Research Writing 3345
Let your voice be heard!
What do you think about the war, the latest scam in the business world, or the recent Hollywood scandal? We all love the chance to just say what we think. An editorial is the ideal place to make your opinions heard.
Open any newspaper to the editorial pages to find lively reading that gives you a chuckle, evokes a groan, or makes your blood boil. Such is the nature of editorializing.
Notice the characteristics of the editorial:
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The writer's voice is strong and forceful. |
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Informal language may be used, including first person. |
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Tone is persuasive, ironic, or sarcastic. |
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Writer definitely has a point to make. |
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Editorial is usually just a few paragraphs in length, though a formal essay may be somewhat longer. |
How do you get started? Simple. What really stirs your emotions -- makes you angry, disgusted, determined to change something? Pick one, and start writing. Don't worry about grammar, spelling, etc. as you write the first draft. Just get those ideas down on paper!
In other words, concentrate on saying what you want to say. Say what you believe and use precise language--strong verbs, fresh and unique words, specific examples, anecdotes, straightforward comments. You can even let your humor and sarcasm show. The tone clearly says, "I want to be heard."
Once your ideas have moved from your head to the paper, you can come back to deal with grammar and all those other pesky errors. But that's another lesson.
"Get it down. Take chances.
It may be bad,
but it's the only way you can do anything really good."
William Faulkner
