January 30, 2014 - Writing an Editorial

I can write an effective editorial about gay marriage that include a clear claim and at least two types of evidence.  

To do this I must understand that an effective editorial has a hook that gets the reader's attention, a concise claim that clearly states my opinion, and I should back my opinion up with strong, compelling evidence.   Remember to organize your writing (instructions below).

I will demonstrate this by writing an effective editorial about gay marriage. 

Notes on Organizing an editorial: (If you have trouble with organization, stick to 5 paragraph method).

1st paragraph: Hook - get your readers attention with an anecdotal story that proves your opinion, a shocking fact, or questions that get your reader understanding your position. 

2nd paragraph: Introduce your topic and clearly state your claim.

• Claim Example: Same-sex marriage should be legal/illegal because _________________________ and ________________________________________________________________. 

3rd paragraph: Discuss one reason why gay marriage should be legal or illegal and USE EVIDENCE FROM THE THE TEXT TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM!

4th paragraph: Discuss the other reason why gay marriage should be legal or illegal and USE EVIDENCE FROM THE THE TEXT TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM!

5th paragraph: Conclusion - have a strong conclusion that restates your claim in new way and calls people to act.