Monday, April 16, 2007

Notes on How to "Write an Editorial Opinion", Monday, April 16th
Class,
I went online and "googled" the phrase "writing an editorial". What came up was a website (listed at the end of this entry) that explains briefly what an Editorial is, and how to write one.
This should help you work on Blog entry #6, the last one of the 3rd quarter.

What is an Editorial:

An editorial is one of the writing styles used to express an opinion or reaction to timely news, event or an issue of concern. Most editorials are used to influence readers to think or act the same way the writer does. Not all editorials take sides on an issue but have one of the following four purposes:
  1. Inform: The writer gives careful explanations about a complicated issue.
  2. Promote: Writer tries to promote a worthy activity. Get the reader involved.
  3. Praise: The writer praises a person or an event.
  4. Entertain: The writer encourages or entertains the reader about an important issue.
Steps to writing your editorial:
1. Selecting: Choose an issue ~ Your editorial could be about how the readers could help the environment, inform the public about a particular endangered species, praise an effort by a group who has helped to take an endangered animal off of the endangered species list, or any other idea that can be used as an editorial...first check with your teacher to make sure it is an acceptable article.
2.
Collecting: Gathering Support ~ Gather as many details to convince others about your opinion. (Facts or evidence, written statements from sources or authorities in the subject (experts), comparisons to similar situations to support your argument, pictures or images that strengthen your argument, be able to counter argue your opponents on this issue.)
3.
Connecting: Write the first draft ~ Body should have clear and accurate details and examples. Give strong arguments in beginning of editorial and at the end. Show the opposing arguments and their weaknesses. Offer a solution at the end. Do not be wishy washy. Stick to your argument or opinion.
4.
Correcting: Getting it right ~ Your editorial should be clear and forceful. Avoid attacking others, do not preach, paragraphs should be brief and direct. Give examples and illustrations. Be honest and accurate. Don't be too dramatic.

Note: The above information is from the website: http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/pbmiddle/environment/editor.htm
Work Due on Friday, April 20th- last day of 3rd quarter!
On Friday you should be able to show me the following:
1. 6 hand written rough copies of your 6 blog entries
2. 6 blog entries

You should also be able to prove to me that you finished reading The Chocolate War. How? You will find out Friday... (hint, be ready to write a "live" blog entry on Friday about the one of the "themes" in the novel that we talked about in class before Easter Break.
Last week of 3rd Quarter: 6 Blogs and work due by Friday the 20th!
5 people in class Monday were ready to work on their last blog entry for the 3rd quarter, their "editorial" (refer back to my entry on Tuesday, Feb. 20th to read about the 6th entry) commentary. I did tell you two weeks ago that you could write a "commentary" on The Chocolate War novel, so if you started it already, then you may do so. However, if you have not started, then please write an editorial commentary.
Go to www.newyorktimes.com or www.corriere.it and read what is written online in the "opinion" sections. Then, pick a topic on which to write your opinion. That is it. Simple. Pick what you want, bht pick a topic on which you can write a serious, logical opinion. If you need help.... ask your PARENTS about what you can write about. They can discuss this with you...but first go to the two websites I recommended above and read some editorials.