Other Editorial Page Items
Columns, Reviews, Letters to the
Editor and Cartoons
Adapted from www.jteacher.com
This material is the property of the AR Dept. of Education. It may be used and reproduced for non-profit, educational
purposes only after contacting the ADE Distance Learning Center at http://dlc.k12.ar.us edr
Building a Column
A column is a bylined article, usually
between 450 and 1,000 words, that
expresses an opinion about something. A
column’s subject matter is unrestricted and
varies widely. The distinguishing feature
that separates column writing from news
reporting is individuality.
Building a Column
Columns should be based on factual
information upon which the writer has
formed an opinion. They do not need to be
objective, since they represent the writer’s
own opinion.
Columns should, however, agree with the
paper’s philosophy. If the paper is
conservative in nature, columns should be
conservative.
Building a Column
Each columnist is expected to take a unique
approach when addressing issues. Each
columnist must develop a unique voice. The
personal touch is often the key to a
column’s success.
To begin a column, think of an unusual
angle on which to focus.
There is no specific formula for writing a
column. However, the various parts are like
those for a short story: a beginning, a
middle and a conclusion.
The Beginning
To write an effective introduction for your
column, what “occurs” to you should grab
the reader’s attention.
You might include a current news item
exclusive to the column, an anecdote or
even a joke.
The Middle
The body of your column should back up your
opinions with fact. The details you include
should contribute real meaning to your column.
You can include colorful descriptions or factual
evidence which will be found in the research that
must be done for every article that goes into the
newspaper.
Magazines, newspapers and television can be the
inspiration for a column. Famous quotations
might spark a column idea.
The Conclusion
Always conclude a column in a way that
will satisfy readers.
Three types of conclusions are common:
The circle ending
The rhetorical question ending
The summary ending
The Conclusion
The circle ending relates the reader back to the
beginning of the column and ties up loose ends.
The rhetorical question ending leaves the reader
with a question to mull over, such as “Whose life
is it, anyway?” or “So where do we go from
here?”
The most popular conclusion is the summary
ending, which can wrap up a column in whatever
way the writer chooses. However you close, just
makes sure the reader feels satisfied. Ex: Paul
Harvey “And that’s the rest of the story.”
Characteristics of a Column
Humanity—discuss topics close to your heart
Wit—not necessarily humor, but how well the writer
expresses him/herself. A witty columnist writes in an
imaginative, insightful way and has the ability to
communicate his/her thoughts and ideas originally. Wit
is also the columnist’s ability to change tone, subject and
style.
Freedom of approach—A columnist can do just about
anything on paper. Some columnists may abandon
straight column writing and write verse or imaginative
prose.
Do’s and Don’ts for Column
Writers
DO vary your subject matter
DO look for oddities and the unusual to spark
interest in your readers
DO use a style that is usually offbeat—use the
personal flavor and touch.
DO keep it short and to the point.
DO admit it when you make a mistake.
DO have a genuine interest in your readers; write
for them instead of for yourself.
DON’T embarrass anyone without real reason.
DON’T assume that you always know best—that
you have all the answers.
DON’T claim all the credit. Don’t overlook those
who might have helped put your thoughts in order.
DON’T overwork the pronoun “I”.
DON’T think that your own experiences and ideas
are always fascinating to others.
DON’T overwork your family.
DON’T hesitate to give all sides to a story. You
don’t have to be objective, but it gives you more
credibility when you recognize other sides to the
story.
Types of Columns
Syndicated Columns - A syndicated column is
published through a syndicate, an association that
acquires such things as columns, stories, articles
and cartoons for simultaneous publication in
numerous newspapers and periodicals.
Humor Columns - The purpose of a humor column
is to amuse and entertain others. Success depends
on the writer’s point of view and his/her ability to
shape opinions into words that will entertain
readers.
Types of Columns
Gossip Columns - This is a danger zone. People
like to read gossip, but repeating rumors is not
journalistic. Furthermore, gossip columns are
subject to the same libel laws as the rest of the
paper.
Entertainment Page Coverage and Reviews -
Reviews are columns that typically comment on
movies, recordings, books, television programs,
concerts, plays, computer software or restaurants.
A review is more than just an opinion—it is an
argument with a heavy emphasis on judgment.
The reviewer or critic is attempting to persuade or
influence readers.
Specialized Columns
Columns that appear in specific areas of the
newspaper, such as on the sports, travel or politics
pages, are called specialized columns.
Columnists who write these types of columns usually
know their readers and know the language of the
people for whom they are writing. If you are
reading a column about baseball, you would
expect the writer to be familiar with the
terminology used in the sport.
Specialized words that are used exclusively by
people in a particular group or activity are called
jargon.
Letters to the Editor
The editorial page should contain a
place where readers react to items in
the paper or subjects that concern
them.
The letter must be responsible, based
on fact and signed by the writer which
the newspaper must verify.
Papers can turn down letters for libel or
poor taste. Or can choose one letter if
several are received on the same topic.
Editorial Cartoons
Editorial Cartoons are simple in design,
centered on one topic, well drawn, and
timely.
Usually related to a subject or event
familiar to readers.
It can stand alone or tie in to another
area of the newspaper.
Editorial Cartoons
Often incorporate symbols to represent
ideas. Scales = justice.
Three types of Cartoons
Cartoon as a symbol – Uses an image to
represent an attitude. Example – Big
business as a fat man.
Cartoon as a metaphor – Likens one
thing to another. Example – School
violence is a snake in the grass ready to
strike if provoked.
Carton as a joke on current events –
Targets a specific event. Example -
Strikes
Random – Opinion Features
One question asked to many people.
Represent a range of opinions in your
poll.
Choose the most interesting opinions.
Strive for equal representation among
grades, races, genders, etc.