Have you ever been a print media worker? If so, chances are editorial article is no longer a foreign term to your ears. Generally, editorial articles are written to represent a group's views on an issue and as such, often do not include a byline or the name of the author. Like lawyers, editorial article writers must be able to build arguments to lead readers to agree with their point of view on various current issues. In short, editorial articles are impure opinions because they are packaged in the form of news and also prioritize factual information.
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Method 1 of 2: Understanding Editorial Articles
Step 1. Choose the topic and point of view of the article
In fact, editorial articles aim to influence public opinion, encourage people to think critically, and sometimes, encourage people to take certain actions related to the issues raised. That's why, the topic or issue that is the focus of your article should be new, interesting, and purposeful. In general, there are four types of editorial articles, namely those that aim to:
- Explaining or interpreting: This format is used to explain how and why a media takes a certain attitude towards a controversial subject.
- Criticize: This format is used to criticize an action or decision made by a party, with the aim of offering a better solution. Specifically, the focus of this article is to show readers that there is a bigger problem they need to be aware of.
- Persuasive: This format is used to encourage the reader to take a certain action. In particular, this article focuses on solutions rather than problems.
- Compliment: This format is used to show your support for a person or an organization whose actions are important or useful.
Step 2. Include factual information
Basically, editorial articles are a mixture of fact and opinion; not only the opinion of the author, but also the opinion of all members of the organization or community. In addition, editorial articles must also include objective and factual research results and reports.
Ideally, a quality editorial article should contain at least one “recent,” or what might be described as “fresh and original observations.” Therefore, feel free to dig up facts from a variety of different sources, identify patterns, analyze consequences, and discover gaps in the current analysis
Step 3. Create articles that are “friendly” to readers
Generally, editorial articles should not be too long, but should be able to capture an issue as a whole and grab the reader's attention. Therefore, make sure your article is not too long and convoluted, but at the same time, make sure the reader is able to understand the issues raised as a whole and thoroughly. For the same reason, make sure the topics you cover are not so exclusive that they reach a wider audience.
- Ideally, your editorial article should be 600-800 words long. If it's longer, you're more likely to lose readers, especially since articles that are short but sharp and interesting are actually much more interesting to read than articles that are too long and convoluted.
- Eliminate overly complex jargon or technical terms. The purpose of readers reading your article is to obtain information that is certainly easy for them to understand. That is why, the use of technical terms or jargon that is too specific must be eliminated so that the reader does not leave because your article is too difficult to understand. Use the most common and simple diction!
Method 2 of 2: Writing Editorial Articles
Step 1. Begin the article with a thesis-like statement
Use the first one or two paragraphs as an “introductory paragraph”, specifically designed to grab the reader's attention. For example, start the paragraph with a sharp question and make the reader curious, a quote, or even a summary of the entire content of the article they will read later.
Present your argument clearly and straightforwardly, and make sure the rest of your article is filled with claims that can support the main argument. Remember, your thesis statement should be as sharp as possible! That's why, you should avoid using first person pronouns like "I" or "I" which can reduce the sharpness and credibility of the article because it sounds very informal
Step 2. Begin the article by providing an objective and unbiased explanation of the issue
Remember, the main body of the article must be able to explain the issues that are being debated objectively, like professional journalists in general. In addition, the main body of the article must also be able to explain the significance of the issue to be known by the reader or the intended community as a whole.
Answer the questions "who, what, when, where, why, and how". Complete all required information, and make sure you only cite facts or sentences from trusted sources. Thus, all readers will be provided with accurate basic information on the topic
Step 3. Present your opponent's argument first
Make sure you mention the name of the group you are fighting so that the subject discussed in the article is not grayed out. Express their opinion as objectively as possible using accurate quotes or facts, and never use slanderous words!
- Nothing prevents you from expressing positive things about the other party, lo, as long as the expression is based on facts. This step actually shows that you have a good moral attitude and are able to provide a balanced picture of events to the reader. If you intentionally ignore positive things about your opponent, your editorial articles will be viewed as biased and uninformative by readers.
- Provide a sharp rebuttal to the opposing party's argument. Remember, denying or fighting arguments that don't really matter is not going to do you any good. Therefore, make sure you emphasize the location of the loss or problem arising from the views and beliefs of the opposition.
Step 4. Present evidence or reasons that can directly refute the opposition's argument
Begin this section with a transitional sentence that can bridge the opponent's argument with yours. Don't forget to include factual evidence and quotes from experts that support your views.
- Make sure your reasons are strong from the start! Don't limit yourself to existing opinions, and feel free to add your own. Whatever your reasoning, make sure the meaning is not grayed out. Remember, there is no room for ambiguity here.
- The use of figure of speech is actually allowed to emphasize your credibility and intelligence. If you wish, you can also invite the reader to recall a person or period of time in the past as an illustration to help clarify their understanding.
Step 5. Offer a solution
Remember, solutions are different variables with reasons as well as evidence. If you think that the policy of cutting the budget is the wrong decision, then what do you think is more appropriate to cut? Providing a solution is a very important factor in solving a problem, because if you don't have a solution, then the solutions that other people have provided, whatever they are, will actually be more useful.
The solution you provide must be clear, rational, and possible to implement. Remember, these solutions can only work if other people are also motivated to do so! That's why, you must provide informative and detailed solutions, so that readers are encouraged and motivated to take real action afterwards
Step 6. End the article with a closing sentence that is sharp, significant, and can be forever etched in the reader's mind
For example, include a quote or question that can make the reader think hard, such as, “If we don't take care of the environment, who will?”
Also summarize your argument at the end of the article to accommodate the needs of readers who simply scan the contents of your article quickly, or don't really digest your argument. Most importantly, try to make all readers feel more enlightened, and feel compelled to take real action after reading your article
Step 7. Review your articles
Remember, a good written work must be free from spelling, grammatical, and punctuation errors. Therefore, ask one of your colleagues to help check the article. After all, two heads are always better than one, right?
If you work for an organization, make sure the arguments you put in the article don't violate the organization's basic principles or views! As much as possible, ask all or most of the team members to read the article, to make sure the arguments you put out in public have been approved by them. In the process, don't be surprised if they will keep asking you ideas or questions about things you missed in the article
Tips
- Do not use repeated sentences. In fact, readers will lose interest when they come across similar or repeated arguments. Therefore, always use sentences that are fresh and lively!
- Choose an interesting article title. Remember, most readers have a tendency to judge the quality and/or attractiveness of an article by the first few words they see. That's why, you should choose a title that is short but able to capture the reader's attention.
Warning
- Don't use first person pronouns like “I” or “I” in the article. Remember, this is an editorial article, not merely your personal opinion.
- Do not use vulgar or slanderous word choices. Remember, defamation is a serious legal matter!
- Don't mention or blame a specific name in your article! Instead, target groups, communities or organizations for articles.
- Never plagiarize other people's writings!
