An editorial is an opinion-driven piece that brings awareness to current events and topics of interest to the public. These articles may be published in magazines, newspapers, online, or even in school papers and journals. Opinion editorials are usually written in first person, but they still lean on objective analysis and research. Whether you’re writing for an editorial board, your instructor, or a class assignment, there are plenty of great editorial topic ideas to consider.
You’ll most commonly see editorial content in newspaper and media publications, although it can also be seen on blogs or other websites with an opinion section. Large media publications have dedicated editorial boards that rotate in on a regular basis to offer a variety of perspectives. Similarly, many celebrities and public figures will write an op-ed or editorial as a way to create awareness or touch on controversial issues. Chrissy Teigen’s recent op-ed on the lack of sober queer spaces in Houston, for example, is an editorial.
Unlike a news article that focuses on reporting facts, an editorial is meant to persuade readers to agree with the writer’s perspective on a given issue. While this is often done through criticism, it can also be accomplished in a positive manner by offering solutions to problems that are impacting the community.
A good editorial will address the problem at hand, provide opposing viewpoints to that issue, and then present a solution or argue for one side over the other. This is how a well-written editorial can really draw the reader in.
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