mutually Incompatible
• Darwinism vs. Creationism
• Healthcare in Denmark vs. Healthcare in the US

FAQs About Editorial Writing Topics

Editorials are not meant to advertise anything. They are pieces that state the writer’s objective opinion based on evidence and in-depth research. An editorial must analyze the topic with supporting facts from unbiased sources and either inform, persuade, criticize, or praise. It should also be entertaining to read.

The main difference between blogs and editorials is their reliance on facts and research. If blogs let writers share their personal beliefs, editorials offer expert opinions. Additionally, blogs adopt a casual tone and avoid jargon, whereas editorials have a more professional style to convince readers of the pieces’ credibility.

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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NPR editor's bombshell essay causing 'turmoil' at liberal outlet: Report

The bombshell essay penned by veteran NPR editor Uri Berliner this week is reportedly causing "turmoil" at his news organization. 

Berliner made waves on Tuesday for calling out the liberal groupthink that has plagued NPR's newsroom, pointing to their mishandling of Russiagate, the Hunter Biden laptop, the COVID lab leak theory and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as examples of its left-wing bias while prioritizing racial diversity over ideological diversity. 

On Thursday, The New York Times detailed the "internal tumult" that has erupted among Berliner's colleagues and NPR leadership. 

NPR EDITOR KNOCKS OUTLET'S ‘TROUBLING’ AVOIDANCE OF GROWING ANTISEMITISM FOLLOWING OCT. 7

According to their report, the essay was brought up at what was described as a "long-scheduled meet-and-greet" with the hosts of NPR's biggest shows on Wednesday, where NPR editor-in-chief Edith Chapin reportedly said she did not want Berliner to become a "martyr."

"Mr. Berliner’s essay also sent critical Slack messages whizzing through some of the same employee affinity groups focused on racial and sexual identity that he cited in his essay. In one group, several staff members disputed Mr. Berliner’s points about a lack of ideological diversity and said efforts to recruit more people of color would make NPR’s journalism better," The Times said. 

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

NPR RELIED ON ‘EVER-PRESENT MUSE' ADAM SCHIFF DURING RUSSIAGATE TO ‘DAMAGE’ TRUMP, EDITOR SAYS

A producer of NPR's "Morning Edition" reportedly rejected Berliner's case about why NPR's audience has dwindled in recent years, insisting a "variety of factors" contributed to it.

NPR managing editor of standards and practices Tony Cavin disputed Berliner's bias assertions and claimed the essay will likely make it more difficult for NPR journalists to do their jobs.

"The next time one of our people calls up a Republican congressman or something and tries to get an answer from them, they may well say, ‘Oh, I read these stories, you guys aren’t fair, so I’m not going to talk to you,’" Cavin told The Times.

Others took to social media to weigh in on Berliner's essay. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans slammed the "terrible" piece on X and swiped at Berliner for not seeking comment from NPR before being published in The Free Press. 

NPR correspondent Brian Mann, who described himself as an "aging rural White man," said he "felt welcome, supported, heard and respected by my colleagues" despite Berliner's criticism of the racial diversity push. 

Meanwhile, former NPR ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin said Berliner was "not wrong," while former NPR managing editor Chuck Holmes commended Berliner's "brave" essay on Facebook. 

NPR'S ‘OBSESSION’ WITH DEI, DIVERSITY ‘TRACKING SYSTEM’ SCRUTINIZED FOLLOWING VETERAN EDITOR'S BOMBSHELL ESSAY  

Berliner told The Times that while he hasn't been disciplined, he "received a note from his supervisor reminding him that NPR requires employees to clear speaking appearances and media requests with standards and media relations." The Times noted that Berliner said he did not run the remarks he told the paper by NPR. 

NPR did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital 's request for comment. 

Berliner's stunning critique of his employer laid out jarring allegations against the outlet, particularly the anti-Trump stance he said it embraced after 2016.

"As in many newsrooms, [former President Trump's] election in 2016 was greeted at NPR with a mixture of disbelief, anger, and despair… But what began as tough, straightforward coverage of a belligerent, truth-impaired president veered toward efforts to damage or topple Trump’s presidency," Berliner wrote . 

The editor knocked NPR for allowing Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., to be an "ever-present muse" during Russiagate and said he "listened as one of NPR’s best and most fair-minded journalists said it was good we weren’t following the [Hunter Biden] laptop story because it could help Trump." 

He also took aim at how NPR made diversity its "North Star" while pointing out that 87 of its editors were registered Democrats while zero were Republicans.

Chapin sent a memo to staff Tuesday saying she and her leadership team colleagues "strongly disagree" with Berliner's essay and are "proud to stand behind the exceptional work" of their journalists.

Original article source: NPR editor's bombshell essay causing 'turmoil' at liberal outlet: Report

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Opinion | NPR suspends an editor for his essay blasting … NPR

The firestorm caused by uri berliner’s critical essay in the free press continues to rage.

When a senior editor at NPR recently wrote a 3,500-word essay for another outlet, blasting where he works and saying that NPR had “lost America’s trust,” my first thought, quite frankly, was, “ … and he still works there?”

Well, it was learned on Tuesday that the editor in question, Uri Berliner, is currently serving a five-day suspension without pay. NPR media writer David Folkenflik reported the suspension began last week. Folkenflik wrote, “In presenting Berliner’s suspension Thursday afternoon, the organization told the editor he had failed to secure its approval for outside work for other news outlets, as is required of NPR journalists. It called the letter a ‘final warning,’ saying Berliner would be fired if he violated NPR’s policy again. Berliner is a dues-paying member of NPR’s newsroom union but says he is not appealing the punishment.”

Berliner, who has been at NPR for 25 years, wrote his scathing essay for the online news site The Free Press, a publication on Substack. Folkenflik described The Free Press as a “site that has become a haven for journalists who believe that mainstream media outlets have become too liberal.”

The suspension does not mean the firestorm created by Berliner’s essay has been suppressed. Folkenflik wrote, “Yet the public radio network is grappling in other ways with the fallout from Berliner’s essay for the online news site The Free Press. It angered many of his colleagues, led NPR leaders to announce monthly internal reviews of the network’s coverage, and gave fresh ammunition to conservative and partisan Republican critics of NPR, including former President Donald Trump.”

The New York Times’ Benjamin Mullin wrote , “After Mr. Berliner’s essay was published, NPR’s new chief executive, Katherine Maher, came under renewed scrutiny as conservative activists resurfaced a series of years-old social media posts criticizing former President Donald J. Trump and embracing progressive causes. One of the activists, Christopher Rufo, has pressured media organizations into covering controversies involving influential figures, such as the plagiarism allegations against Claudine Gay, the former Harvard president.”

Maher was not at NPR at the time of her posts and, furthermore, the CEO has no involvement in editorial decisions at the network.

But Berliner told Folkenflik in an interview on Monday, “We’re looking for a leader right now who’s going to be unifying and bring more people into the tent and have a broader perspective on, sort of, what America is all about. And this seems to be the opposite of that.”

In a statement earlier this week, Maher said, “In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen. What matters is NPR’s work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public. NPR is independent, beholden to no party, and without commercial interests.”

As far as Berliner’s essay, many, particularly inside NPR, are pushing back against his various assertions, including that NPR has a liberal bias.

Mullin wrote for the Times, “Several NPR employees have urged the network’s leaders to more forcefully renounce Mr. Berliner’s claims in his essay. Edith Chapin, NPR’s top editor, said in a statement last week that managers ‘strongly disagree with Uri’s assessment of the quality of our journalism,’ adding that the network was ‘proud to stand behind’ its work.”

Tony Cavin, NPR’s managing editor for standards and practices, pushed back against specific claims made by Berliner and told the Times, “To somehow think that we were driven by politics is both wrong and unfair.”

NPR TV critic Eric Deggans tweeted , “Many things wrong w/terrible Berliner column on NPR, including not observing basic fairness. Didn’t seek comment from NPR before publishing. Didn’t mention many things which could detract from his conclusions. Set up staffers of color as scapegoats.”

So what happens now? Will Berliner be in further trouble for criticizing the CEO in an interview with Folkenflik, his NPR colleague?

Berliner told Folkenflik, “Talking to an NPR journalist and being fired for that would be extraordinary, I think.”

I urge you to check out Folkenflik’s piece for all the details. And, by the way, kudos to Folkenflik for his strong reporting on his own newsroom.

CNN’s response

In Tuesday’s newsletter , I wrote how “King Charles” — the limited series featuring Gayle King and Charles Barkley — has ended after 14 shows. I wrote that the network had “pulled the plug” on the show.

CNN said that description was inaccurate and that I was wrong in framing it the way I did.

While I did say that CNN announced from the beginning that the show was a limited series, I also wrote that the show reached its ending “a little ahead of time.” The network, however, said it was clear all along that the show was scheduled to end in the spring, that it is spring right now, and the show was not canceled early.

A CNN spokesperson told me, “‘King Charles’ has come to the end of its limited run, as we announced when it launched last fall that it would run through spring. The show was a great addition to CNN’s lineup, with the youngest, most affluent, and most diverse P2+ audience in its cable news time period and brought new audiences to CNN. It’s inaccurate to report that the show was canceled as it went through its full run and duration of the limited series. We hope to work with both of these incredible talents in the future as they balance their very busy schedules.”

With the NBA playoffs about to begin, Barkley is about to head into extra duty at his main job as studio analyst for TNT’s “Inside the NBA.”

The show’s average viewership was under a half million and lagged behind competitors Fox News and MSNBC, but CNN said it was pleased that the King-Barkley broadcast brought new audiences to CNN. It pointed to this statistic from Nielsen via Npower that said 43% of the “King Charles” audience was nonwhite, compared to 7% for Fox News and 27% for MSNBC during that Wednesday at 10 p.m. Eastern hour.

Smartmatic and OAN settle suit

Smartmatic, the voting technology company, and One America News, the far-right TV network, have settled their lawsuit. Smartmatic was suing OAN, claiming the network lied that the company rigged the 2020 election in favor of Joe Biden and against Donald Trump.

Neither side disclosed the terms of the settlement.

Smartmatic still has pending lawsuits against Fox News and Newsmax. And OAN is still facing a defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems. That’s the company that Fox News settled with out of court a year ago by agreeing to pay Dominion a whopping $787.5 million.

Missing at the Masters

According to Sports TV Ratings , Sunday’s final round of The Masters golf tournament on CBS averaged 9.58 million viewers, which was down 20% from last year’s final round, which averaged 12.05 million. This shouldn’t be a surprise. This year’s final round lacked drama, with winner Scottie Scheffler pretty much in control throughout the day.

Sports Media Watch’s Jon Lewis noted that in the past three decades, only COVID-era Masters in 2020 (5.64 million) and 2021 (9.54 million) had fewer viewers. Those were the least-viewed Masters since 1993.

But Lewis also points out, “As one would expect, the final round of the Masters still ranks as the most-watched golf telecast and one of the most-watched sporting events of the past year — placing ahead of four of five World Series games and every Daytona 500 since 2017. It also goes without saying that the Masters dominated all other weekend sporting events.”

Just for fun, however, I will mention that the 9.58 million was nowhere near the number of viewers (18.7 million) that watched the NCAA women’s college basketball final between South Carolina and Iowa (and star Caitlin Clark) one week earlier on a Sunday afternoon.

Other media notes, tidbits and interesting links …

• Speaking of Clark, Tom Kludt writes for Vanity Fair: “Behind the Scenes With Caitlin Clark on WNBA Draft Day: ‘I Definitely Know There’s Eyeballs on Me.’”
• Axios’ Sara Fischer with “Dozens of Alden newspapers run coordinated editorials slamming Google.”
• For the Los Angeles Times, Greg Braxton and Carolyn Cole with “What ‘Civil War’ gets right and wrong about photojournalism, according to a Pulitzer Prize winner.”
• For The Washington Post, Dave Barry, Angela Garbes, Melissa Fay Greene, John Grogan and Charles Yu with “How does the election feel around the country? 5 writers capture the vibe.” Barry, as always looking at things a bit differently, writes, “Greetings from the Sunshine State! The mood down here, as we anticipate the 2024 presidential election, is one of hopefulness. Specifically, we’re hoping that a large, previously undetected meteor will strike the planet before November.”
• For NPR and “Morning Edition,” Elizabeth Blair with “50 years ago, ‘Come and Get Your Love’ put Native culture on the bandstand.”

More resources for journalists

• Thursday webinar : Covering transgender issues with authority and accuracy.
• Applications for Poynter Producer Project close on Friday!
• Reporter’s Toolkit gives you the tools to succeed early in your career. Apply by April 28.
• Delve more deeply into your editing skills with Poynter ACES Intermediate Certificate in Editing .

Have feedback or a tip? Email Poynter senior media writer Tom Jones at [email protected] .

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Opinion | Journalists at Columbia are leading the coverage of their campus

The Columbia Daily Spectator has expertly documented tense protests over the Israel-Hamas war inside and outside the campus.

Q&A: Mina Kimes on her run from acclaimed sportswriter to Emmy-nominated NFL Analyst

The ESPN star explains how she got over her fears (and the trolls) to get better at discussing the sport she loves

No, Morton Salt and other table salts do not contain sand and glass

Excessive consumption of salt can cause hypertension because of the sodium it contains — not because of glass in the salt

Opinion | Everyday sexism has no place in sports journalism

The conversation around Gregg Doyel’s comments to Caitlin Clark failed to address larger, systemic issues that could lead to better journalism

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