purpose of editorial essay

How To Write An Editorial (7 Easy Steps, Examples, & Guide)

Writing an editorial is one of those things that sounds like it should be pretty straightforward. Easy, even.

But then you sit down to start typing. Your fingers freeze over the keyboard. You gaze into the perfectly blank white space of your computer screen.

Wait , you think. How do I write an editorial ?

Here’s how to write an editorial:

• Choose a newsworthy topic (Something with broad interest)
• Choose a clear purpose (This will guide your entire process)
• Select an editorial type (Opinion, solution, criticism, persuasive, etc)
• Gather research (Facts, quotes, statistics, etc)
• Write the editorial (Using an Editorial Template that includes an introduction, argument, rebuttal, and conclusion)
• Write the headline (Title)
• Edit your editorial (Grammar, facts, spelling, structure, etc)

In this article, we’ll go through each of these steps in detail so that you know exactly how to write an editorial.

What Is an Editorial? (Quick Definition)

Table of Contents

Before we jump into the mechanics of how to write an editorial, it’s helpful to get a good grasp on the definition of editorials.

Here is a simple definition to get us started:

An editorial is a brief essay-style piece of writing from a newspaper, magazine, or other publication. An editorial is generally written by the editorial staff, editors, or writers of a publication.

Of course, there’s a lot more to it than simply dashing out an essay.

There is the purpose, different types of editorials, elements of a good editorial, structure, steps to writing an editorial, and the actual mechanics of writing your editorial.

“In essence, an editorial is an opinionated news story.” – Alan Weintraut

What Is the Purpose of an Editorial?

The purpose of an editorial is to share a perspective, persuade others of your point of view, and possibly propose a solution to a problem.

The most important part is to pick one purpose and stick to it.

Rambling, incoherent editorials won’t do. They won’t get you the results or the response you might want.

When it comes to purpose, you want:

• Singular focus
• Personal connection

The first two probably make sense with no explanation. That last one (personal connection) deserves more attention.

The best editorials arise from personal passions, values, and concerns. You will naturally write with vigor and voice. Your emotion will find its way into your words.

Every bit of this will make your editorials instantly more compelling.

What Are the Different Types of Editorials?

There are two main types of editorials and a number of different subtypes.

One of the first steps in how to write an editorial is choosing the right type for your intended purpose or desired outcome.

The two main types of editorials:

Opinion Editorial

In an opinion editorial, the author shares a personal opinion about a local or national issue.

The issue can be anything from local regulations to national human trafficking.

Typically, the topic of an editorial is related to the topics covered in the publication. Some publications, like newspapers, cover many topics.

Solution Editorial

In a solution editorial, the author offers a solution to a local or national problem.

It’s often recommended for the author of solution editorials to cite credible sources as evidence for the validity of the proposed solution (BTW, research is also important for opinion editorials).

There are also several editorial subtypes based on purpose:

• Explain (you can explain a person, place, or thing)
• Criticism (you can critically examine a person, place, or thing)
• Praise (celebrate a person, place, or thing)
• Defend (you can defend a person, place, or thing)
• Endorsement (support a person, place, or thing)
• Catalyst (for conversation or change)

How To Write an Editorial (7 Easy Steps)

As a reminder, you can write an editorial by following seven simple steps.

• Choose a topic
• Choose a purpose
• Select an editorial type
• Gather research
• Write the editorial
• Write the headline
• Edit your editorial

If you want a short, visual explanation of how to write an editorial, check out this video from a bona fide New York Times Editor:

1) Choose a Newsworthy Topic

How do you choose a topic for your editorial?

You have several options. Your best bet is to go with a topic about which you feel strongly and that has broad appeal.

Consider these questions:

• What makes you angry?
• What makes your blood boil?
• What gets you excited?
• What is wrong with your community or the world?

When you write from a place of passion, you imbue your words with power. That’s how to write an editorial that resonates with readers.

2) Choose a Purpose

The next step for how to write an editorial is to choose your purpose.

What do you want to accomplish with your editorial? What ultimate outcome do you desire? Answering these questions will both focus your editorial and help you select the most effective editorial type.

Remember: a best practice is honing in on one specific purpose.

Your purpose might be:

• To trigger a specific action (such as voting)
• To raise awareness
• To change minds on an issue

3) Select a type

Now it’s time to select the best editorial type for your writing. Your type should align with your purpose.

In fact, your purpose probably tells you exactly what kind of editorial to write.

First, determine which major type of editorial best fits your purpose. You can do this by asking yourself, “Am I giving an opinion or offering a solution?”

Second, select your subtype. Again, look to your purpose. Do you want to explain? Persuade? Endorse? Defend?

Select one subtype and stick to it.

4) Gather Research

Don’t neglect this important step.

The research adds value, trust, credibility, and strength to your argument. Think of research as evidence. What kind of evidence do you need?

You might need:

• Research findings

All of these forms of evidence strengthen your argument.

Shoot for a mix of evidence that combines several different variations. For example, include an example, some statistics, and research findings.

What you want to avoid:

• Quote, quote, quote
• Story, story, story

Pro tip: you can find research articles related to your topic by going to Google Scholar.

For other evidence, try these sources:

• US Census Bureau
• US Government
• National Bureau of Economic Research

You might also want to check with your local librarian and community Chamber of Commerce for local information.

5) Write Your Editorial

Finally, you can start writing your editorial.

Aim to keep your editorial shorter than longer. However, there is no set length for an editorial.

For a more readable editorial, keep your words and sentences short. Use simple, clear language. Avoid slang, acronyms, or industry-specific language.

If you need to use specialized language, explain the words and terms to the reader.

The most common point of view in editorials is first person plural. In this point of view, you use the pronouns “we” and “us.”

When writing your editorial, it’s helpful to follow an Editorial Template. The best templates include all of the essential parts of an editorial.

Here is a basic Editorial template you can follow:

Introduction Response/Reaction Evidence Rebuttal Conclusion

Here is a brief breakdown of each part of an editorial:

Introduction: The introduction is the first part of an editorial. It is where the author introduces the topic that they will be discussing. In an editorial, the author typically responds to a current event or issue.

Response/Reaction: The response/reaction is the part of the editorial where the author gives their opinion on the topic. They state their position and give reasons for why they believe what they do.

Evidence: The evidence is typically a series of facts or examples that support the author’s position. These can be statistics, quotations from experts, or personal experiences.

Rebuttal: The rebuttal is the part of the editorial where the author addresses any arguments or counter-arguments that may be raised against their position. They refute these arguments and offer additional evidence to support their point of view.

Conclusion: The conclusion is the last part of an editorial. It wraps up the author’s argument and provides a final statement on the topic.

6) Write The Headline

Your headline must be catchy, not clickbait. There’s a fine line between the two, and it’s not always a clear line.

Characteristics of a catchy headline:

• Makes the reader curious
• Includes at least one strong emotion
• Clearly reveals the subject of the editorial
• Short and sweet
• Doesn’t overpromise or mislead (no clickbait)

Your headline will either grab a reader’s attention or it will not. I suggest you spend some time thinking about your title. It’s that important. You can also learn how to write headlines from experts.

Use these real editorial headlines as a source of inspiration to come up with your own:

• We Came All This Way to Let Vaccines Go Bad in the Freezer?
• What’s the matter with Kansas?
• War to end all wars
• Still No Exit
• Zimbabwe’s Stolen Election
• Running out of time
• Charter Schools = Choices

Suggested read: How To Write an Autobiography

7) Edit Your Editorial

The final step is to edit and proofread your editorial.

You will want to check your editorial for typos, spelling, grammatical, and punctuation mistakes.

I suggest that you also review your piece for structure, tone, voice, and logical flaws.

Your editorial will be out in the public domain where any troll with a keyboard or smartphone (which, let’s be honest, is everyone) can respond to you.

If you’ve done your job, your editorial will strike a nerve.

You might as well assume that hordes of people might descend on your opinion piece to dissect every detail. So check your sources. Check the accuracy of dates, numbers, and figures in your piece.

Double-check the spelling of names and places. Make sure your links work.

Triple-check everything.

Editorial Structures and Outlines

As you learn how to write an editorial, you have many choices.

One choice is your selection of structure.

There are several editorial structures, outlines, and templates. Choose the one that best fits your topic, purpose, and editorial type.

Every editorial will have a beginning, middle, and end.

Here are a few specific structures you can use:

• Problem, Solution, Call to Action
• Story, Message, Call to Action
• Thesis, Evidence, Recommendation
• Your View, Opposing Views, Conclusion

How Do You Start an Editorial?

A common way to start an editorial is to state your point or perspective.

Here are a few other ways to start your editorial:

• The problem
• Startling statement
• Tell a story
• Your solution

Other than the headline, the beginning of your editorial is what will grab your reader.

If you want to write an editorial that gets read, then you must write a powerful opening.

How Do You End an Editorial?

You can end with a call-to-action, a thoughtful reflection, or a restatement of your message.

Keep in mind that the end of your editorial is what readers will most likely remember.

You want your ending to resonate, to charge your reader with emotion, evidence, and excitement to take action.

After all, you wrote the editorial to change something (minds, policies, approaches, etc.).

In a few sections (see below), you will learn a few simple templates that you can “steal” to help you end your editorial. Of course, you don’t have to use the templates.

They are just suggestions.

Often, the best way to conclude is to restate your main point.

What Makes a Good Editorial?

Even if you learn how to write an editorial, it doesn’t mean the editorial will automatically be good. You may be asking, What makes a good editorial ?

A good editorial is clear, concise, and compelling.

Therefore, the best editorials are thought out with a clear purpose and point of view. What you want to avoid is a rambling, journal-type essay. This will be both confusing and boring to the reader.

That’s the last thing you want.

Here are some other elements of a good editorial:

• Clear and vivid voice
• Interesting point of view
• Gives opposing points of view
• Backed up by credible sources
• Analyzes a situation

“A good editorial is contemporary without being populist.” —Ajai Singh and Shakuntala Singh

How Do You Know If You’ve Written a Good Editorial?

Many people want to know how to tell if they have written a good editorial.

How do you know?

You can tell by the response you get from the readers. A good editorial sparks a community conversation. A good editorial might also result in some type of action based on the solution you propose.

An article by Ajai Singh and Shakuntala Singh in Mens Sana Monograph says this about good editorials:

It tackles recent events and issues, and attempts to formulate viewpoints based on an objective analysis of happenings and conflicting/contrary opinions. 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).

Note that newsworthy events, controversy, and balance matter in editorials.

It’s also a best practice to include contradicting opinions in your piece. This lends credibility and even more balance to your peice.

Editorial Examples & Templates

As you write your own editorial, study the following example templates “stolen” from real editorials.

You can use these templates as “sentence starters” to inspire you to write your own completely original sentences.

Phrases for the beginning:

• It’s been two weeks since…
• Look no further than…
• The country can’t…

Phrases for the middle:

• That’s an astonishing failure
• It should never have come to this
• Other [counties, states, countries, etc.] are…
• Within a few days…
• Not everyone shares my [opinion, pessimism, optimism]
• Officials say…

Phrases for the end:

• Let’s commit to…
• Finally…
• If we can…we will…

Honestly, the best way to learn how to write an editorial is to read and study as many published editorials as possible. The more you study, the better you will understand what works.

Study more editorials at these links:

• New York Times editorials
• USA Today editorials
• The Washington Post

How To Write an Editorial for Students

Writing an editorial for students is virtually the same as writing an editorial at any other time.

However, your teacher or professor might give you specific instructions, guidelines, and restrictions. You’ll want to read all of these thoroughly, get clarity, and follow the “rules” as much as possible.

Writing an editorial is a skill that will come in handy throughout your life. Whether you’re writing a letter to the editor of your local paper or creating a post for your blog, being able to communicate your ideas clearly and persuasively is an important skill. Here are some tips to help you write an effective editorial:

• Know your audience. Who are you writing for? What are their concerns and interests? Keep this in mind as you craft your message.
• Make a clear argument. What is it that you want your readers to know? What do you want them to do? Be sure to state your case clearly and concisely.
• Support your argument with evidence. Use facts, statistics, and expert opinions to make your case.
• Use strong language . Choose words that will resonate with your readers and make them want to take action.
• Be persuasive, not blasting. You want your readers to be convinced by your argument, not turned off by aggressive language. Stay calm and collected as you make your case.

By following these tips, you can write an effective student editorial that will get results.

What Is an Editorial In a Newspaper?

The editorial section of a newspaper is where the publication’s editorial board weighs in on important issues facing the community. This section also includes columns from guest writers and staff members, as well as letters to the editor.

The editorial board is made up of the publication’s top editors, who are responsible for setting the tone and direction of the paper.

In addition to op-eds, the editorial section also features editorials, which are written by the editorial board and represent the official position of the paper on an issue.

While editorial boards may lean one way or another politically, they strive to present both sides of every issue in a fair and unbiased way.

Ultimately, the goal of the editorial section is to promote thoughtful discussion and debate on the topics that matter most to readers.

Final Thoughts: How To Write an Editorial

Whew , we have covered a lot of ground in this article. I hope that you have gained everything you need to know about how to write an editorial.

There are a lot of details that go into writing a good editorial.

If you get confused or overwhelmed, know that you are not alone. Know that many other writers have been there before, and have struggled with the same challenges.

Mostly, know that you got this .

Related posts:

• How To Write an Ode (7 Easy Steps & Examples)
• Jasper Commands Template: Ultimate Guide + 300 Commands
• Best AI Essay Writer (With Examples)
• The Best Writing Books for Beginners

National Institute of Health (On Editorials)

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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.

What is an Editorial? Its Purpose and Types

An editorial, often found in newspapers or magazines, serves as a platform for expressing viewpoints and stimulating thought. Fundamentally, it’s an opinion-based commentary to influence public opinion or promote critical thinking.

Table of Contents

Various editorials exist, including ‘explainers’ that provide insight into complex issues, ‘critiques’ that evaluate policies or decisions, and ‘persuasive pieces’ that seek to sway readers toward a specific stance. As a powerful communication tool, editorials significantly impact societal discourse.

Understanding Editorials: An Introduction

Editorials represent a fundamental aspect of print and digital journalism, serving as critical platforms for expressing opinions and influencing public sentiment. So, what is an editorial? In essence, it’s a piece of writing typically appearing in a newspaper or magazine that expresses the views and opinions of the publication or its editorial team.

The Purpose of Editorials

Editorials are essential in shaping discussions around significant social, political, or cultural issues. They present an informed, well-argued perspective intended to prompt reflection, discussion, and, sometimes, action among readers. Moreover, they have the potential to influence policy-makers or the direction of public debate directly.

What is an Editorial?

An editorial can be found in almost any publication that includes opinion pieces. Traditionally, they are a staple of newspapers, typically occupying a specific section. However, with the advent of digital media , editorials have expanded beyond the traditional print platforms. Today, they can be found in online news outlets, blogs, and social media platforms where individuals or groups seek to express and disseminate their views.

The Role of Editorials

The significance of editorials can be observed in their role in the broader context of journalism and society. They are not merely opinion statements; they represent the collective voice of a publication, often informed by thorough research and a deep understanding of the subject matter. Editorials make a publication’s identity, values, and stance on various issues apparent.

Informing, Persuading, Entertaining

Furthermore, the purpose of editorials extends beyond expressing an opinion. They also seek to inform readers, presenting facts in a new light or drawing attention to overlooked issues. Editorials often attempt to persuade, presenting arguments that sway the reader’s opinion. Additionally, they can entertain, utilizing humor, satire, or narrative to make their point more compelling.

Stimulating Thoughtful Discourse

Moreover, editorials also stimulate critical thought and discourse. They invite readers to engage with different perspectives, consider new ideas, or reconsider established beliefs. They catalyze discussion and debate, fueling the democratic process by encouraging active engagement with the day’s issues.

Understanding what an editorial is involved more than knowing its definition. One must also comprehend its role, presence across media, and multifaceted purpose in shaping discussions and informing public opinion.

Historical Development of Editorials

The history of editorials is intrinsically tied to the evolution of journalism and the media industry. As the media’s primary vehicle for expressing a collective opinion, editorials have a rich history that reflects the changing face of societies and the various technological shifts that have taken place over centuries.

History of Editorials – Origin

The roots of editorials can be traced back to the 18th century, coinciding with the emergence of the public press. At this time, little pieces were often unsigned and blended seamlessly with news content. These writings, precursors to modern editorials, served to rally public sentiment during significant events like the American and French revolutions.

Editorial’s Evolutionary Leap

The 19th century marked the true birth of the editorial as a distinct journalistic form. Newspapers expanded, and the separation between news and opinions became more pronounced. The concept of an editorial “voice” or “stance” became more critical, with editors and editorial boards leveraging this platform to shape public opinion and influence policy-making.

Broadcasting Editorial Transformation

The 20th century saw significant transformations in the editorial form. The rise of broadcast media introduced new platforms for editorial content. Radio and television editorials brought the genre to broader audiences while demanding new content presentation approaches. The emergence of investigative journalism also influenced editorials, with data-driven arguments becoming more prevalent.

Digital Editorial Revolution

The advent of the internet in the late 20th century, followed by the proliferation of social media in the 21st, has dramatically altered the landscape of editorials. Digital platforms have expanded the reach of editorials, enabling instant global dissemination. Moreover, the interactivity of these platforms has encouraged reader participation, fostering dialogues instead of monologues. Blogging platforms have democratized the editorial space, allowing anyone to voice their opinion and potentially reach large audiences.

In the current media landscape, the essence of the editorial remains a platform for opinion and influence . However, the form and delivery of editorial content continue to evolve, shaped by technological innovation and changing audience expectations. Editorials now incorporate multimedia elements and data visualization, employ SEO techniques, and adapt to shorter attention spans.

The history of editorials, therefore, is more than merely a linear narrative. It’s a dynamic, ongoing story that reflects the changing nature of media, society’s evolving needs, and the persistent human urge to express opinions and influence others.

The Core Purpose of an Editorial

At its core, an editorial is a potent tool for communication and influence, and understanding the purpose of an editorial involves delving into the intricate roles it plays within the media and society.

Purpose of an Editorial

First and foremost, an editorial is a means of expressing an opinion. However, unlike a personal column or a blog post, an editorial represents the collective voice of a newspaper, magazine, or any other media outlet. It’s a platform where a publication communicates its stand on various issues, be they social, political, economic, or cultural. This function can be observed in the editorials of leading newspapers such as The New York Times or The Guardian , known for their thoughtful, well-argued stances on significant global issues.

Secondly, an editorial has a powerful influence on readers’ minds. An editorial can shape public opinion by presenting facts, expert insights, and persuasive arguments. It is not just about stating a viewpoint but backing it up with solid reasoning and compelling narratives. For instance, editorials in The Wall Street Journal have been instrumental in shaping economic policies and financial perspectives due to their meticulous analysis and persuasive narrative.

Furthermore, an essential purpose of an editorial is to stimulate discussion and debate. In doing so, they play a crucial role in fostering democratic values and processes. An editorial doesn’t just express an opinion; it invites readers to consider, respond, and engage in a broader conversation. This purpose is visible in the editorials of The Washington Post, where complex policy matters are presented to readers in a manner that encourages thought and discussion.

Critical Thinking

Lastly, an editorial aims to promote critical thinking. It doesn’t merely present a conclusion; it outlines an argument and invites readers to follow it, assess its validity, and form their own opinion. For example, Scientific American’s editorials, while focused on scientific topics, consistently encourage readers to assess scientific developments and their implications critically.

The purpose of an editorial extends far beyond being a vessel for opinion. It’s an instrument of influence, a catalyst for discussion, a promoter of critical thinking, and a key player in the democratic discourse.

Types of Editorials: The Explainer

Understanding the unique roles different types of editorials play in the journalistic realm allows us to appreciate their distinct nuances and values. Among these, the ‘explainer’ is a prominent form of editorial content that merits specific attention.

What are Editorial Guidelines

Clarifying complex topics.

The explainer editorial is aptly named for its role in elucidating complex topics. It aims to make often intricate or nuanced issues accessible and understandable to the average reader. As such, the focus of explainer editorials is primarily on providing information in a way that guides readers to a detailed understanding of the issue.

Maintaining Editorial Integrity

One important aspect of writing explainer editorials lies in adhering to editorial guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the editorial maintains a clear, consistent voice, accurately presents information, and upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity. These standards typically involve fact-checking, citation of sources, ensuring balance and fairness, and avoiding plagiarism.

Explainer’s Structured Approach

The structure of an explainer is usually straightforward and organized. It starts with a brief introduction of the topic, followed by a thorough explanation presented in an accessible language. The arguments are carefully structured and backed by credible data and evidence. Finally, the explainer ends with a conclusion summarising the issue and often indicates where the publication stands.

Decoding Complex Subjects

Take, for example, The New York Times ‘The Upshot’ or Vox’s ‘Explainers.’ These segments are dedicated to breaking down complex subjects — political turmoil, climate change, economic phenomena, or complex legal cases. In these pieces, we see the use of infographics, statistics, and expert interviews to clarify topics that might be otherwise impenetrable for most readers.

Leveraging Multimedia Enhancement

Moreover, in the digital age, explainer editorials are frequently accompanied by multimedia content like charts, videos, and interactive graphs to enhance understanding. A case in point would be the comprehensive explainers from BBC News or The Guardian, which often use visuals and interactive elements to convey complexities.

Explainer editorials serve a crucial role in today’s information-dense world. They help demystify complex issues, promoting informed citizenship and understanding. Adhering to stringent editorial guidelines, they ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, making them a trusted source of knowledge for readers navigating the often complicated landscape of current affairs.

Types of Editorials: The Critique

Critique editorials are a specific genre within the broad umbrella of editorial writing. Characterized by critical evaluation and rigorous analysis, these pieces offer an in-depth look at policies, decisions, events, or public figures, assessing their implications, merits, and shortcomings.

The purpose of critique editorials is twofold. First, they provide readers with insightful evaluation and perspective, making sense of complex or contentious issues. Second, through this critique, they influence public opinion and spark dialogue, driving engagement with the topic.

Example of Editorial

A quintessential example of a critique editorial can be found in the op-ed pages of publications like The New York Times or The Washington Post . For instance, consider an editorial that critiques a new health policy. Such a piece would detail what the policy entails and critically evaluate its potential effects on various stakeholders, consider its feasibility, and compare it to other existing or proposed solutions. It might also question the motives or strategies of the policymakers, contributing to a more thorough understanding and discourse around the issue.

Another instance could be a critique of a significant event, such as a high-profile trial or election. An editorial of this kind might dissect the proceedings, question the outcomes or the processes, and draw attention to broader implications for justice or democracy. The Guardian and The Economist frequently publish such critique editorials, offering readers a nuanced understanding of global events.

Critique editorials require a careful balance between objectivity and subjectivity. While they certainly express the author’s viewpoint or the publication, they must be grounded in facts, fair in their assessment, and compelling in their arguments. This blend of critique and analysis lends these editorials their power and impact.

In shaping public opinion and stimulating debate, critique editorials are pivotal in our media landscape. They inform readers and challenge them to think critically, fostering a more informed and engaged public. As such, the critique editorial is a key example of the power and potential of editorial writing.

Types of Editorials: The Persuasive Piece

The persuasive editorial model holds a special place within the world of journalism due to its objective: to convince readers to embrace a specific stance. More than just sharing an opinion, the aim is to motivate the reader to action or change through a well-reasoned argument and impassioned rhetoric.

Persuasive Editorial Model

In the persuasive editorial model, the structure is paramount. The piece begins by stating the issue and the publication’s stand. It then provides a series of arguments that support this viewpoint, each supported by facts, statistics, or expert testimonies to ensure credibility. A good persuasive editorial often anticipates potential counterarguments and addresses them preemptively, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Finally, the piece concludes with a powerful call to action, seeking to rally readers to the advocated cause or viewpoint.

Example of Editorial Model

An excellent example of this editorial model is often found in The Washington Post or The New York Times op-ed pages. For instance, a persuasive editorial may argue for stronger environmental legislation when discussing a hot-button issue like climate change. The piece would lay out compelling evidence of climate change, highlight the inadequacies of current laws, and present the benefits of stricter regulations. It would then call on readers to support this cause by lobbying their representatives or supporting certain organizations.

In the digital age, persuasive editorials have also found a home on online platforms like Medium or The Huffington Post , where writers aim to sway public opinion on various issues. The persuasive power of these editorials is not just in their words but also in the discussions they incite and the actions they inspire among readers.

The persuasive editorial model represents a potent blend of information, persuasion, and activism. These editorials have the potential to inspire change, shape public discourse, and influence policy-making. As such, they exemplify the power of the press as an observer of society and an active participant in shaping its future.

Writing an Editorial: Key Guidelines and Techniques

Writing an effective editorial is an art that requires a balance of passion, precision, and persuasion. Whether you are writing an explainer, a critique, or a persuasive piece, there are key guidelines and techniques to follow that enhance the impact of your editorial. Here’s how to write an editorial that is compelling and influential.

Firstly, research is paramount. An editorial is built upon facts, expert opinions, and relevant data. It’s important to understand the topic, including different perspectives and counter-arguments thoroughly. This information forms the backbone of your editorial and lends credibility to your viewpoint.

Introduction

Secondly, crafting an engaging introduction is crucial. The introduction should present the topic and indicate your stance. It should be compelling, making the reader want to continue. A powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a striking fact can be effective hooks.

Presentation

Next, present your arguments. Each argument should be distinct and presented in its paragraph for clarity. Start with the most compelling argument, as it sets the tone and draws the reader’s attention. Support each argument with relevant facts or statistics, making sure they directly support your stance. Anticipate potential counter-arguments and address them within your piece. This shows a comprehensive understanding of the issue and helps to persuade readers.

Remember to maintain a consistent tone throughout your editorial. A consistent tone helps carry your voice and perspective effectively, whether formal, conversational, or somewhere between. Use persuasive language, but avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. Your goal is to be understood and to persuade, not to confuse.

Lastly, conclude powerfully. Your conclusion should not merely summarize your arguments but should reinforce your stance and evoke a response from the reader. This could be a call to action, a question that provokes thought, or a powerful statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Keep in mind the editorial should adhere to the ethical guidelines of journalism – accuracy, fairness, and balance. While an editorial is an opinion piece, it should be grounded in truth and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Writing an editorial is an opportunity to influence public opinion and inspire change. With these guidelines and techniques, you can write a compelling editorial that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.

The Impact and Power of Editorials in Society

Editorials influence the media landscape with their potent blend of facts, perspectives, and persuasive argumentation. They contribute substantially to shaping public opinion, steering policy-making, fostering democratic dialogue, and promoting societal advancements. The power of editorials is such that they reflect societal trends and often help shape them.

Democratic Illumination

An integral part of any publication’s editorial calendar , these thoughtfully crafted pieces provide a platform where voices are heard, ideas are exchanged, and critical issues are brought to the forefront. By illuminating complex issues, they contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry, an essential component of a functioning democracy.

Policy Influence

For instance, editorials critically examining policies can shape public opinion , influencing policy-making. By presenting a reasoned critique of a policy, they can expose its potential flaws or shortcomings, prompting a call for revisions or even leading to a policy’s retraction. On the other hand, editorials that endorse certain policies can help build public support for them, paving the way for their successful implementation.

Discourse Spark

Editorials can also spark public discourse on contentious issues. A nuanced presentation of different perspectives can promote understanding and tolerance among readers with diverse viewpoints. They can provide a platform for voices that may be underrepresented or overlooked, highlighting social injustices or disparities and calling for change.

Societal Advancements

The power of editorials is most apparent in their ability to stimulate societal advancements. Through their critique and persuasion, editorials can rally public support for significant causes – civil rights, environmental protection, or education reform. They can raise awareness of societal issues, bring them to the public’s attention, and inspire collective action.

Digital Expansion

Moreover, the digital revolution has expanded the reach and impact of editorials. They can now reach a global audience in real-time, increasing their potential to influence opinion and instigate change. The interactivity of digital media also allows readers to engage with the content, fostering a two-way dialogue that can enhance understanding and drive collective action.

Editorials, woven into the fabric of the media’s editorial calendar, are not just opinion pieces. They are potent tools for influencing opinion, shaping policy, promoting dialogue, and inspiring societal advancements. The impact and power of editorials are a testament to their vital role in our society.

How has the editorial format evolved historically? 

Editorials have evolved from simple opinion pieces in print newspapers to complex narratives that utilize digital media ‘s interactivity and reach. Technological advancements have significantly influenced how editorials are crafted and disseminated, enabling them to engage readers innovatively.

What is the primary purpose of an editorial? 

The main purpose of an editorial is to present a viewpoint, influence readers’ opinions, stimulate discussion, and promote critical thinking. It also serves as a tool for expressing the collective voice of a publication.

How can I write an effective editorial?

An effective editorial involves thorough research, crafting an engaging introduction, presenting convincing arguments, maintaining a consistent tone, and concluding powerfully. It’s crucial to maintain journalistic integrity by fact-checking and providing balanced viewpoints.

How do editorials impact society? 

Editorials significantly shape public opinion and policy-making, fostering democratic dialogue and promoting societal advancements. By illuminating complex issues and promoting informed discourse, they contribute to a more informed citizenry and can inspire collective action.

What is the structure of a persuasive editorial? 

A persuasive editorial typically starts by stating the issue and the publication’s stance, followed by supporting arguments backed by facts or statistics. It may address potential counterarguments and concludes with a call to action.

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How To Write An Editorial (12 Important Steps To Follow)

Embarking on the journey of crafting an editorial is akin to stepping into the arena of persuasive prowess, where words transform into instruments of influence and ideas wield the power to shape perspectives.

Writing an editorial is not merely an exercise in expression; it is a strategic dance with language, a nuanced symphony where the writer conducts a persuasive melody to engage, inform, and provoke thought.

In this guide, we will navigate the intricate landscape of editorial writing, exploring the art of selecting compelling topics, conducting in-depth research, and honing a writing style that resonates with the intended audience.

From the careful structuring of arguments to the final polish of every word, this exploration aims to unravel the layers of expertise required in the craft of creating editorials that leave an indelible mark on readers.

So, let’s embark on this intellectual voyage, where the pen becomes a mighty sword, and the editorial, a canvas upon which the art of persuasion is painted.

Table of Contents

How To Write An Editorial

Certainly! Here’s a step-by-step process on how to write an editorial :

Choose a Topic

Select a current and relevant issue that you are passionate about or that you believe needs attention. Ensure that the topic is of interest to your target audience.

Research Thoroughly

Gather facts, statistics, and background information related to your chosen topic. Understand different perspectives and arguments surrounding the issue. This will help you present a well-informed opinion.

Define Your Main Argument (Thesis)

Clearly state your main point or opinion on the issue. This should be a concise and specific statement that encapsulates your stance on the topic.

Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts and key points in a logical order. Plan the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should contribute to building and supporting your main argument.

Write a Compelling Introduction

Grab the reader’s attention with a strong opening. Provide context for your topic, present the issue, and introduce your thesis statement.

Develop Coherent Body Paragraphs

Each paragraph should focus on a specific sub-point or piece of evidence that supports your main argument. Provide examples, quotes, or data to strengthen your position. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.

Consider Counterarguments

Address potential counterarguments to strengthen your editorial. Acknowledge opposing views and explain why your perspective is more valid or persuasive.

Maintain a Consistent Tone

Choose a tone that suits the nature of the issue and your audience. Be persuasive, but also respectful and objective. Avoid offensive language or personal attacks.

Craft a Strong Conclusion

Summarize your key points and restate your thesis in a compelling way. Leave a lasting impression on the reader, encouraging them to reflect on your perspective.

Revise and Edit

Review your editorial for clarity, coherence, and grammar. Check for consistency in your argument and eliminate unnecessary repetition. Consider seeking feedback from others to get a fresh perspective.

Add a Thought-Provoking Title

Create a title that captures the essence of your editorial and entices readers to explore your viewpoint.

Submit or Publish

If you’re writing for a publication, follow the submission guidelines. Ensure your editorial adheres to any word limits and formatting requirements .

By following these steps , you can create a well-structured and persuasive editorial that effectively communicates your viewpoint on a given issue.

Understanding the Target Audience

Understanding the target audience is akin to holding the key to a secret garden, where the lush blooms of connection and resonance await.

It’s not merely deciphering demographics but embarking on an anthropological expedition into the hearts and minds of those you aim to captivate.

Imagine unraveling the intricacies of their desires, fears, and aspirations, the very fabric of their existence. Each reader, a universe unto themselves, awaits acknowledgment, yearning for content that mirrors their soul.

To understand the target audience is to embrace the role of a literary empath, tuning into the frequency of collective yearnings, and crafting a narrative that becomes a bespoke garment tailored to fit their intellectual and emotional contours.

It’s the alchemical blend of psychology, curiosity, and empathy that transforms words into a magnetic force, drawing the intended audience into a narrative embrace where they feel seen, understood, and utterly captivated.

Identifying the Readership

Identifying the readership is akin to sculpting the very clay from which your narrative masterpiece will emerge. It’s a meticulous process of demographic delineation, where age, gender, location, and socio-economic factors paint the broad strokes of your canvas.

Yet, it transcends mere statistics, delving into the nuanced world of psychographics—those elusive markers that define values, interests, and lifestyles.

Understanding your readership is akin to gazing through a kaleidoscope of individual stories, weaving a tapestry of diverse perspectives that demand acknowledgment.

Each reader, a protagonist in their narrative, seeks not only information but an empathetic connection, a resonant chord that harmonizes with their unique symphony of experiences.

In this dance of identification, a writer becomes a literary anthropologist, excavating the collective subconscious to illuminate the path toward content that not only speaks to the masses but intimately whispers to each reader, fostering a sense of belonging within the shared tapestry of words.

Selecting a Relevant and Timely Topic

Choosing a relevant and timely topic is akin to catching the rhythm of the universe and translating it into ink. It’s the art of being a literary time traveler, surfing the waves of current affairs and societal trends to uncover the gems of discourse that sparkle with urgency.

Imagine your writing as a compass, pointing not just north but toward the magnetic epicenter of the zeitgeist. It’s not merely selecting a topic; it’s orchestrating a symphony that harmonizes with the pulsating heartbeat of the world.

A relevant topic is a siren’s call to the reader, an irresistible melody echoing the collective concerns and curiosities of the present moment.

In this pursuit, a writer becomes a cultural curator, plucking the ripest fruit from the tree of discourse and presenting it to readers, inviting them to feast on the fruits of relevance and timeliness.

Current Affairs and Trend Analysis

Embarking on the journey of current affairs and trend analysis is akin to becoming an astute navigator of the ever-shifting seas of societal dynamics.

It’s the art of capturing the elusive zeitgeist, the pulse of the present, and distilling it into a narrative elixir. Current affairs are the heartbeat of the collective consciousness, and trend analysis is the compass guiding writers through the swirling currents of popular discourse.

Imagine standing on the precipice of the now, gazing into the swirling whirlpool of global events and emerging patterns.

It’s not just about staying informed; it’s about extracting the essence of these currents to craft a narrative vessel that not only sails with the winds of change but surfs the cutting edge of relevance.

In this realm, a writer transforms into a cultural alchemist, turning the raw material of contemporary events into a literary goldmine that captivates, informs, and resonates with readers who hunger for a connection with the unfolding tapestry of the world.

Research and Gathering Information

Embarking on the odyssey of research and information gathering is a thrilling expedition into the heart of knowledge, a treasure hunt where every well-mined fact becomes a gem in the crown of narrative richness.

Picture yourself as an intrepid explorer, armed not with a machete, but with the keen blade of inquiry, cutting through the dense underbrush of ignorance.

It’s not just about collecting data; it’s a dance with the cerebral cosmos, a cosmic choreography where each piece of information is a celestial body orbiting the central thesis.

Research is the magician’s wand, and information gathering is the summoning spell that brings forth the magic of insight.

In this symphony of discovery, a writer metamorphoses into an intellectual sleuth, solving the enigma of ignorance one researched clue at a time, weaving a tapestry of enlightenment that captivates readers and elevates the narrative to the celestial realms of erudition.

In-depth Research Methods

In-depth research methods are the alchemical processes through which a writer transforms the raw ore of curiosity into the refined gold of comprehensive understanding.

Imagine donning the cloak of a literary detective, armed not just with a magnifying glass but with an arsenal of tools ranging from scholarly articles to the vast labyrinth of digital archives.

It’s a deep dive into the ocean of knowledge, where the careful curation of reliable sources and the discerning eye for credibility are the compass guiding the scholarly ship.

In-depth research is not a mere surface exploration; it’s an excavation into the subterranean layers of information, unearthing hidden gems that add layers of richness to the narrative.

Through meticulous fact-checking, cross-referencing, and the discerning evaluation of various perspectives, a writer becomes an intellectual archaeologist, piecing together the fragments of data to construct a narrative edifice that stands as a testament to the rigors of thorough inquiry.

Crafting a Compelling Thesis Statement

Crafting a compelling thesis statement is akin to forging the beating heart of your narrative—an art form that demands both precision and passion.

Imagine your words as a blacksmith’s hammer, shaping the molten core of your argument into a finely honed blade that cuts through the fog of ambiguity.

It’s not merely a declaration; it’s a clarion call that resonates through the corridors of intellect, demanding attention.

A well-crafted thesis is more than a roadmap; it’s a charismatic guide, inviting readers to embark on a journey of enlightenment.

Like an architect designing the blueprint of a majestic structure, a writer, through the thesis, lays the foundation for a narrative that stands tall and resolute against the winds of skepticism.

It’s the orchestration of language into a symphony of persuasion, where each note builds towards a crescendo of intellectual revelation, leaving readers not just informed but inspired by the symmetrical elegance of a thoughtfully articulated thesis.

Formulating a Clear and Concise Thesis

Formulating a clear and concise thesis is akin to distilling the essence of a complex idea into a potent elixir of intellectual clarity.

It’s the art of linguistic precision, a process where words become chisels, carving away the superfluous to reveal the sculpted core of your argument.

Imagine your thesis as a lighthouse beacon, cutting through the fog of ambiguity to guide readers safely through the seas of your discourse.

Clarity is not merely about being understood; it’s an invitation for readers to navigate the narrative with confidence, assured that each sentence is a stepping stone leading toward a crystalline understanding.

A concise thesis is a literary gem, multifaceted and devoid of unnecessary embellishments, radiating brilliance in its simplicity.

In this craft, a writer transforms into a linguistic sculptor, carefully molding each word until the thesis emerges as a masterpiece—an intellectual compass that not only points the way but illuminates the entire terrain of thought.

Structuring the Editorial

Structuring the editorial is like architecting a symphony of ideas, where each section harmonizes to create a compelling narrative crescendo.

Picture yourself as the conductor of an intellectual orchestra, with the introduction as the opening overture—a magnetic prelude that captures attention.

The body paragraphs then dance in harmony, a choreography of arguments and counterarguments, each step building upon the last, a ballet of persuasion.

The conclusion, akin to a grand finale, is not merely a cessation but a lingering echo, leaving readers with the resonance of your thesis.

It’s a structural ballet, not just about arranging words but orchestrating emotions and thoughts. In this editorial architecture, a writer transforms into a literary choreographer, ensuring that every movement serves a purpose, leading the audience through a carefully curated performance that transcends the mundane and elevates the editorial to a masterpiece of structured persuasion.

Introduction

The introduction of an editorial serves as the literary overture, a captivating melody that beckons readers into the symphony of ideas to follow.

It’s not merely a gateway; it’s a magnetic portal, inviting the audience to step into a realm of thought. Imagine the introduction as a carefully crafted invitation, adorned with an engaging hook that captivates attention and a thesis statement that stands as the event’s raison d’être.

It’s a literary handshake, setting the tone for the discourse to unfold. A well-crafted introduction is more than a preamble; it’s a promise, a whispered assurance that the reader’s investment of time will be rewarded with intellectual richness.

In this inaugural dance of words, a writer assumes the role of a welcoming host, inviting readers into a curated space where ideas converge, and the unfolding narrative promises to be nothing short of enlightening.

Polishing the Writing Style

Polishing the writing style is akin to honing a rare gem, each facet reflecting the writer’s commitment to elegance and clarity.

Imagine words not just as tools but as brushes, delicately smoothing the rough edges of expression until they gleam with literary luminescence.

It’s not merely about correctness; it’s a pursuit of aesthetic brilliance. Picture the writing style as a bespoke suit, tailored to fit the contours of the narrative with sartorial precision.

It’s a symphony of rhythm and cadence, where each sentence is a note contributing to the harmonious melody of the entire composition.

In this pursuit, a writer transcends the role of a mere wordsmith and becomes a literary artisan, meticulously sculpting language into a masterpiece that not only conveys information but enchants the reader with the sheer beauty of its expression.

Tone and Voice

Tone and voice in writing are the nuanced brushstrokes that paint the canvas of communication, adding layers of depth and personality to the narrative.

Imagine tone as the emotional hue that tints the words, setting the overall atmosphere of the piece, whether it be authoritative, conversational, or empathetic.

Voice, on the other hand, is the distinct fingerprint of the writer—a unique signature that resonates throughout the work.

It’s not just about what is said but how it is said, the cadence and rhythm that create a literary melody. A skilled writer navigates the spectrum of tone and voice, shifting effortlessly to suit the demands of the message and the expectations of the audience.

In this delicate dance, a writer transforms into a linguistic virtuoso, playing with tone and voice like a maestro conducting an orchestra, creating a symphony that captivates and resonates with the reader on a deeply personal level.

Incorporating Persuasive Techniques

Incorporating persuasive techniques into writing is akin to wielding a literary wand, casting spells of conviction and influence with each carefully chosen word.

Think of the writer as a rhetorical magician, conjuring metaphors, similes, and analogies that dance through the narrative like sparks of intellectual fireworks.

It’s not just about conveying information; it’s the art of seduction, luring the reader into a realm where persuasion is not a force imposed but a shared revelation.

A skilled writer embraces the dual nature of persuasion, balancing emotional resonance with logical precision. Imagine each sentence as a persuasive potion, stirring not just the intellect but also the heart.

In this alchemical craft, a writer becomes a linguistic sorcerer, weaving a spell that transforms the mundane into the mesmerizing, leaving readers not just informed but enchanted by the persuasive power of the written word.

Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical devices are the linguistic acrobats of the written word, the subtle tools that turn prose into a captivating performance.

Picture them as the spices in a literary kitchen, adding zest and flavor to the narrative. Metaphors, similes, and analogies act as the poetic palette, painting vivid pictures that linger in the reader’s imagination.

Repetition and parallelism, the rhythmic drumbeats, infuse a cadence that resonates with hypnotic allure. These devices are not mere embellishments; they are the strategic maneuvers that elevate writing from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

A skilled writer, armed with rhetorical devices, becomes a verbal architect, constructing a narrative not just to convey information but to elicit emotion, spark introspection, and forge an enduring connection with the reader through the artful play of language.

Editing and Revision

Editing and revision are the backstage maestros, the unsung heroes transforming a rough draft into a symphony of refined brilliance.

Imagine the editing process as a surgical dance, where each incision removes the extraneous and hones the narrative to its sharpest edge.

It’s not just about correcting grammatical missteps; it’s sculpting prose until it gleams with the polished elegance of a well-cut diamond.

Revision, akin to a literary alchemist’s touch, transmutes the raw material of ideas into intellectual gold, refining the essence until it resonates with precision.

Think of it as a writer’s quest for perfection, an odyssey where every word is scrutinized, every sentence dissected, and every paragraph reshaped until the entire manuscript gleams with the sheen of narrative excellence.

In this meticulous craft, a writer assumes the role of both creator and critic, weaving and unweaving the tapestry of words until the story emerges not just coherent but as a masterpiece that stands the test of literary scrutiny.

Peer Review and Feedback

Peer review and feedback are the invaluable compasses guiding a writer through the labyrinth of self-expression, offering both illumination and calibration.

Envision the process as a collaborative constellation, where fellow writers act as celestial companions, navigating the same creative cosmos.

Peer review is not just a mechanism for error detection; it’s a collective exploration, a symposium of diverse perspectives converging to enrich the narrative.

Feedback, delivered with thoughtful precision, is the compass needle gently nudging the writer toward improvement.

It’s an artistic dialogue, a shared venture where each critique serves as a brushstroke refining the literary canvas.

In this reciprocal dance, a writer transforms into a humble architect, constructing a narrative not in isolation but in the collaborative echoes of constructive feedback, ensuring the final composition not only bears the mark of individual creativity but also the collective fingerprints of shared refinement.

Crafting a Strong Headline

Crafting a strong headline is akin to fashioning the golden key that unlocks the treasure chest of your narrative, an art where brevity meets brilliance.

Imagine the headline not merely as an entry point but as a captivating overture, a seductive whisper that beckons readers into the unfolding drama.

It’s the siren song that lures attention in a sea of words, each syllable a carefully chosen note in a symphony of curiosity.

Crafting a headline is the calligraphy of anticipation, where the brushstrokes must be bold enough to capture attention yet delicate enough to invite further exploration.

It’s not just about summarizing; it’s about encapsulating the essence of your narrative in a linguistic truffle—a tantalizing morsel that leaves readers craving the entire feast of your words.

In this literary alchemy, a writer becomes a headline maestro, orchestrating a melody of words that resonates with the reader’s curiosity, inviting them to step into a world where every sentence is a revelation waiting to unfold.

Importance of a Compelling Headline

The importance of a compelling headline cannot be overstated; it stands as the vanguard, the sentinel, and the initial ambassador of your narrative.

Think of it as the literary handshake extended to potential readers in the vast marketplace of ideas. A compelling headline is not merely a string of words; it’s a magnetic force, capable of grabbing attention in the blink of an eye and holding it in a steadfast embrace.

It’s the ambassadorial introduction, tasked not only with summarizing the essence of your story but with seducing curiosity and enticing exploration.

In a world inundated with information, a strong headline is the beacon cutting through the noise, guiding readers to the shores of your narrative oasis.

It’s a contract with your audience, promising a journey worth undertaking and inviting them to step into the realm of your words .

The first impression may be the last, and in the realm of headlines, that first impression is the literary currency determining whether your story will be read, shared, or overlooked in the tumultuous sea of content.

Finalizing and Submitting

Finalizing and submitting a piece of writing is akin to releasing a carefully crafted message in a bottle, casting it into the vast ocean of readership.

Imagine the manuscript not just as words on a page but as a vessel containing the distilled essence of your thoughts, set to embark on its journey through the literary currents.

The process is both exhilarating and nerve-wracking, akin to bidding farewell to a piece of one’s soul. It’s not merely a conclusion; it’s the denouement of a creative odyssey, the culmination of countless revisions and nuanced choices.

As you prepare to release your creation into the wild, there’s a potent mixture of excitement and vulnerability, knowing that your words are about to embark on a journey beyond your control.

In this moment of surrender, a writer becomes a literary adventurer, launching their narrative ship into the uncharted waters of the reader’s mind, where the waves of interpretation and reception will determine the course of its voyage.

Reviewing the Final Draft

Reviewing the final draft is akin to a meticulous curator inspecting the brushstrokes of a masterpiece before it graces the gallery walls.

It is a moment of reflection and scrutiny, where each word is a carefully chosen hue contributing to the vibrant mosaic of the narrative.

As a writer embarks on this critical examination, it is not merely a proofreading task but a profound introspection into the soul of the composition.

The final draft review is the last chance to refine, ensuring that every sentence resonates with precision and clarity.

It’s a moment of truth, where the writer, wearing the hat of both creator and critic, steps back to assess the symphony of ideas, ensuring that each note plays harmoniously in the grand orchestration of the manuscript.

In this process, a writer becomes an architect surveying the blueprint, making those final adjustments that elevate the work from draft to a polished opus ready to captivate its audience.

Frequently Asked Questions about How To Write An Editorial

What is an editorial, and why is it important to know how to write one.

An editorial is a piece of writing that expresses the opinion of a publication’s editorial board or the author on a specific issue. It’s essential to know how to write one as it allows individuals to contribute their perspectives on important topics, influencing public opinion and fostering discussion.

How do I choose a compelling topic for my editorial?

Start by identifying current and relevant issues that you are passionate about or believe need attention. Choose a topic that resonates with your target audience and has the potential to generate interest and discussion.

What is the significance of thorough research in editorial writing?

Thorough research provides the foundation for a well-informed and credible editorial. It helps you gather facts, statistics, and background information, allowing you to present a compelling argument and anticipate counterarguments.

What should be included in the introduction of an editorial?

The introduction should grab the reader’s attention, provide context for the topic, and introduce your main argument or thesis statement. It sets the tone for the rest of the editorial and should encourage readers to continue reading.

How do I address counterarguments in my editorial?

Acknowledge and address counterarguments by presenting them fairly and then providing evidence or reasoning to refute them. This strengthens your position and demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of different perspectives.

What is the role of a strong conclusion in an editorial?

A strong conclusion summarizes key points, restates the thesis, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It should encourage reflection and reinforce the importance of your perspective on the issue.

How can I maintain a consistent tone throughout my editorial?

Choose a tone that suits the nature of the issue and your audience. Be persuasive, objective, and respectful. Avoid offensive language or personal attacks, ensuring a professional and coherent tone.

Why is it important to revise and edit my editorial before submission?

Revision ensures clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness. It helps eliminate unnecessary repetition, refine arguments, and improve overall quality. Seeking feedback from others can provide valuable insights.

Can you provide tips for creating an attention-grabbing title for my editorial?

Craft a title that captures the essence of your editorial and entices readers. It should be concise, intriguing, and reflective of the main theme or argument of your piece.

What steps should I follow when submitting or publishing my editorial?

Follow the submission guidelines of the publication, adhere to word limits, and ensure proper formatting. Double-check your work for any errors or omissions before submitting, and be prepared to engage in potential revisions based on editorial feedback.

In conclusion, mastering the art of writing an editorial involves a thoughtful and systematic approach. From selecting a compelling topic to crafting a persuasive argument, each step plays a crucial role in creating an impactful piece of writing .

Thorough research, clear organization, and addressing counterarguments contribute to the credibility of your editorial.؎

Maintaining a consistent and respectful tone throughout ensures effective communication with your audience.

A strong conclusion that reinforces your main points and leaves a lasting impression is the key to driving your message home.

Finally, the process of revision and editing is indispensable, refining your editorial for clarity and coherence. By following these steps, you can not only express your opinion effectively but also contribute meaningfully to public discourse on important issues.

Whether aspiring to sway public opinion or initiate thoughtful discussions, the ability to write a compelling editorial is a valuable skill that empowers individuals to make their voices heard.

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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.

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How To Write An Editorial

Last updated on: Nov 20, 2023

Learn How To Write An Editorial By Experts

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Sep 14, 2021

An editorial is a newspaper article that presents the author’s point of view on different topics and issues. Students are often assigned to write editorials of school newspapers.

When assigned to write an editorial piece, you must understand the characteristics of an editorial that appeal to the reader.

Learn how to write an editorial with this complete guide. Also, find below some editorial topics and examples that may assist you when you begin writing your editorial.

On this Page

What is an Editorial?

An editorial is an article that expresses the editor's ideas and explains the issue at hand. Just because it is an opinion piece doesn’t mean that the author can write their thoughts merely. They can not write an editorial without conducting research and considering the facts.

To build their argument and persuade the readers, editorial writers must present authentic evidence that will support their opinions.

The aim of an editorial is to present an issue clearly and propose a solution to get rid of it.

Author’s need to address the people currently facing the issue. They also need to tell them what can be done to deal with the situation. If necessary, the author must speak to the government, asking them to take appropriate measures to help combat the situation.

Considering the research and effort that goes into writing an editorial, they can be considered similar to a research paper.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Types of an Editorial

Typically, there are four different types of editorials, where each serves a unique purpose.

Below is a detailed description of these types.

1. Explain and Interpret – this format gives editors a chance to explain how they tackled sensitive and controversial topics.

2. Criticize – such editorials while focusing on the problem rather than the solution criticize actions, decisions, or certain situations.

3. Persuade – in this format, you propose a solution and convince the readers to take appropriate actions.

4. Praise – this type of editorial is written to show support and commend a notable action of an organization or individual.

How to Write an Editorial?

With social media becoming more popular day by day where everyone can easily express their opinions, people aren't sure of how to write a strong editorial.

Editorials are based on the writer’s opinions. But, if you want the reader to take your word seriously, you must provide facts to support your opinion. Don’t ramble and rant about a personal issue.

Following are the important steps that will help you craft an impressive editorial.

1. Pick a Topic That Will Grab The Reader's Attention

The purpose of an editorial is to change the public’s belief about a particular topic. Or to encourage them to critically analyze issues and, more often than not, suggest a particular course of action.

When brainstorming ideas for your piece, make sure that it is interesting, has a current news angle, and serves a purpose. Sometimes writing on a controversial subject can really help attract the reader.

2. Research and Gather Facts

As an editorial writer, your job is to find the truth about a particular issue. Do your research and look for relevant information so that you can present facts along with your opinion. Go through credible sources only and gather the latest facts.

Check out this detailed blog on the types of research and how to conduct them. It will make this step easier for you.

3. Writing the Editorial

When writing an editorial, keep it short and clear, so the reader stays with you throughout the piece. It shouldn’t be longer than 600 to 800 words. Also, avoid using fancy jargon or technical terms.

• Introduction

Start the editorial with a unique and catchy question, statistics, facts, and quotations. You could also use any other sentence relevant to the topic that will help grab the reader's attention. Also, present your argument in the form of a thesis statement at this stage.

The body of your editorial piece should explain the issue at hand objectively without any trace of biasedness. Discuss each and every aspect of your topic. Address the 5 W’s and H (what, when, where, who, why, and how.)Start by addressing your opposition, people who have dissimilar views. You can also highlight the positive aspects of the opposition as long as they are factually correct.

Next, you need to refute the opposing side. Provide strong reasons and evidence that can help with the credibility of your stance.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

When addressing a problem, you need to propose a valid and applicable solution.

End the editorial with a strong, thought-provoking statement. Your reader must get a sense of closure and completeness from the ending.

4. Proofread and Edit

Don't forget to go through your article once you are done writing. This will help get rid of otherwise unnoticed mistakes and typos.

Editorial Example

EDITORIAL EXAMPLE PDF

Editorial Topics

Here are some interesting and good ideas to help you write an excellent editorial.

• The contribution of fast food is making us obese.
• Should PlayStations be blamed for the death of outdoor activities?
• The flip side of social media.
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized?
• How does recycling help save the environment?
• The evil that is the selfie culture.NBA season preview.
• Are e-cigarettes really safe for our health?

We hope that this blog helped answer all of your editorial writing-related queries. In case of any confusion generate sample editorials from our AI paper writer or, feel free to contact 5StarEssays.com and ask to write an essay for me .

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a good editorial.

Great content needs to be informative, opinionated, and engaging. It should also teach without being pedantic or didactic in order for the reader's attention span to last as long they are reading. Also, keep it as brief as possible.

What are the elements of an editorial?

Following are the main elements of an editorial:

• Objective explanation
• Opposing opinions
• Writer’s opinions

What is editorial style?

Editors use a set of guidelines to help make their words as consistent and effective as possible. This is their specific writing style. It distinguishes their writing from anyone else.

Speech, Law

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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How to Write an Editorial?

• Open Access
• First Online: 24 October 2021

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• Samiran Nundy 4 ,
• Atul Kakar 5 &
• Zulfiqar A. Bhutta 6  

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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–…)

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The Journal Editor as Academic Custodian

Preparing the Manuscript

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.

CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

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

Article   Google Scholar  

Cleary M, Happell B, Jackson D, Walter G. Writing a quality editorial. Nurse Author & Editor. 2012;22:3.

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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Samiran Nundy

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Institute for Global Health and Development, The Aga Khan University, South Central Asia, East Africa and United Kingdom, Karachi, Pakistan

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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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Quick Guide to Writing an Editorial for Students

The purpose of an editorial article is to present an author’s point on a certain issue. Such articles are based on the majority vote from the editorial board, which includes editors and managers. If you want to write an editorial that will present your point properly and resonate with your audience, you should know some basic rules, and college-writers.com is here to help you with some actionable tips.

An editorial piece can have a good impact on your career, especially if your company is a reputable newspaper. However, you should understand what a good editorial looks like, and what its key elements are. You should also think of the possible response from your readers. We hope that this guide will help you create an effective editorial in no time.

An Editorial Essay

Before you start writing an editorial essay, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the concept of an editorial article. Editorial articles present ideas and opinions of a newspaper’s editor. Most often, such articles focus on very important social issues.

Although such articles mostly focus on opinions, it doesn’t mean that they are not based on facts. Moreover, editorial articles have something in common with research papers because an author should research the issue and present evidence that will support his or her opinion. An editorial article should also suggest possible solutions.

An editorial article should speak to different types of audience. On the one hand, it should be intended for people who suffer from the discussed issue and give them some ideas on how the situation can be improved. On the other hand, an editorial article should also be intended for the government, encouraging it to solve the problem and also suggesting some necessary measures.

As you can see, editorial writing is somewhat similar to writing research papers. Once you’ve hot the necessary research material, the writing process becomes interesting and fun.

The Main Components of an Editorial Essay

Explain and interpret

The first thing you should do is to explain how the newspaper covered a certain sensitive or controversial issue.

Your goal is to not only criticize actions, decisions, and opinions but also to provide an alternative solution. We also recommend that you provide examples from real life that are familiar to your readers.

Offer your solutions. While the previous paragraph should illustrate the issue, this one must encourage your audience to take the right actions.

Mention people and organizations who do the right thing and who have already contributed to solving the problem. However, you may not include this part if the issue in question is new.

Writing Steps

Although editorials focus on the editor’s opinion and the newspaper’s stance, in general, writing it isn’t a simple task. If you want your readers to take your words seriously, you should clearly understand the difference between a fair and a biased point of view. Don’t use an editorial as an opportunity to spill your anger. Instead, we suggest that you follow these steps:

1. Find a relevant topic

It’s not easy to figure out how to write a good editorial. Every writer knows how important choosing relevant topics is. If you want to write an opinion that will be appreciated by the audience, you should only write about relevant issues. Nobody will want to read your opinion if the topic is irrelevant. Ask yourself, why is your opinion important? Do you need to present any statistical data? Do you need to provide certain facts? Why is your topic important at all? You can write about virtually anything, as long as this issue is relevant and you can present solutions that are actually valuable.

2. Do your research

There are many opinions on any issue and you should pick your side carefully. Even when you see a couple arguing, there is always his side, her side, and the truth. When it comes to important social issues, the situation gets even more complicated so you must be able to find the truth among many different opinions. Do your research and make sure that your point is unbiased.

3. Make sure that your opinion is valid

Your opinion must be valid. It means that you shouldn’t formulate your opinion based on emotions. Support it with facts and present these facts in an understandable manner. You should be able to find persuasive arguments and illustrate them with solid evidence. Coming up with a valid opinion is all about reasoning. Your language should be engaging and clear so that your audience can easily understand why your opinion is right.

4. Write an outline

Once you’ve got nice arguments that support your opinion, write an outline for your story. Decide which paragraphs will focus on statistics and where you will provide quotes. You may also acknowledge the opposite opinions and refute them. All these elements determine the structure of your essay or article so you should plan the structure before writing your paper.

When the outline is ready, start to write, filling every section of your paper with claims and pieces of evidence that support them. If you prepare for the writing process properly, you won’t have any problems creating a well-structured piece of writing.

5. Read your work

Read your paper aloud before submitting it. We recommend that you never skip this last step because you need to check your paper for plagiarism and any mistakes. Reading your text aloud is a great solution because, this way, you will quickly detect sentences that sound awkward and check the overall tone. Make sure that your paper sounds professional. Think about your readers and try to make them relate to your point.

Helpful Tips

Modern technology has introduced numerous challenges for newspapers because the competition constantly grows. Social media makes the situation more complicated than ever, adding the emotional element, which will be a problem if you want to write an editorial. These tips will help you write a nice paper, no matter what topic you’re working on.

• Find a newspaper with more than 100,000 copies If you want to be a successful writer, you should make sure that you will reach out to as many people as you can. When you find a good paper, choose relevant topics and offer logical solutions.
• Choose controversial topics To write an impressive editorial, you should choose a debatable topic. Controversial issues are a great opportunity for you because they help keep your readers engaged — everyone will continue to read to find out whether you agree with their own position or not, and why. You may also ask your readers relevant questions.
• Be honest You won’t be able to effectively support an opinion if you don’t actually agree with it. Sometimes, you may feel tempted to argue for a certain position just because it can make your essay controversial and engaging. However, we recommend that you be honest with your readers and only choose the right side. This way, your essay will be strong and authentic.
• Offer different solutions If you’re discussing a common problem that many of your readers are familiar with, make sure to provide different solutions. Consider each solution in terms of effectiveness and efficiency so that your readers can choose from among various options and decide which one will work for them.

Interesting Topics

Before you become a writer in a newspaper or magazine, you will have to write many editorial essays in high school. The most common formats of editorial essays are related to current events in the country and the world. Here are some topics that you may choose:

• Global warming and its consequences for the planet;
• Should gambling be legal?
• Causes, symptoms, and treatment of HIV;
• E-cigarettes: are they safe?
• Should marriage to animals be legal?

An editorial should provide the author’s viewpoint, without being too emotional or biased. It must also be informative but not instructive. It should encourage readers to take action without being annoying. It should also be persuasive, well-structured, and based on solid evidence. Last but not least, we recommend that you make it concise.

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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.

If you are in a search for something to help you out with your critical essay or 500 word essay writing process, this is the right place and time to stop. Here is an ultimate guide on how to write a critical analysis essay that is going to be evaluated positively. Our experts have crafted an amazing...

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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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.

Essay Papers Writing Online

The importance of essay writing in developing critical thinking and communication skills.

Essay writing is an essential skill that students develop throughout their academic journey. It serves as a powerful tool for expressing ideas, exploring concepts, and engaging in critical thinking. Essays enable individuals to articulate their thoughts, analyze information, and present arguments in a coherent and structured manner.

Understanding the purpose of essay writing is crucial for students to excel in their academic pursuits. Essays allow individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, communicate their insights, and showcase their ability to construct compelling arguments. Through essays, students can delve into complex topics, engage with different perspectives, and develop their writing skills.

Essentially, the objective of essay writing is to cultivate intellectual growth, foster analytical thinking, and enhance communication skills. Essays provide a platform for individuals to articulate their opinions, support their arguments with evidence, and engage with various academic disciplines. By mastering the art of essay writing, students can not only succeed academically but also sharpen their ability to express themselves effectively.

The Significance of Essay Writing

Essay writing is a crucial skill that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and clarity of expression. Through the process of composing essays, individuals learn to organize their thoughts coherently, present their ideas effectively, and support arguments with evidence and logic.

Essays enable writers to explore complex topics in-depth, analyze data, and develop a deeper understanding of their subject matter. They serve as a platform for sharing perspectives, exploring multiple viewpoints, and engaging in thoughtful discourse.

Moreover, essay writing plays a vital role in education by assessing students’ comprehension, communication skills, and ability to articulate ideas. It encourages students to research, synthesize information, and construct well-reasoned arguments, thereby enhancing their intellectual growth and academic performance.

Exploring the Importance of Essays

Essays play a crucial role in academia as they allow students to demonstrate their understanding of a subject or topic. Through essay writing, students can showcase their critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and writing proficiency. Essays also provide a platform for students to organize their thoughts, research, and arguments in a coherent manner.

Moreover, essays help students develop valuable skills such as research, reading comprehension, and communication. Writing essays also encourages students to engage with complex ideas, formulate their own opinions, and articulate them effectively. Additionally, essays enable students to practice and enhance their writing skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.

Overall, essays are essential for academic growth, intellectual development, and effective communication. By engaging in essay writing, students not only demonstrate their knowledge but also refine their critical thinking and communication skills, preparing them for future educational and professional endeavors.

Advantages of Essay Writing

Essay writing offers numerous benefits to students, professionals, and individuals looking to enhance their communication skills and critical thinking abilities. Some of the key advantages of essay writing include:

Key Elements of a Good Essay

1. Clear Thesis Statement: A good essay always begins with a clear thesis statement that presents the main point or argument of the paper.

2. Well-Structured Organization: An effective essay is well-organized, with each paragraph flowing logically from the previous one and supporting the overall thesis.

3. Strong Supporting Evidence: A good essay should include convincing evidence to support the main argument, such as examples, statistics, or quotations.

4. Critical Thinking: A good essay demonstrates critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating the topic or argument from different perspectives.

5. Cohesive Transitions: Transitions help to connect ideas and paragraphs smoothly, ensuring that the essay is easy to follow and understand.

6. Clear and Concise Language: A good essay uses clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively and avoid confusion.

7. Proper Grammar and Punctuation: A well-written essay adheres to the rules of grammar and punctuation, enhancing the clarity and professionalism of the writing.

Types of Essays and Their Purpose

Essay writing encompasses various types of essays, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding the different types of essays can help writers effectively convey their message and engage readers. Here are some common types of essays and their purposes:

By understanding the purpose of each type of essay, writers can effectively structure their writing to achieve their intended goals and connect with their audience.

Developing Critical Thinking Through Essays

Essay writing is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills. When students engage in the process of crafting an essay, they are required to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to form coherent arguments and make persuasive points. This process not only hones their writing abilities but also strengthens their ability to think critically.

By researching and organizing their thoughts in a logical manner, students are forced to consider different perspectives, question assumptions, and draw reasoned conclusions. The act of writing an essay challenges students to think deeply about the topic at hand, apply analytical skills, and present their ideas in a cohesive and persuasive manner.

Furthermore, essays encourage students to approach complex issues from multiple angles, consider evidence, weigh arguments, and develop well-structured arguments. Through the essay writing process, students learn to think critically, evaluate information critically, and communicate their ideas effectively.

By engaging in essay writing, students not only demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter but also develop the essential skill of critical thinking, which is invaluable in academic, professional, and personal contexts.

Essay Writing as a Tool for Communication

Essay writing serves as a powerful tool for communication, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and arguments in a structured and coherent manner. Through the process of composing an essay, writers can effectively convey their ideas to a targeted audience, whether it be academic peers, colleagues, or the general public.

Essays enable writers to present complex concepts, analysis, and interpretations in a clear and organized fashion, helping to facilitate understanding and dialogue on a particular topic or issue. By carefully crafting their arguments and providing evidence to support their claims, writers can engage readers and persuade them to consider different perspectives.

Furthermore, essay writing encourages critical thinking and reflective analysis, as writers must evaluate their own ideas and the ideas of others in order to develop a well-rounded and persuasive argument. This process of engagement and exploration fosters intellectual growth and enhances communication skills.

In essence, essay writing serves as a tool for communication that not only allows individuals to articulate their thoughts effectively but also cultivates a deeper understanding of complex ideas and promotes meaningful dialogue among diverse audiences.

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From Idea to Impact: A Guide for Writing Editorial Example

You don’t have to be an expert writer to create a stellar editorial. Many students hesitate when assigned an editorial. The thought of impressing a larger campus audience can be intimidating. And may lead some students to consider skipping the assignment altogether.

However, there are ways to improve their editorial writing skills. This post brings you all the essentials with editorial examples. So, start reading to discover how to create a compelling editorial easily!

Table of Contents

What is an Editorial?

Editorials are small articles, usually written in the form of essays, featured in newspapers and magazines. These articles reflect the writer or editor’s viewpoints on a subject matter. More often than not, people consider an editorial as the opinion of a newspaper on a current issue.

Types of Editorial With Editorial Example

Editorials come in various forms, each serving a unique purpose. This segment explores four types of editorials.

• Explain and interpret

General Editorial Example

Before moving on to the types here is a general editorial example.

Title: Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome: A Call for Compassion and Inclusivity

These editorials examine a topic or issue and highlight its flaws or shortcomings.

It can be a criticism of a decision or an action. Sometimes criticism editorials suggest improvements or provide alternatives

Criticism Editorial Example: “The Flawed Education System: A Call for Reform”

*Note: Here, the writer criticizes the current education system, pointing out its weaknesses. (You may also provide necessary changes to improve student outcomes.)

Explain and Interpret

This type of editorial aims to clarify complex issues or events. By providing context it helps readers understand the topic at hand.

Editorial Example: “Breaking Down the Latest Economic Policy: A Comprehensive Analysis”

In this editorial, the author explains the intricacies of a new economic policy. Outlining its key components and potential impact on the nation’s economy.

A Persuasive editorial tries to convince people. It provides a solution and prompts the reader to take specific actions.

Editorial Example: “The Climate Crisis: Why We Must Act Now”

The author presents compelling, evidence-based arguments on  climate change  in this piece. They also persuade readers to take immediate actions essential for our planet’s future.

A praising editorial celebrates or supports a person or entity’s achievement or notable action. It may also talk about an organization or event.

Editorial Example: “The Unsung Heroes: How Online Paper Writing Service Platforms are Helping Students Find Balance in Life “

In this editorial article example, the writer applauds the professionals that help students.

Editorial Example for Students

Tips to write editorial example for elementary students.

Here are 7 tips for elementary students to write editorial examples:

• Find a fun topic . Choose something that you and your friends care about. For example a school event, a new playground, or a favorite book.
• Learn more . Ask your teacher, parents, or friends for information and facts about your topic. This will help you in writing fact or evidence-based editorials. 
• Share your thoughts : Tell your readers what you think about the topic and why it’s important to you.
• Tell a story . Use examples from your own life or from things you’ve seen or heard to make your point easier to understand.
• Make a plan . Down your main ideas in order, so you know what to talk about first, next, and last in your editorial example.
• Keep it simple : Use words and sentences that are easy for you and your friends to understand.
• Ask for help . Show your editorial example to a teacher, parent, or friend and ask them for advice on how to make it even better.

You will be able to create interesting and fun editorial examples by following these tips. Here are some editorial example topics that you can write on. 

Tips to Write Editorial Example for Middle School Students 

Here are 7 tips for middle school students to write editorial examples

• Choose a relevant topic . Pick a subject that matters to you and your peers. These can include school policies, community issues, or social trends.
• Research your topic . Look up information and facts about your subject through different sources. These can include books, articles, or online sources. Make sure your material supports your opinion in the editorial example.
• State your opinion . Be bold when expressing your opinion on an issue. As middle-schoolers, you can explain the reason behind your perspective. This benefits both you and your audience in expressing and understanding your opinion.
• Use real-life examples . Remember that most of your readers are students with lower attention spans. To engage them, you need to make your editorial relatable. Add shared experiences, events, stories, and news to make your argument persuasive. 
• Organize your ideas . Create an outline for your editorial example. A clear introduction, body, and conclusion outline will guide your writing.
• Write clearly and concisely.  Use straightforward language and concise sentences. Make your editorial easy to understand for your fellow middle school students.
• Revise and seek feedback.  Review your editorial example for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. You can ask a teacher or friend for their input on improving it.

These steps will help you write impactful editorial examples for your school magazine. Your audience will resonate with your work which can spark meaningful discussions.

Tips to Write Editorial Example for High School Students

Here are 7 tips for high school students to write editorial examples:

• Select a compelling topic . Choose a subject that is relevant and important to you and your fellow high school students, such as school policies, social issues, or current events.
• Conduct thorough research . Investigate your topic using reliable sources like books, articles, or reputable websites to gather evidence and support your opinion in the editorial example.
• Present a clear argument : Articulate your stance on the issue and provide logical reasons for your viewpoint.
• Incorporate real-world examples . Use personal experiences, school-related stories, or news events to strengthen your argument and make it relatable to your audience.
• Structure your editorial . Plan your editorial example with a well-organized outline, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, to ensure a cohesive flow of ideas.
• Write with clarity and precision . Employ clear language and concise sentences to convey your message effectively and engage your high school peers.
• Revise and seek constructive feedback . Edit your editorial example for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and ask a teacher, parent, or friend for their suggestions on how to enhance it.

Editorial Examples For Newspapers

Here are 8 tips for writing editorial examples for newspapers:

• Choose a timely topic : Select a current and newsworthy issue that is relevant to your readers, such as local politics, community events, or national debates.
• Research extensively : Investigate your topic using credible sources like official reports, expert opinions, and reputable news articles to gather solid evidence and support your viewpoint in the editorial example.
• Formulate a strong argument : Clearly articulate your stance on the issue, present logical reasons for your position, and address potential counterarguments.
• Incorporate real-world examples : Use relevant case studies, personal stories, or recent news events to illustrate your points and make your argument more persuasive to newspaper readers.
• Organize your editorial effectively : Structure your editorial example with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas and logical transitions between paragraphs.
• Adopt a journalistic tone : Write with clarity, precision, and objectivity to convey your message professionally and engage your newspaper audience.
• Fact-check and cite sources : Verify the accuracy of your information and provide proper citations for your sources to maintain credibility and trust with your readers.
• Revise and seek professional feedback : Edit your editorial example for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and consult a newspaper editor or experienced journalist for their input on how to improve your piece.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to craft insightful and impactful editorial examples that will resonate with newspaper readers and contribute to informed public discourse.

Tips to Write Editorial Examples for Newspapers

Students often find themselves lost when writing editorials, as many don’t read newspapers anymore. But fear not! In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll show you how to build an amazing editorial. 

Choose Your Topic 

• Brainstorm your ideas.
• Make sure your topic hooks your reader.
• Choose ongoing issues to write on. If you pick an older topic, write with a new perception. 
• Ensure your topic serves a broader purpose.

It is no surprise that controversial topics gain more attention. So don’t be afraid of digging a little dirt. You can pick topics like unsolved cases where people are still seeking answers. 

Editorial example : Choosing a hot topic like “economic inflation” can instantly grab your reader’s attention. If you choose an older topic like  modernism in literature , write about how today’s readers can find those books relatable. 

Conduct Thorough Research

Think of it like writing a  research paper . Your job is to present the truth to the reader, even in your opinion. So;

• Gather all solid facts you can find about your topic 
• Conduct proper research from authentic sources
• Proper facts and evidence will support your opinions 

Editorial example : Let’s say you’re writing on climate change. In this editorial essay, you will gain data from reputable sources like NASA or the IPCC. Such evidence will support your argument, making it easier to sway your audience. 

Composing The Editorial

Before we jump into the structural sections of an editorial, let’s focus on some characteristics. Following is a brief prompt on the important aspects of writing. This segment is properly explained in our next heading. 

Remember that you’re writing for the general public and not experts. So; 

• Write concisely. 
• Keep it clear to avoid confusing your audience.
• Ensure it’s easy for readers to understand your opinion.
• Give yourself a word limit that should be at most 800 words. 
• Avoid tough or fancy words. 

Prompt for a newspaper editorial example : Suppose you’re writing an editorial on “economic inflation”. You will need to use some technical terms in your content. To ensure your reader understands your work, explain these terms. Use simple language and easy sentences to convey your message effectively. 

Now let’s get to the editorial format and observe how to structure your content properly. 

Writing an Introduction

Your introduction is the first thing your reader goes through in writing. You need to engage your audience and push them towards the main body of your editorial. To do that, follow these techniques. 

• Start with catchy quotes, questions or facts. 
• Hook the audience with a powerful thesis statement. 
• In an editorial, your argument is your thesis. 

Example of an editorial : 

Let’s say you are writing on “Consumerism Impacts the Environment”. You can use the following fact:

“Consumerism’s impact: If current consumption patterns continue, by 2050, humanity will require the resources of three Earths, leading to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity. An urgent shift towards sustainable consumption is crucial for a viable future.”

Composing a Body

• Organize your arguments and supporting evidence logically.
• Address counterarguments and refute them.
• Use real-life examples to illustrate your points.

An editorial in newspaper example : Suppose you’re writing a criticism editorial on “Landfills”. You can discuss the impacts they have on the environment. You may also provide a solution and the importance of immediate action.

Composing Conclusion

The  conclusion  is another opportunity to leave a strong impression on the audience. Keeping that in view;

• Summarize your main points
• Reinforce your argument
• End with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement

Example of editorial writing : Suppose you are writing on “climate change”. Encourage readers to take steps to combat climate change and emphasize the issue’s urgency.

Proofread and Edit

Proofreading is essential because it ensures your writing is error-free and effectively communicates your message. This enhances your credibility and leaves a positive impression on your readers. So make sure to;

• Check for grammar and spelling errors
• Review the structure and flow of your editorial
• Ensure your argument is clear and persuasive

After completing your editorial on climate change, proofread it carefully and make any necessary edits to ensure it’s polished and compelling.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an engaging and impactful editorial that resonates with your readers.

Topics For Editorials

Here are some topic ideas to help you decide what to write next. 

• Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
• The Importance of Investing in Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
• Examining the Role of Big Tech Companies in Protecting User Privacy
• Addressing the Global Water Crisis: Finding Solutions for Access and Conservation
• The Need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Balancing Security and Compassion
• The Implications of Artificial Intelligence in the Job Market: Preparing for the Future of Work
• Bridging the Political Divide: Fostering Civil Discourse in a Polarized Society
• Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Ecosystems
• The Role of Journalism in Upholding Democracy: Preserving Truth and Accountability
• Exploring the Ethics of Genetic Engineering: Balancing Progress and Responsibility

And there you have it, our easy guide on how to write an editorial! Just follow these simple steps and keep an eye on editorial examples for the practical applications of the tips.

However, some of you might still find it tricky to create an impactful editorial. Don’t worry – our  college paper writing service  has your back. Our talented writers will not only help you meet those deadlines but also bring balance to your busy life. Together, we’ll make sure you achieve your goals in no time.

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An editorial article is a type of written work that expresses the writer's opinion on a particular topic or issue. The purpose of an editorial article is to present a viewpoint on a current issue or event, and persuade readers to share that viewpoint.

Editorial writing is a big step up in any writer’s career because it requires unlimited love for research, detail, and exploring new subjects that are not hackneyed but truly inspiring and thought-provoking. What is an editorial? This is an article that showcases a periodical’s opinion on a certain issue. A lot of editorials are designed to draw public’s attention to this issue and sometimes even take action. It is meant to make readers think critically and analyze the subject of the discussion. So, get a nice healthy meal and start working.

Features of a Good Editorial

Before we begin to discuss the process of writing, our essay writing service would like to focus on those qualities that make an article a good, interesting editorial:

• Uses relevant, reliable, and recent sources of reference to provided deepest insights;
• Is based on facts and doesn’t make assumptions;
• Doesn’t contain any typos and is always thoroughly proofread before submission;
• Raises a new, exciting question;
• Is supported by visuals such as tables and figures as well as statistics;
• Is logically structured to guide readers through the article;
• Contains excellent hook for essay to attract readers and enhance their interest.

Now, when you have an idea of what good editorial features are, we can move forward and talk more about the writing process.

Select an Appealing Topic

What have all periodicals been talking about lately? Is there anything so urgent that you must cover it in order to engage your constant audience and attract even more readers? Hot, widely discussed issues are what editorial writers want to analyze and express their newspapers’ opinion about. Make sure to narrow down your line of discussion because it is always easier to talk a lot about many things; however, in case of an editorial, it is not the amount of issued that readers are looking for – it is the depth and uniqueness of your analysis. Try to concentrate on something particular and demonstrate your critical and creative skills .

Choose an Approach

The tone and direction of your analysis will depend a lot on the chosen approach to the issue. Many resources state that there are a number of ways one can treat a topic under analysis:

• Interpreting or explaining an issue is an effective way to engage the audience. There might be matters that can seem complicated to people not specializing in certain fields, which is why they will find your explanation of the subject extremely helpful. It goes without saying that you are supposed to have a deep, good understanding of the problem you are going to cover.
• Criticizing is probably the first method that pops up in mind when we think about an editorial. This is a great opportunity to do extensive research in order to suggest a solution to the problem and help readers familiarize themselves with a perplexing issue.
• Praising a person, an organization, a book, etc. is also a good reason to write an editorial. So many outstanding things take place around the country and the world that some of them definitely deserve a closer attention from a periodical.
• Persuading the audience is the fourth category. Maybe, you have discovered a situation that requires immediate actions and you would like to introduce it to people and let them participate in finding a good solution. An editorial is an amazing way to educate people and motivate them to make a difference.

Be Confident

A crucial rule to remember when creating an editorial is that uncertainty and vague remarks are a good article’s worst enemies. Since you were given a right to be an editorial’s author, you have to speak about the issue with confidence, demonstrating that your position is firm and impregnable. Define your agenda and introduce a thesis at the beginning of the article such that your readers could see immediately what the work is about and what they should expect from it.

Be Ready to Argue

Since you are so confident in your point of view, readers now expect that you will provide lots of irrefutable arguments that will support your opinion, weaken opponents’ position, and, perhaps, change readers’ minds. Please, make sure all these expectation are met and you are 100% ready to defend your thoughts and provide substantial evidence. Keep in mind that the opinion you express is often not only yours; editorial authors represent the entire staff’s position, which is why the points covered in the article must be objective and trustworthy.

Target an Average Reader

By calling our reader average, we by no means want to be offensive; we simply want to repeat the point mentioned above – not every person who reads your editorial specializes in the field. For this reason, it is critical to avoid heavy terminology and jargon that is comprehensible only for a narrow group of specialists. If you are covering a scientific discovery, make sure to explain all difficult concepts by providing metaphors, analogies, or other kinds of explanation. An editorial should be engaging and thought provoking, not a brain-killer that makes readers ask ‘What have I just read?’ questions. The language of an editorial should be rather informal and entertaining; this is exactly the place to demonstrate how one can utilize one’s language skills and turn the most sophisticated, esoteric subject matter into a candy that everybody can enjoy. One more rule: keep your writing below 1000 word essay . When it comes to editorials, nobody wants to spend too much time reading these articles. So, try to analyze the topic as deep as possible within a rather short piece using the most persuasive, sharp language. As was said above, always think of a possible solution to the existing problem; otherwise, what was the reason behind writing this article? What was its real value? We hope that this overview have you a good idea about what editorial authors should pay attention to and that it will help you create a creative essay .

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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The Difference between an Essay and an Editorial

The best essays are featured in compilations of writings on a specific topic that are printed by university presses for academic writing. The best editorials are featured in everything from local to national newspapers, television news programs, and in online news sources and websites.

What is an Essay?

An essay is a piece of writing that examines a particular topic in a few very structured different ways. Narrative essays tell a story, while expository essays present only facts. A persuasive essay argues for a particular viewpoint, while a descriptive essay paints a picture in its readers' imaginations. The type of essay you choose to write should always be based on which type is most useful in informing your readers on the topic you've chosen to write.

Essays can be written on any subject from 18th century British literature to the Hubble Telescope's latest discovery. No matter which time period or topic an essay explores, there are always news ways of looking at the subject and new ideas to form about it.

What is an Editorial?

An editorial is an opinion-based piece of writing that focuses on a topical issue. A good editorial can sway an election, inspire activism around a social issue, or start public debates.

Just like essays, there are several different kinds of editorials. A leading editorial is a call to action that can inspire change, while an entertaining editorial can make a reader laugh using humor and satire. Praising editorial expresses gratitude and admiration for a good person or a good deed., while a criticism editorial points out flaws.

Great editorials, like essays, start with a thesis statement. In structuring an editorial, it's important to provide an unbiased, factual presentation of the subject under discussion in an objective way before expressing an opinion. While opinions are the opposite of facts and are therefore neither right or wrong, opinions expressed in an editorial need good backing arguments and facts to support them.

What are You Trying to Say?

If the purpose of your writing is to impart knowledge in an orderly way, you're writing an essay. If your purpose is to capture your thoughts on an issue you find important and persuade others to share that opinion, or to praise work done in your community, or even to amuse readers with your take on a topical issue, you're writing an editorial.

Understanding Your Purpose

The first question for any writer should be, "Why am I writing?" "What is my goal or my purpose for writing?" For many writing contexts, your immediate purpose may be to complete an assignment or get a good grade. But the long-range purpose of writing is to communicate to a particular audience. In order to communicate successfully to your audience, understanding your purpose for writing will make you a better writer.

A Definition of Purpose

Purpose is the reason why you are writing . You may write a grocery list in order to remember what you need to buy. You may write a laboratory report in order to carefully describe a chemistry experiment. You may write an argumentative essay in order to persuade someone to change the parking rules on campus. You may write a letter to a friend to express your excitement about her new job.

Notice that selecting the form for your writing (list, report, essay, letter) is one of your choices that helps you achieve your purpose. You also have choices about style, organization, kinds of evidence that help you achieve your purpose

Focusing on your purpose as you begin writing helps you know what form to choose, how to focus and organize your writing, what kinds of evidence to cite, how formal or informal your style should be, and how much you should write.

Types of Purpose

Don Zimmerman, Journalism and Technical Communication Department I look at most scientific and technical writing as being either informational or instructional in purpose. A third category is documentation for legal purposes. Most writing can be organized in one of these three ways. For example, an informational purpose is frequently used to make decisions. Memos, in most circles, carry key information.

When we communicate with other people, we are usually guided by some purpose, goal, or aim. We may want to express our feelings. We may want simply to explore an idea or perhaps entertain or amuse our listeners or readers. We may wish to inform people or explain an idea. We may wish to argue for or against an idea in order to persuade others to believe or act in a certain way. We make special kinds of arguments when we are evaluating or problem solving . Finally, we may wish to mediate or negotiate a solution in a tense or difficult situation.

Remember, however, that often writers combine purposes in a single piece of writing. Thus, we may, in a business report, begin by informing readers of the economic facts before we try to persuade them to take a certain course of action.

In expressive writing, the writer's purpose or goal is to put thoughts and feelings on the page. Expressive writing is personal writing. We are often just writing for ourselves or for close friends. Usually, expressive writing is informal, not intended for outside readers. Journal writing, for example, is usually expressive writing.

However, we may write expressively for other readers when we write poetry (although not all poetry is expressive writing). We may write expressively in a letter, or we may include some expressive sentences in a formal essay intended for other readers.

Entertaining

As a purpose or goal of writing, entertaining is often used with some other purpose--to explain, argue, or inform in a humorous way. Sometimes, however, entertaining others with humor is our main goal. Entertaining may take the form of a brief joke, a newspaper column, a television script or an Internet home page tidbit, but its goal is to relax our reader and share some story of human foibles or surprising actions.

Writing to inform is one of the most common purposes for writing. Most journalistic writing fits this purpose. A journalist uncovers the facts about some incident and then reports those facts, as objectively as possible, to his or her readers. Of course, some bias or point-of-view is always present, but the purpose of informational or reportorial writing is to convey information as accurately and objectively as possible. Other examples of writing to inform include laboratory reports, economic reports, and business reports.

Writing to explain, or expository writing, is the most common of the writing purposes. The writer's purpose is to gather facts and information, combine them with his or her own knowledge and experience, and clarify for some audience  who or what something is ,  how it happened or should happen, and/or  why something happened .

Explaining the whos, whats, hows, whys, and wherefores requires that the writer analyze the subject (divide it into its important parts) and show the relationship of those parts. Thus, writing to explain relies heavily on definition, process analysis, cause/effect analysis, and synthesis.

Explaining versus Informing : So how does explaining differ from informing? Explaining goes one step beyond informing or reporting. A reporter merely reports what his or her sources say or the data indicate. An expository writer adds his or her particular understanding, interpretation, or  thesis  to that information. An expository writer says this is the  best or most accurate  definition of literacy, or the  right  way to make lasagne, or the  most relevant  causes of an accident.

An arguing essay attempts to convince its audience to believe or act in a certain way. Written arguments have several key features:

• A debatable claim or thesis . The issue must have some reasonable arguments on both (or several) sides.
• A focus on one or more of the four types of claims : Claim of fact ,  claim of cause and effect ,  claim of value , and/or  claim of policy  (problem solving).
• A fair representation of opposing arguments  combined with arguments against the opposition and for the overall claim.
• An argument based on evidence presented in a reasonable tone . Although appeals to character and to emotion may be used, the primary appeal should be to the reader's logic and reason.

Although the terms  argument  and  persuasion  are often used interchangeably, the terms do have slightly different meanings. Argument  is a special kind of persuasion that follows certain ground rules. Those rules are that opposing positions will be presented accurately and fairly, and that appeals to logic and reason will be the primary means of persuasion.  Persuasive writing  may, if it wishes, ignore those rules and try any strategy that might work. Advertisements are a good example of persuasive writing. They usually don't fairly represent the competing product, and they appeal to image, to emotion, to character, or to anything except logic and the facts--unless those facts are in the product's favor.

Writing to evaluate a person, product, thing, or policy is a frequent purpose for writing. An evaluation is really a specific kind of argument: it argues for the merits of the subject and presents evidence to support the claim. A  claim of value --the thesis in an evaluation--must be supported by criteria (the appropriate standards of judgment) and supporting evidence (the facts, statistics, examples, or testimonials).

Writers often use a  three-column log  to set up criteria for their subject, collect relevant evidence, and reach judgments that support an overall claim of value. Writing a three-column log is an excellent way to organize an evaluative essay. First, think about your possible criteria. Remember: criteria are the standards of judgment (the ideal case) against which you will measure your particular subject.  Choose criteria which your readers will find valid, fair, and appropriate . Then, collect evidence for each of your selected criteria. Consider the following example of a restaurant evaluation:

Overall claim of value : This Chinese restaurant provides a high quality dining experience.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is a special kind of arguing essay: the writer's purpose is to persuade his audience to adopt a solution to a particular problem. Often called "policy" essays because they recommend the readers adopt a policy to resolve a problem, problem-solving essays have two main components:  a description of a serious problem  and an argument for  specific recommendations that will solve the problem .

The thesis of a problem-solving essay becomes a  claim of policy : If the audience follows the suggested recommendations, the problem will be reduced or eliminated. The essay must support the policy claim by persuading readers that the recommendations are feasible, cost-effective, efficient, relevant to the situation, and better than other possible alternative solutions.

Traditional argument , like a debate, is confrontational. The argument often becomes a kind of "war" in which the writer attempts to "defeat" the arguments of the opposition.

Non-traditional kinds  of argument use a variety of strategies to reduce the confrontation and threat in order to open up the debate.

• Mediated argument  follows a plan used successfully in labor negotiations to bring opposing parties to agreement. The writer of a mediated argument provides a middle position that helps negotiate the differences of the opposing positions.
• Rogerian argumen t also wishes to reduce confrontation by encouraging mutual understanding and working toward common ground and a compromise solution.
• Feminist argument  tries to avoid the patriarchal conventions in traditional argument by emphasizing personal communication, exploration, and true understanding.

Combining Purposes

Often, writers use multiple purposes in a single piece of writing. An essay about illiteracy in America may begin by expressing your feelings on the topic. Then it may report the current facts about illiteracy. Finally, it may argue for a solution that might correct some of the social conditions that cause illiteracy. The  ultimate purpose  of the paper is to argue for the solution, but the writer uses these other purposes along the way.

Similarly, a scientific paper about gene therapy may begin by reporting the current state of gene therapy research. It may then explain how a gene therapy works in a medical situation. Finally, it may argue that we need to increase funding for primary research into gene therapy.

Purposes and Strategies

A purpose is the aim or goal of the writer or the written product; a strategy is a means of achieving that purpose. For example, our purpose may be to explain something, but we may use definitions, examples, descriptions, and analysis in order to make our explanation clearer. A variety of strategies are available for writers to help them find ways to achieve their purpose(s).

Writers often use definition for key terms of ideas in their essays. A formal definition , the basis of most dictionary definitions, has three parts: the term to be defined, the class to which the term belongs, and the features that distinguish this term from other terms in the class.

Look at your own topic. Would definition help you analyze and explain your subject?

Illustration and Example

Examples and illustrations are a basic kind of evidence and support in expository and argumentative writing.

In her essay about anorexia nervosa, student writer Nancie Brosseau uses several examples to develop a paragraph:

Another problem, lying, occurred most often when my parents tried to force me to eat. Because I was at the gym until around eight o'clock every night, I told my mother not to save me dinner. I would come home and make a sandwich and feed it to my dog. I lied to my parents every day about eating lunch at school. For example, I would bring a sack lunch and sell it to someone and use the money to buy diet pills. I always told my parents that I ate my own lunch.

Look at your own topic. What examples and illustrations would help explain your subject?

Classification

Classification is a form of analyzing a subject into types. We might classify automobiles by types: Trucks, Sport Utilities, Sedans, Sport Cars. We can (and do) classify college classes by type: Science, Social Science, Humanities, Business, Agriculture, etc.

Look at your own topic. Would classification help you analyze and explain your subject?

Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast can be used to organize an essay. Consider whether either of the following two outlines would help you organize your comparison essay.

Block Comparison of A and B

• Intro and Thesis
• Description of A
• Description of B (and how B is similar to/different from A)

Alternating Comparison of A and B

• Aspect One: Comparison/contrast of A and B
• Aspect Two: Comparison/contrast of A and B
• Aspect Three: Comparison/contrast of A and B

Look at your own topic. Would comparison/contrast help you organize and explain your subject?

Analysis is simply dividing some whole into its parts. A library has distinct parts: stacks, electronic catalog, reserve desk, government documents section, interlibrary loan desk, etc. If you are writing about a library, you may need to know all the parts that exist in that library.

Look at your own topic. Would analysis of the parts help you understand and explain your subject?

Description

Although we usually think of description as visual, we may also use other senses--hearing, touch, feeling, smell-- in our attempt to describe something for our readers.

Notice how student writer Stephen White uses multiple senses to describe Anasazi Indian ruins at Mesa Verde:

I awoke this morning with a sense of unexplainable anticipation gnawing away at the back of my mind, that this chilly, leaden day at Mesa Verde would bring something new . . . . They are a haunting sight, these broken houses, clustered together down in the gloom of the canyon. The silence is broken only by the rush of the wind in the trees and the trickling of a tiny stream of melting snow springing from ledge to ledge. This small, abandoned village of tiny houses seems almost as the Indians left it, reduced by the passage of nearly a thousand years to piles of rubble through which protrude broken red adobe walls surrounding ghostly jet black openings, undisturbed by modern man.

Look at your own topic. Would description help you explain your subject?

Process Analysis

Process analysis is analyzing the chronological steps in any operation. A recipe contains process analysis. First, sift the flour. Next, mix the eggs, milk, and oil. Then fold in the flour with the eggs, milk and oil. Then add baking soda, salt and spices. Finally, pour the pancake batter onto the griddle.

Look at your own topic. Would process analysis help you analyze and explain your subject?

Narration is possibly the most effective strategy essay writers can use. Readers are quickly caught up in reading any story, no matter how short it is. Writers of exposition and argument should consider where a short narrative might enliven their essay. Typically, this narrative can relate some of your own experiences with the subject of your essay. Look at your own topic. Where might a short narrative help you explain your subject?

Cause/Effect Analysis

In cause and effect analysis, you map out possible causes and effects. Two patterns for doing cause/effect analysis are as follows:

Several causes leading to single effect: Cause 1 + Cause 2 + Cause 3 . . . => Effect

One cause leading to multiple effects: Cause => Effect 1 + Effect 2 + Effect 3 ...

Look at your own topic. Would cause/effect analysis help you understand and explain your subject?

How Audience and Focus Affect Purpose

All readers have expectations. They assume what they read will meet their expectations. As a writer, your job is to make sure those expectations are met, while at the same time, fulfilling the purpose of your writing.

Once you have determined what type of purpose best conveys your motivations, you will then need to examine how this will affect your readers. Perhaps you are explaining your topic when you really should be convincing readers to see your point. Writers and readers may approach a topic with conflicting purposes. Your job, as a writer, is to make sure both are being met.

Purpose and Audience

Often your audience will help you determine your purpose. The beliefs they hold will tell you whether or not they agree with what you have to say. Suppose, for example, you are writing to persuade readers against Internet censorship. Your purpose will differ depending on the audience who will read your writing.

Audience One: Internet Users

If your audience is computer users who surf the net daily, you could appear foolish trying to persuade them to react against Internet censorship. It's likely they are already against such a movement. Instead, they might expect more information on the topic.

Audience Two: Parents

If your audience is parents who don't want their small children surfing the net, you'll need to convince them that censorship is not the solution to the problem. You should persuade this audience to consider other options.

Purpose and Focus

Your focus (otherwise known as thesis, claim, main idea, or problem statement) is a reflection of your purpose. If these two do not agree, you will not accomplish what you set out to do. Consider the following examples below:

Focus One: Informing

Suppose your purpose is to inform readers about relationships between Type A personalities and heart attacks. Your focus could then be: Type A personalities do not have an abnormally high risk of suffering heart attacks.

Focus Two: Persuading

Suppose your purpose is to persuade readers not to quarantine AIDS victims. Your focus could then be: Children afflicted with AIDS should not be prevented from attending school.

Writer and Reader Goals

Kate Kiefer, English Department Readers and writers both have goals when they engage in reading and writing. Writers typically define their goals in several categories-to inform, persuade, entertain, explore. When writers and readers have mutually fulfilling goals-to inform and to look for information-then writing and reading are most efficient. At times, these goals overlap one another. Many readers of science essays are looking for science information when they often get science philosophy. This mismatch of goals tends to leave readers frustrated, and if they communicate that frustration to the writer, then the writer feels misunderstood or unsuccessful.

Donna Lecourt, English Department Whatever reality you are writing within, whatever you chose to write about, implies a certain audience as well as your purpose for writing. You decide you have something to write about, or something you care about, then purpose determines audience.

Writer Versus Reader Purposes

Steve Reid, English Department A general definition of purpose relates to motivation. For instance, "I'm angry, and that's why I'm writing this." Purposes, in academic writing, are intentions the writer hopes to accomplish with a particular audience. Often, readers discover their own purpose within a text. While the writer may have intended one thing, the text actually does another, according to its readers.

Purpose and Writing Assignments

Instructors often state the purpose of a writing assignment on the assignment sheet. By carefully examining what it is you are asked to do, you can determine what your writing's purpose is.

Most assignment sheets ask you to perform a specific task. Key words listed on the assignment can help you determine why you are writing. If your instructor has not provided an assignment sheet, consider asking what the purpose of the assignment is.

Read over your assignment sheet. Make a note of words asking you to follow a specific task. For example, words such as:

These words require you to write about a topic in a specific way. Once you know the purpose of your writing, you can begin planning what information is necessary for that purpose.

Example Assignment

Imagine you are an administrator for the school district. In light of the Columbus controversy, you have been assigned to write a set of guidelines for teaching about Columbus in the district's elementary and junior high schools. These guidelines will explain official policy to parents and teachers in teaching children about Columbus and the significance of his voyages. They will also draw on arguments made on both sides of the controversy, as well as historical facts on which both sides agree.

The purpose of this assignment is to explain the official policy about teaching Columbus' voyages to parents and teachers.

Steve Reid, English Department Keywords in writing assignments give teachers and students direction about why we are writing. For instance, many assignments ask students to "describe" something. The word "describe" specifically indicated the writer is supposed to describe something visually. This is very general. Often, assignments are looking for something more specific. Maybe there is an argument the instructor intends be formulated. Maybe there is an implied thesis, but often teachers use general words such as "Write about" or "Describe" something, when they should use more specific words like, "Define" or "Explain" or "Argue" or "Persuade."

Purpose and Thesis

Writers choose from a variety of purposes for writing. They may write to express their thoughts in a personal letter, to explain concepts in a physics class, to explore ideas in a philosophy class, or to argue a point in a political science class.

Once they have their purpose in mind (and an audience for whom they are writing), writers may more clearly formulate their thesis. The thesis , claim , or main idea of an essay is related to the purpose. It is the sentence or sentences that fulfill the purpose and that state the exact point of the essay.

For example, if a writer wants to argue that high schools should strengthen foreign language training, her thesis sentence might be as follows:

"Because Americans are so culturally isolated, we need a national policy that supports increased foreign language instruction in elementary and secondary schools."

How Thesis is Related to Purpose

The following examples illustrate how subject, purpose and thesis are related. The subject is the most general statement of the topic. The purpose narrows the focus by indicating whether the writer wishes to express or explore ideas or actually explain or argue about the topic. The thesis sentence, claim, or main idea narrows the focus even farther. It is the sentence or sentences which focuses the topic for the writer and the reader.

Citation Information

Stephen Reid and Dawn Kowalski. (1994-2024). Understanding Your Purpose. The WAC Clearinghouse. Colorado State University. Available at https://wac.colostate.edu/repository/writing/guides/.

Copyright Information

Copyright © 1994-2024 Colorado State University and/or this site's authors, developers, and contributors . Some material displayed on this site is used with permission.

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6.1 Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content

Learning objectives.

• Identify the four common academic purposes.
• Identify audience, tone, and content.
• Apply purpose, audience, tone, and content to a specific assignment.

Imagine reading one long block of text, with each idea blurring into the next. Even if you are reading a thrilling novel or an interesting news article, you will likely lose interest in what the author has to say very quickly. During the writing process, it is helpful to position yourself as a reader. Ask yourself whether you can focus easily on each point you make. One technique that effective writers use is to begin a fresh paragraph for each new idea they introduce.

Paragraphs separate ideas into logical, manageable chunks. One paragraph focuses on only one main idea and presents coherent sentences to support that one point. Because all the sentences in one paragraph support the same point, a paragraph may stand on its own. To create longer assignments and to discuss more than one point, writers group together paragraphs.

Three elements shape the content of each paragraph:

• Purpose . The reason the writer composes the paragraph.
• Tone . The attitude the writer conveys about the paragraph’s subject.
• Audience . The individual or group whom the writer intends to address.

Figure 6.1 Purpose, Audience, Tone, and Content Triangle

The assignment’s purpose, audience, and tone dictate what the paragraph covers and how it will support one main point. This section covers how purpose, audience, and tone affect reading and writing paragraphs.

Identifying Common Academic Purposes

The purpose for a piece of writing identifies the reason you write a particular document. Basically, the purpose of a piece of writing answers the question “Why?” For example, why write a play? To entertain a packed theater. Why write instructions to the babysitter? To inform him or her of your schedule and rules. Why write a letter to your congressman? To persuade him to address your community’s needs.

In academic settings, the reasons for writing fulfill four main purposes: to summarize, to analyze, to synthesize, and to evaluate. You will encounter these four purposes not only as you read for your classes but also as you read for work or pleasure. Because reading and writing work together, your writing skills will improve as you read. To learn more about reading in the writing process, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .

Eventually, your instructors will ask you to complete assignments specifically designed to meet one of the four purposes. As you will see, the purpose for writing will guide you through each part of the paper, helping you make decisions about content and style. For now, identifying these purposes by reading paragraphs will prepare you to write individual paragraphs and to build longer assignments.

Summary Paragraphs

A summary shrinks a large amount of information into only the essentials. You probably summarize events, books, and movies daily. Think about the last blockbuster movie you saw or the last novel you read. Chances are, at some point in a casual conversation with a friend, coworker, or classmate, you compressed all the action in a two-hour film or in a two-hundred-page book into a brief description of the major plot movements. While in conversation, you probably described the major highlights, or the main points in just a few sentences, using your own vocabulary and manner of speaking.

Similarly, a summary paragraph condenses a long piece of writing into a smaller paragraph by extracting only the vital information. A summary uses only the writer’s own words. Like the summary’s purpose in daily conversation, the purpose of an academic summary paragraph is to maintain all the essential information from a longer document. Although shorter than the original piece of writing, a summary should still communicate all the key points and key support. In other words, summary paragraphs should be succinct and to the point.

A summary of the report should present all the main points and supporting details in brief. Read the following summary of the report written by a student:

Notice how the summary retains the key points made by the writers of the original report but omits most of the statistical data. Summaries need not contain all the specific facts and figures in the original document; they provide only an overview of the essential information.

Analysis Paragraphs

An analysis separates complex materials in their different parts and studies how the parts relate to one another. The analysis of simple table salt, for example, would require a deconstruction of its parts—the elements sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl). Then, scientists would study how the two elements interact to create the compound NaCl, or sodium chloride, which is also called simple table salt.

Analysis is not limited to the sciences, of course. An analysis paragraph in academic writing fulfills the same purpose. Instead of deconstructing compounds, academic analysis paragraphs typically deconstruct documents. An analysis takes apart a primary source (an essay, a book, an article, etc.) point by point. It communicates the main points of the document by examining individual points and identifying how the points relate to one another.

Take a look at a student’s analysis of the journal report.

Notice how the analysis does not simply repeat information from the original report, but considers how the points within the report relate to one another. By doing this, the student uncovers a discrepancy between the points that are backed up by statistics and those that require additional information. Analyzing a document involves a close examination of each of the individual parts and how they work together.

Synthesis Paragraphs

A synthesis combines two or more items to create an entirely new item. Consider the electronic musical instrument aptly named the synthesizer. It looks like a simple keyboard but displays a dashboard of switches, buttons, and levers. With the flip of a few switches, a musician may combine the distinct sounds of a piano, a flute, or a guitar—or any other combination of instruments—to create a new sound. The purpose of the synthesizer is to blend together the notes from individual instruments to form new, unique notes.

The purpose of an academic synthesis is to blend individual documents into a new document. An academic synthesis paragraph considers the main points from one or more pieces of writing and links the main points together to create a new point, one not replicated in either document.

Take a look at a student’s synthesis of several sources about underage drinking.

Notice how the synthesis paragraphs consider each source and use information from each to create a new thesis. A good synthesis does not repeat information; the writer uses a variety of sources to create a new idea.

Evaluation Paragraphs

An evaluation judges the value of something and determines its worth. Evaluations in everyday experiences are often not only dictated by set standards but also influenced by opinion and prior knowledge. For example, at work, a supervisor may complete an employee evaluation by judging his subordinate’s performance based on the company’s goals. If the company focuses on improving communication, the supervisor will rate the employee’s customer service according to a standard scale. However, the evaluation still depends on the supervisor’s opinion and prior experience with the employee. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine how well the employee performs at his or her job.

An academic evaluation communicates your opinion, and its justifications, about a document or a topic of discussion. Evaluations are influenced by your reading of the document, your prior knowledge, and your prior experience with the topic or issue. Because an evaluation incorporates your point of view and reasons for your point of view, it typically requires more critical thinking and a combination of summary, analysis, and synthesis skills. Thus evaluation paragraphs often follow summary, analysis, and synthesis paragraphs. Read a student’s evaluation paragraph.

Notice how the paragraph incorporates the student’s personal judgment within the evaluation. Evaluating a document requires prior knowledge that is often based on additional research.

When reviewing directions for assignments, look for the verbs summarize , analyze , synthesize , or evaluate . Instructors often use these words to clearly indicate the assignment’s purpose. These words will cue you on how to complete the assignment because you will know its exact purpose.

Read the following paragraphs about four films and then identify the purpose of each paragraph.

• This film could easily have been cut down to less than two hours. By the final scene, I noticed that most of my fellow moviegoers were snoozing in their seats and were barely paying attention to what was happening on screen. Although the director sticks diligently to the book, he tries too hard to cram in all the action, which is just too ambitious for such a detail-oriented story. If you want my advice, read the book and give the movie a miss.
• During the opening scene, we learn that the character Laura is adopted and that she has spent the past three years desperately trying to track down her real parents. Having exhausted all the usual options—adoption agencies, online searches, family trees, and so on—she is on the verge of giving up when she meets a stranger on a bus. The chance encounter leads to a complicated chain of events that ultimately result in Laura getting her lifelong wish. But is it really what she wants? Throughout the rest of the film, Laura discovers that sometimes the past is best left where it belongs.
• To create the feeling of being gripped in a vice, the director, May Lee, uses a variety of elements to gradually increase the tension. The creepy, haunting melody that subtly enhances the earlier scenes becomes ever more insistent, rising to a disturbing crescendo toward the end of the movie. The desperation of the actors, combined with the claustrophobic atmosphere and tight camera angles create a realistic firestorm, from which there is little hope of escape. Walking out of the theater at the end feels like staggering out of a Roman dungeon.
• The scene in which Campbell and his fellow prisoners assist the guards in shutting down the riot immediately strikes the viewer as unrealistic. Based on the recent reports on prison riots in both Detroit and California, it seems highly unlikely that a posse of hardened criminals will intentionally help their captors at the risk of inciting future revenge from other inmates. Instead, both news reports and psychological studies indicate that prisoners who do not actively participate in a riot will go back to their cells and avoid conflict altogether. Examples of this lack of attention to detail occur throughout the film, making it almost unbearable to watch.

Collaboration

Share with a classmate and compare your answers.

Writing at Work

Thinking about the purpose of writing a report in the workplace can help focus and structure the document. A summary should provide colleagues with a factual overview of your findings without going into too much specific detail. In contrast, an evaluation should include your personal opinion, along with supporting evidence, research, or examples to back it up. Listen for words such as summarize , analyze , synthesize , or evaluate when your boss asks you to complete a report to help determine a purpose for writing.

Consider the essay most recently assigned to you. Identify the most effective academic purpose for the assignment.

My assignment: ____________________________________________

My purpose: ____________________________________________

Identifying the Audience

Imagine you must give a presentation to a group of executives in an office. Weeks before the big day, you spend time creating and rehearsing the presentation. You must make important, careful decisions not only about the content but also about your delivery. Will the presentation require technology to project figures and charts? Should the presentation define important words, or will the executives already know the terms? Should you wear your suit and dress shirt? The answers to these questions will help you develop an appropriate relationship with your audience, making them more receptive to your message.

Now imagine you must explain the same business concepts from your presentation to a group of high school students. Those important questions you previously answered may now require different answers. The figures and charts may be too sophisticated, and the terms will certainly require definitions. You may even reconsider your outfit and sport a more casual look. Because the audience has shifted, your presentation and delivery will shift as well to create a new relationship with the new audience.

In these two situations, the audience—the individuals who will watch and listen to the presentation—plays a role in the development of presentation. As you prepare the presentation, you visualize the audience to anticipate their expectations and reactions. What you imagine affects the information you choose to present and how you will present it. Then, during the presentation, you meet the audience in person and discover immediately how well you perform.

Although the audience for writing assignments—your readers—may not appear in person, they play an equally vital role. Even in everyday writing activities, you identify your readers’ characteristics, interests, and expectations before making decisions about what you write. In fact, thinking about audience has become so common that you may not even detect the audience-driven decisions.

For example, you update your status on a social networking site with the awareness of who will digitally follow the post. If you want to brag about a good grade, you may write the post to please family members. If you want to describe a funny moment, you may write with your friends’ senses of humor in mind. Even at work, you send e-mails with an awareness of an unintended receiver who could intercept the message.

In other words, being aware of “invisible” readers is a skill you most likely already possess and one you rely on every day. Consider the following paragraphs. Which one would the author send to her parents? Which one would she send to her best friend?

Last Saturday, I volunteered at a local hospital. The visit was fun and rewarding. I even learned how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Unfortunately, I think caught a cold from one of the patients. This week, I will rest in bed and drink plenty of clear fluids. I hope I am well by next Saturday to volunteer again.

OMG! You won’t believe this! My advisor forced me to do my community service hours at this hospital all weekend! We learned CPR but we did it on dummies, not even real peeps. And some kid sneezed on me and got me sick! I was so bored and sniffling all weekend; I hope I don’t have to go back next week. I def do NOT want to miss the basketball tournament!

Most likely, you matched each paragraph to its intended audience with little hesitation. Because each paragraph reveals the author’s relationship with her intended readers, you can identify the audience fairly quickly. When writing your own paragraphs, you must engage with your audience to build an appropriate relationship given your subject. Imagining your readers during each stage of the writing process will help you make decisions about your writing. Ultimately, the people you visualize will affect what and how you write.

While giving a speech, you may articulate an inspiring or critical message, but if you left your hair a mess and laced up mismatched shoes, your audience would not take you seriously. They may be too distracted by your appearance to listen to your words.

Similarly, grammar and sentence structure serve as the appearance of a piece of writing. Polishing your work using correct grammar will impress your readers and allow them to focus on what you have to say.

Because focusing on audience will enhance your writing, your process, and your finished product, you must consider the specific traits of your audience members. Use your imagination to anticipate the readers’ demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations.

• Demographics. These measure important data about a group of people, such as their age range, their ethnicity, their religious beliefs, or their gender. Certain topics and assignments will require these kinds of considerations about your audience. For other topics and assignments, these measurements may not influence your writing in the end. Regardless, it is important to consider demographics when you begin to think about your purpose for writing.
• Education. Education considers the audience’s level of schooling. If audience members have earned a doctorate degree, for example, you may need to elevate your style and use more formal language. Or, if audience members are still in college, you could write in a more relaxed style. An audience member’s major or emphasis may also dictate your writing.
• Prior knowledge. This refers to what the audience already knows about your topic. If your readers have studied certain topics, they may already know some terms and concepts related to the topic. You may decide whether to define terms and explain concepts based on your audience’s prior knowledge. Although you cannot peer inside the brains of your readers to discover their knowledge, you can make reasonable assumptions. For instance, a nursing major would presumably know more about health-related topics than a business major would.
• Expectations. These indicate what readers will look for while reading your assignment. Readers may expect consistencies in the assignment’s appearance, such as correct grammar and traditional formatting like double-spaced lines and legible font. Readers may also have content-based expectations given the assignment’s purpose and organization. In an essay titled “The Economics of Enlightenment: The Effects of Rising Tuition,” for example, audience members may expect to read about the economic repercussions of college tuition costs.

On your own sheet of paper, generate a list of characteristics under each category for each audience. This list will help you later when you read about tone and content.

1. Your classmates

• Demographics ____________________________________________
• Education ____________________________________________
• Prior knowledge ____________________________________________
• Expectations ____________________________________________

2. Your instructor

3. The head of your academic department

4. Now think about your next writing assignment. Identify the purpose (you may use the same purpose listed in Note 6.12 “Exercise 2” ), and then identify the audience. Create a list of characteristics under each category.

My audience: ____________________________________________

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

Keep in mind that as your topic shifts in the writing process, your audience may also shift. For more information about the writing process, see Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” .

Also, remember that decisions about style depend on audience, purpose, and content. Identifying your audience’s demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations will affect how you write, but purpose and content play an equally important role. The next subsection covers how to select an appropriate tone to match the audience and purpose.

Selecting an Appropriate Tone

Tone identifies a speaker’s attitude toward a subject or another person. You may pick up a person’s tone of voice fairly easily in conversation. A friend who tells you about her weekend may speak excitedly about a fun skiing trip. An instructor who means business may speak in a low, slow voice to emphasize her serious mood. Or, a coworker who needs to let off some steam after a long meeting may crack a sarcastic joke.

Just as speakers transmit emotion through voice, writers can transmit through writing a range of attitudes, from excited and humorous to somber and critical. These emotions create connections among the audience, the author, and the subject, ultimately building a relationship between the audience and the text. To stimulate these connections, writers intimate their attitudes and feelings with useful devices, such as sentence structure, word choice, punctuation, and formal or informal language. Keep in mind that the writer’s attitude should always appropriately match the audience and the purpose.

Read the following paragraph and consider the writer’s tone. How would you describe the writer’s attitude toward wildlife conservation?

Many species of plants and animals are disappearing right before our eyes. If we don’t act fast, it might be too late to save them. Human activities, including pollution, deforestation, hunting, and overpopulation, are devastating the natural environment. Without our help, many species will not survive long enough for our children to see them in the wild. Take the tiger, for example. Today, tigers occupy just 7 percent of their historical range, and many local populations are already extinct. Hunted for their beautiful pelt and other body parts, the tiger population has plummeted from one hundred thousand in 1920 to just a few thousand. Contact your local wildlife conservation society today to find out how you can stop this terrible destruction.

Think about the assignment and purpose you selected in Note 6.12 “Exercise 2” , and the audience you selected in Note 6.16 “Exercise 3” . Now, identify the tone you would use in the assignment.

My tone: ____________________________________________

Choosing Appropriate, Interesting Content

Content refers to all the written substance in a document. After selecting an audience and a purpose, you must choose what information will make it to the page. Content may consist of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations, but no matter the type, the information must be appropriate and interesting for the audience and purpose. An essay written for third graders that summarizes the legislative process, for example, would have to contain succinct and simple content.

Content is also shaped by tone. When the tone matches the content, the audience will be more engaged, and you will build a stronger relationship with your readers. Consider that audience of third graders. You would choose simple content that the audience will easily understand, and you would express that content through an enthusiastic tone. The same considerations apply to all audiences and purposes.

Match the content in the box to the appropriate audience and purpose. On your own sheet of paper, write the correct letter next to the number.

• Whereas economist Holmes contends that the financial crisis is far from over, the presidential advisor Jones points out that it is vital to catch the first wave of opportunity to increase market share. We can use elements of both experts’ visions. Let me explain how.
• In 2000, foreign money flowed into the United States, contributing to easy credit conditions. People bought larger houses than they could afford, eventually defaulting on their loans as interest rates rose.
• The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, known by most of us as the humungous government bailout, caused mixed reactions. Although supported by many political leaders, the statute provoked outrage among grassroots groups. In their opinion, the government was actually rewarding banks for their appalling behavior.

Audience: An instructor

Purpose: To analyze the reasons behind the 2007 financial crisis

Content: ____________________________________________

Audience: Classmates

Purpose: To summarize the effects of the $700 billion government bailout

Audience: An employer

Purpose: To synthesize two articles on preparing businesses for economic recovery

Using the assignment, purpose, audience, and tone from Note 6.18 “Exercise 4” , generate a list of content ideas. Remember that content consists of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations.

My content ideas: ____________________________________________

Key Takeaways

• Paragraphs separate ideas into logical, manageable chunks of information.
• The content of each paragraph and document is shaped by purpose, audience, and tone.
• The four common academic purposes are to summarize, to analyze, to synthesize, and to evaluate.
• Identifying the audience’s demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations will affect how and what you write.
• Devices such as sentence structure, word choice, punctuation, and formal or informal language communicate tone and create a relationship between the writer and his or her audience.
• Content may consist of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations. All content must be appropriate and interesting for the audience, purpose and tone.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Chapter 5: Audience & Purpose of Writing

Purpose, audience, tone, and content, identifying common academic purposes.

The purpose is simply the reason you are writing a particular document. Basically, the purpose of a piece of writing answers the question “why?” For example, why write a play? To entertain a packed theatre. Why write instructions to the babysitter? To inform them of your schedule and rules. Why write a letter to your Member of Parliament? To persuade them to address your community’s needs.

In academic settings, the reasons for writing typically fulfill four main purposes: to summarize , to analyze , to synthesize , and to evaluate . You will encounter these four purposes not only as you read for your classes but also as you read for work or pleasure. Because reading and writing work together, your writing skills will improve as you read.

Eventually, your instructors will ask you to complete assignments specifically designed to meet one of the four purposes. As you will see, the purpose for writing will guide you through each part of the paper, helping you make decisions about content and style. For now, identifying these purposes by reading paragraphs will prepare you to write individual paragraphs and to build longer assignments.

Summary Paragraphs

Summary paragraphs are designed to give the reader a quick overview of a subject or topic of often addresses the 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why).  This type of paragraph is often found towards the end of an essay or chapter.  You may also  encounter these types of paragraphs as abstracts or  executive summaries .

Analysis Paragraphs

An analysis separates complex materials into their different parts and studies how the parts relate to one another. The analysis of simple table salt, for example, would require a deconstruction of its parts—the elements sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl). Then, scientists would study how the two elements interact to create the compound NaCl, or sodium chloride, which is also called simple table salt.

Analysis is not limited to the sciences, of course. An analysis paragraph in academic writing fulfills the same purpose. Instead of deconstructing chemical compounds, academic analysis paragraphs typically deconstruct documents. An analysis takes apart a primary source (an essay, a book, an article, etc.) point by point. It communicates the main points of the document by examining individual points and identifying how they relate to one another.  Take a look at a student’s analysis of the journal report.

Notice how the analysis does not simply repeat information from the original report, but considers how the points within the report relate to one another? By doing this, the student uncovers a discrepancy between the points that are backed up by statistics and those that require additional information. Analyzing a document involves a close examination of each of the individual parts and how they work together.

Synthesis Paragraphs

A synthesis combines two or more items to create an entirely new item. Consider the electronic musical instrument aptly named the synthesizer. It looks like a simple keyboard but displays a dashboard of switches, buttons, and levers. With the flip of a few switches, a musician may combine the distinct sounds of a piano, a flute, or a guitar—or any other combination of instruments—to create a new sound. The purpose of the synthesizer is to blend together the notes from individual instruments to form new, unique notes.

The purpose of an academic synthesis is to blend individual documents into a new document. An academic synthesis paragraph considers the main points from one or more pieces of writing and links the main points together to create a new point, one not replicated in either document.

Take a look at a student’s synthesis of several sources about underage drinking.

Notice how the synthesis paragraphs consider each source and use information from each to create a new thesis. A good synthesis does not repeat information; the writer uses a variety of sources to create a new idea.

Evaluation Paragraphs

An evaluation judges the value of something and determines its worth. Evaluations in everyday experiences are often not only dictated by set standards but are also influenced by opinion and prior knowledge. For example, at work, a supervisor may complete an employee evaluation by judging his subordinate’s performance based on the company’s goals. If the company focuses on improving communication, the supervisor will rate the employee’s customer service according to a standard scale. However, the evaluation still depends on the supervisor’s opinion and prior experience with the employee. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine how well the employee performs on the job.

An academic evaluation communicates your opinion, and its justifications, about a document or a topic of discussion. Evaluations are influenced by your reading of the document, your prior knowledge, and your prior experience with the topic or issue. Because an evaluation incorporates your point of view and the reasons for your point of view, it typically requires more critical thinking and a combination of summary, analysis, and synthesis skills. Thus evaluation paragraphs often follow summary, analysis, and synthesis paragraphs. Read a student’s evaluation paragraph.

Notice how the paragraph incorporates the student’s personal judgment within the evaluation. Evaluating a document requires prior knowledge that is often based on additional research.

Self-Practice Exercise

Read the following paragraphs about four films and then identify the purpose of each paragraph.

This film could easily have been cut down to less than two hours. By the final scene, I noticed that most of my fellow moviegoers were snoozing in their seats and were barely paying attention to what was happening on screen. Although the director sticks diligently to the book, he tries too hard to cram in all the action, which is just too ambitious for such a detail-oriented story. If you want my advice, read the book and give the movie a miss.

During the opening scene, we learn that the character Laura is adopted and that she has spent the past three years desperately trying to track down her real parents. Having exhausted all the usual options—adoption agencies, online searches, family trees, and so on—she is on the verge of giving up when she meets a stranger on a bus. The chance encounter leads to a complicated chain of events that ultimately result in Laura getting her lifelong wish. But is it really what she wants? Throughout the rest of the film, Laura discovers that sometimes the past is best left where it belongs.

To create the feeling of being gripped in a vise, the director, May Lee, uses a variety of elements to gradually increase the tension. The creepy, haunting melody that subtly enhances the earlier scenes becomes ever more insistent, rising to a disturbing crescendo toward the end of the movie. The desperation of the actors, combined with the claustrophobic atmosphere and tight camera angles create a realistic firestorm, from which there is little hope of escape. Walking out of the theatre at the end feels like staggering out of a Roman dungeon.

The scene in which Campbell and his fellow prisoners assist the guards in shutting down the riot immediately strikes the viewer as unrealistic. Based on the recent reports on prison riots in both Detroit and California, it seems highly unlikely that a posse of hardened criminals would intentionally help their captors at the risk of inciting future revenge from other inmates. Instead, both news reports and psychological studies indicate that prisoners who do not actively participate in a riot will go back to their cells and avoid conflict altogether. Examples of this lack of attention to detail occur throughout the film, making it almost unbearable to watch.

Collaboration: Share with a classmate and compare your answers.

Writing at Work

Thinking about the purpose of writing a report in the workplace can help focus and structure the document. A summary should provide colleagues with a factual overview of your findings without going into too much detail. In contrast, an evaluation should include your personal opinion, along with supporting evidence, research, or examples to back it up. Listen for words such as summarize , analyze , synthesize , or evaluate when your boss asks you to complete a report to help determine a purpose for writing.

Consider the expository essay you will soon have to write. Identify the most effective academic purpose for the assignment.

My assignment: ____________________________________________

My purpose: ________________________________________________

Identifying the Audience

Imagine you must give a presentation to a group of executives in an office. Weeks before the big day, you spend time creating and rehearsing the presentation. You must make important, careful decisions not only about the content but also about your delivery. Will the presentation require technology to project figures and charts? Should the presentation define important words, or will the executives already know the terms? Should you wear your suit and dress shirt? The answers to these questions will help you develop an appropriate relationship with your audience, making them more receptive to your message.

Now imagine you must explain the same business concepts from your presentation to a group of high school students. Those important questions you previously answered may now require different answers. The figures and charts may be too sophisticated, and the terms will certainly require definitions. You may even reconsider your outfit and sport a more casual look. Because the audience has shifted, your presentation and delivery will shift as well to create a new relationship with the new audience.

In these two situations, the audience —the individuals who will watch and listen to the presentation—plays a role in the development of presentation. As you prepare the presentation, you visualize the audience to anticipate their expectations and reactions. What you imagine affects the information you choose to present and how you will present it. Then, during the presentation, you meet the audience in person and discover immediately how well you perform.

Although the audience for writing assignments—your readers—may not appear in person, they play an equally vital role. Even in everyday writing activities, you identify your readers’ characteristics, interests, and expectations before making decisions about what you write. In fact, thinking about audience has become so common that you may not even detect the audience driven decisions.

For example, you update your status on a social networking site with the awareness of who will digitally follow the post. If you want to brag about a good grade, you may write the post to please family members. If you want to describe a funny moment, you may write with your friends’ sense of humour in mind. Even at work, you send emails with an awareness of an unintended receiver who could intercept the message.

In other words, being aware of “invisible” readers is a skill you most likely already possess and one you rely on every day. Consider the following paragraphs. Which one would the author send to her parents? Which one would she send to her best friend?

Last Saturday, I volunteered at a local hospital. The visit was fun and rewarding. I even learned how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. Unfortunately, I think caught a cold from one of the patients. This week, I will rest in bed and drink plenty of clear fluids. I hope I am well by next Saturday to volunteer again.

Most likely, you matched each paragraph to its intended audience with little hesitation. Because each paragraph reveals the author’s relationship with her intended readers, you can identify the audience fairly quickly. When writing your own paragraphs, you must engage with your audience to build an appropriate relationship given your subject. Imagining your readers during each stage of the writing process will help you make decisions about your writing. Ultimately, the people you visualize will affect what and how you write.

PRO TIP: While giving a speech, you may articulate an inspiring or critical message, but if you left your hair a mess and laced up mismatched shoes, your audience would not take you seriously. They may be too distracted by your appearance to listen to your words.

Similarly, grammar and sentence structure serve as the appearance of a piece of writing. Polishing your work using correct grammar will impress your readers and allow them to focus on what you have to say.

Because focusing on audience will enhance your writing, your process, and your finished product, you must consider the specific traits of your audience members. Use your imagination to anticipate the readers’ demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations.

• Demographics: These measure important data about a group of people, such as their age range, ethnicity, religious beliefs, or gender. Certain topics and assignments will require you to consider these factors as they relate to your audience. For other topics and assignments, these measurements may not influence your writing. Regardless, it is important to consider demographics when you begin to think about your purpose for writing.
• Education: Education considers the audience’s level of schooling. If audience members have earned a doctorate degree, for example, you may need to elevate your style and use more formal language. Or, if audience members are still in college, you could write in a more relaxed style. An audience member’s major or emphasis may also dictate your writing.
• Prior knowledge: Prior knowledge is what the audience already knows about your topic. If your readers have studied certain topics, they may already know some terms and concepts related to the topic. You may decide whether to define terms and explain concepts based on your audience’s prior knowledge. Although you cannot peer inside the brains of your readers to discover their knowledge, you can make reasonable assumptions. For instance, a nursing major would presumably know more about health-related topics than a business major would.
• Expectations: These indicate what readers will look for while reading your assignment. Readers may expect consistencies in the assignment’s appearance, such as correct grammar and traditional formatting like double-spaced lines and a legible font. Readers may also have content-based expectations given the assignment’s purpose and organization. In an essay titled “The Economics of Enlightenment: The Effects of Rising Tuition,” for example, audience members may expect to read about the economic repercussions of post-secondary tuition costs.

On a sheet of paper, generate a list of characteristics under each category for each audience. This list will help you later when you read about tone and content.

Your classmates: Demographics ____________________________________________ Education ____________________________________________ Prior knowledge ____________________________________________ Expectations ____________________________________________ Demographics ____________________________________________ Education ____________________________________________ Prior knowledge ____________________________________________ Expectations ____________________________________________ The head of your academic department Demographics ____________________________________________ Education ____________________________________________ Prior knowledge ____________________________________________ Expectations ____________________________________________

Now think about your next writing assignment. Identify the purpose (you may use the same purpose listed in Self–Practice Exercise 1.6b and then identify the audience. Create a list of characteristics under each category.

My assignment:____________________________________________ My purpose: ____________________________________________ My audience: ____________________________________________

Demographics ____________________________________________ Education ____________________________________________ Prior knowledge ____________________________________________ Expectations ____________________________________________

Collaboration: please share with a classmate and compare your answers.

Keep in mind that as your topic shifts in the writing process, your audience may also shift. Also, remember that decisions about style depend on audience, purpose, and content. Identifying your audience’s demographics, education, prior knowledge, and expectations will affect how you write, but purpose and content play an equally important role. The next subsection covers how to select an appropriate tone to match the audience and purpose.

Selecting an Appropriate Tone

Tone identifies a speaker’s attitude toward a subject or another person. You may pick up a person’s tone of voice fairly easily in conversation.  A friend who tells you about her weekend may speak excitedly about a fun skiing trip. An instructor who means business may speak in a low, slow voice to emphasize her serious mood. Or, a co-worker who needs to let off some steam after a long meeting may crack a sarcastic joke.  Tone is important because the way you might speak to your friends (“oh shut up, it’s fine…”) would definitely not be appropriate when speaking to your boss or your professor.

Just as speakers transmit emotion through voice, writers can transmit through writing a range of attitudes, from excited and humorous to somber and critical. These emotions create connections among the audience, the author, and the subject, ultimately building a relationship between the audience and the text. To stimulate these connections, writers intimate their attitudes and feelings with useful devices, such as sentence structure, word choice, punctuation, and formal or informal language. Keep in mind that the writer’s attitude should always appropriately match the audience and the purpose, which means that you need to choose appropriate language and sentence structure that will convey your ideas with your intent.

Read the following paragraph and consider the writer’s tone. How would you describe the writer’s attitude toward wildlife conservation?

Think about the assignment and purpose you selected in Self–Practice Exercise 1.6b and the audience you selected in Self–Practice Exercise 1.6c. Now, identify the tone you would use in the assignment.

My assignment: ____________________________________________ My purpose: ____________________________________________ My audience: ____________________________________________ My tone: ____________________________________________

Choosing Appropriate, Interesting Content

Content refers to all the written substance in a document. After selecting an audience and a purpose, you must choose what information will make it to the page. Content may consist of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations, but no matter the type, the information must be appropriate and interesting for the audience and purpose. An essay written for grade 3 students that summarizes the legislative process, for example, would have to contain succinct and simple content.

Content is also shaped by tone. When the tone matches the content, the audience will be more engaged, and you will build a stronger relationship with your readers. Consider that audience of grade 3 students. You would choose simple content that the audience will easily understand, and you would express that content through an enthusiastic tone. The same considerations apply to all audiences and purposes.

Using the assignment, purpose, audience, and tone fromSelf–Practice Exercise 1.6d, generate a list of content ideas. Remember that content consists of examples, statistics, facts, anecdotes, testimonies, and observations.

My assignment: ____________________________________________ My purpose: ____________________________________________ My audience: ____________________________________________ My tone: ____________________________________________ My content ideas: ____________________________________________

Common Writing Assignments

Writing assignments at the post-secondary level serve a different purpose than the typical writing assignments you completed in high school. In high school, teachers generally focus on teaching you to write in a variety of modes and formats, including personal writing, expository writing, research papers, creative writing, and writing short answers and essays for exams. Over time, these assignments help you build a foundation of writing skills.

Now, however, your instructors will expect you to already have that foundation. Your composition courses will focus on  helping you make the transition to higher-level writing assignments. However, in most of your other courses, writing assignments serve a different purpose. In those courses, you may use writing as one tool among many for learning how to think about a particular academic discipline.

Additionally, certain assignments teach you how to meet the expectations for professional writing in a given field. Depending on the class, you might be asked to write a lab report, a case study, a literary analysis, a business plan, or an account of a personal interview. You will need to learn and follow the standard conventions for those types of written products.

Finally, personal and creative writing assignments are less common at the post-secondary level than in high school. College and university courses emphasize expository writing—writing that explains or informs. Often expository writing assignments will incorporate outside research, too. Some classes will also require persuasive writing assignments in which you state and support your position on an issue. Your instructors will hold you to a higher standard when it comes to supporting your ideas with reasons and evidence.

Common Types of Writing Assignments

Part of managing your education is communicating well with others at your institution. For instance, you might need to email your instructor to request an office appointment or explain why you will need to miss a class. You might need to contact administrators with questions about your tuition or financial aid. Later, you might ask instructors to write recommendations on your behalf.

Treat these documents as professional communications. Address the recipient politely; state your question, problem, or request clearly; and use a formal, respectful tone. Doing so helps you make a positive impression and get a quicker response.

Using the Writing Process

To complete a writing project successfully, good writers use some variation of the following process.

The Writing Process

• Prewriting. The writer generates ideas to write about and begins developing these ideas.
• Outlining a structure of ideas. The writer determines the overall organizational structure of the writing and creates an outline to organize ideas. Usually this step involves some additional fleshing out of the ideas generated in the first step.
• Writing a rough draft. The writer uses the work completed in prewriting to develop a first draft. The draft covers the ideas the writer brainstormed and follows the organizational plan that was laid out in the first step.
• Revising. The writer revisits the draft to review and, if necessary, reshape its content. This stage involves moderate and sometimes major changes: adding or deleting a paragraph, phrasing the main point differently, expanding on an important idea, reorganizing content, and so forth.
• Editing.  The writer reviews the draft to make additional changes. Editing involves making changes to improve style and adherence to standard writing conventions—for instance, replacing a vague word with a more precise one or fixing errors in grammar and spelling. Once this stage is complete, the work is a finished piece and ready to share with others.

Chances are you have already used this process as a writer. You may also have used it for other types of creative projects, such as developing a sketch into a finished painting or composing a song. The steps listed above apply broadly to any project that involves creative thinking. You come up with ideas (often vague at first), you work to give them some structure, you make a first attempt, you figure out what needs improving, and then you refine it until you are satisfied.

Most people have used this creative process in one way or another, but many people have misconceptions about how to use it to write. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions students have about the writing process:

• “I do not have to waste time on prewriting if I understand the assignment.”  Even if the task is straightforward and you feel ready to start writing, take some time to develop ideas before you plunge into your draft. Freewriting —writing about the topic without stopping for a set period of time—is one prewriting technique you might try in that situation.
• “It is important to complete a formal, numbered outline for every writing assignment.”  For some assignments, such as lengthy research papers, proceeding without a formal outline can be very difficult. However, for other assignments, a structured set of notes or a detailed graphic organizer may suffice. The important thing is to have a solid plan for organizing ideas and details.
• “My draft will be better if I write it when I am feeling inspired.”  By all means, take advantage of those moments of inspiration. However, understand that sometimes you will have to write when you are not in the mood. Sit down and start your draft even if you do not feel like it. If necessary, force yourself to write for just one hour. By the end of the hour, you may be far more engaged and motivated to continue. If not, at least you will have accomplished part of the task.
• “My instructor will tell me everything I need to revise.”  If your instructor chooses to review drafts, the feedback can help you improve. However, it is still your job, not your instructor’s, to transform the draft to a final, polished piece. That task will be much easier if you give your best effort to the draft before submitting it. During revision, do not just go through and implement your instructor’s corrections. Take time to determine what you can change to make the work the best it can be.
• “I am a good writer, so I do not need to revise or edit.” Even talented writers still need to revise and edit their work. At the very least, doing so will help you catch an embarrassing typo or two. Revising and editing are the steps that make good writers into great writers.

Managing Your Time

When your instructor gives you a writing assignment, write the due date on your calendar. Then work backward from the due date to set aside blocks of time when you will work on the assignment. Always plan at least two sessions of writing time per assignment, so that you are not trying to move from step 1 to step 5 in one evening. Trying to work that fast is stressful, and it does not yield great results. You will plan better, think better, and write better if you space out the steps.

Ideally, you should set aside at least three separate blocks of time to work on a writing assignment: one for prewriting and outlining, one for drafting, and one for revising and editing. Sometimes those steps may be compressed into just a few days. If you have a couple of weeks to work on a paper, space out the five steps over multiple sessions. Long-term projects, such as research papers, require more time for each step:

Again, an  assignment calculator is an incredibly useful tool for helping with this process:

Writing for Academic and Professional Contexts: An Introduction Copyright © 2023 by Sheridan College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is informative writing?

Informative writing educates the reader about a certain topic. An informative essay may explain new information, describe a process, or clarify a concept. The provided information is objective, meaning the writing focuses on presentation of fact and should not contain personal opinion or bias.

Informative writing includes description, process, cause and effect, comparison, and problems and possible solutions:

Describes a person, place, thing, or event using descriptive language that appeals to readers’ senses

Explains the process to do something or how something was created

Discusses the relationship between two things, determining how one ( cause ) leads to the other ( effect ); the effect needs to be based on fact and not an assumption

Identifies the similarities and differences between two things; does not indicate that one is better than the other

Details a problem and presents various possible solutions ; the writer does not suggest one solution is more effective than the others

Purpose of informative writing

The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.

Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .

Summarizing a scientific/technological study

Outlining the various aspects of a religion

Providing information on a historical period

Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.

How to write an informational essay

How to construct an argument

How to apply for a job

Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.

Explain why or how something works the way that it does.

Describe how the stock market impacts the economy

Illustrate why there are high and low tides

Detail how the heart functions

Offer information on the smaller aspects or intricacies of a larger topic.

Identify the importance of the individual bones in the body

Outlining the Dust Bowl in the context of the Great Depression

Explaining how bees impact the environment

How to write an informative essay

Regardless of the type of information, the informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

Background information

Explanation of evidence

Restated thesis

Review of main ideas

Closing statement

Informative essay introduction

When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.

If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:

Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.

Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.

A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.

Directly introduce the topic of the essay.

Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.

Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Informative essay body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.

A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.

Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.

Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.

Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:

Tell the reader where you were (current support)

Tell the reader where you are going (next support)

Relate the paper’s purpose

Informative essay conclusion

Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.

Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.

End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?

Informative essay example

The following example illustrates a good informative essay format: