We have started studying the art of editorial writing. Through the process of reviewing sample pieces and breaking down different parts of an editorial, we can become more comfortable with the writing style.
Let's start with a list of words that you need to know for this unit: Vocabulary. We will cover all of these terms in class, but make sure to fill out the "What I Think It Means" category.
Here is the copy of the grammar assignment I gave for homework yesterday: Grammar #1. If you haven't turned it in yet, go ahead and get it done. We'll go over the answers in class on Thursday.
Here are some common parts of successful editorials:
Lede: hooks the reader; shows immediate relevance of the issue/problem
Thesis: debatable claim about the issue/problem
Argument Paragraphs: multiple points to support the thesis; evidence based; include analysis
Counterargument: addresses flaws in the argument or possible reader objections; can come at any point in the body of the op-ed
Conclusion: a call to action for the reader: what can s/he do about this problem?
Activity: Read the following article and try to identify the lede, thesis statement, argument, counterargument, and conclusion. "Why I Lived With My Garbage For a Year"
Are the lede, thesis, and conclusion statements effective? Why or why not?
Is the counterargument valid, and does the author give a rebuttal to it?
What evidence does the author provide? Does the type of evidence vary?
Look at the author's paragraph structure. Does he use this format: topic sentence, evidence, elaboration, summative statement?
Does a thesis statement always have to be in the introduction? Why or why not?
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