Editorial

Using the informa/on from your “Planning your Editorial” worksheets (see following pages), you are going to write 2 editorials about a topic (or two different topics) you are an expert on or feel strongly about for the New York Times Learning Network Student Editorial Contest. In order to be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:

● 450 words or less each editorial ● Viewpoint - editorial states a clear viewpoint and issues a call to action through argument based on

evidence ● Evidence - editorial uses compelling evidence to support the opinion and cites reliable sources ● Analysis and persuasion - editorial convincingly argues point of view by providing relevant background

information, using valid examples, acknowledging counter-claims, and developing claims in a clear and organized fashion

● Solution – offers a reasonable and realistic solution that readers could do ● Language - editorial has a strong voice and engages the reader. It uses language, style and tone

appropriate to its purpose and features correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation ● Citations - cites at least one Times and 2 non-Times sources

○ You must have a Works Cited at the end of each Editorial, not one for both ○ All quotes or paraphrasing must have in-text citations. Anything that is not your idea or your

words must be cited.

Brainstorming topics: Use these as part of your brainstorming and planning. ● What would you like to change if you could? What problems or policies do you think should be

addressed — whether something global, like climate change, or something closer to home, like a later start time for your high school classes? Make as long a list as you can.

● What issues, topics and fields are you passionate about? Make a list. Your list might include fields as broad as “music” or as specific as “the early days of hip-hop.” What questions or controversies in these fields do experts or fans often argue? Where do you stand?

● What do you do outside of school? What are some things you’re an expert on? What aspects of those

hobbies or interests do you find yourself having to explain to others? Why?

● What issues or ideas do you often find yourself discussing or arguing about with friends, your family or online?

● What issues or controversies have you followed recently in current events? What are your opinions about them? What might you need more information about?

● Really Stuck?

https://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/04/200-prompts-for-argumentative-writing/

Editorial 1 Researching Your Topic

Use the following chart to help you keep track of your research. You must look at a minimum of 3 different sources on your topic, including at least 1 New York Times Article.

Source Relevant Information or Opinions Quotations

Editorial 1 Planning your Editorial

Answer these questions in point form or short sentences as part of your brainstorming and planning.

1. What is your claim? Do you want to inform people or change their minds? What is your desired outcome?

2. What are your reasons to support your claim?

3. Who is your intended audience?

4. What will the tone of your editorial be? Why?

5. What are 4-5 facts that support your claim? (make note of where you find them for your works cited)

6. What is a counterclaim and rebuttal? (you do not have to include this in your final piece)

Write the editorial:

Editorial 2 Researching Your Topic

Use the following chart to help you keep track of your research. You must look at a minimum of 3 different sources on your topic, including at least 1 New York Times Article.

Source Relevant Information or Opinions Quotations

Editorial 2 Planning your Editorial

Answer these questions in point form or short sentences as part of your brainstorming and planning.

1. What is your claim? Do you want to inform people or change their minds? What is your desired outcome?

2. What are your reasons to support your claim?

3. Who is your intended audience?

4. What will the tone of your editorial be? Why?

5. What are 4-5 facts that support your claim? (make note of where you find them for your works cited)

6. What is a counterclaim and rebuttal? (you do not have to include this in your final piece)

Write the editorial: