AS Level English (9093) Conventions: Editorials, Speech

Persuasive Texts: Editorials/Speech

Direct Approach: State opinion then argument

Indirect approach: Discuss / argue then state opinion

Editorials:

An editorial is an article that presents the newspaper’s opinion on an issue.

• Types of editorials:

• • • Explain or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject. School newspapers may explain new school rules or a particular student-body effort like a food drive.
    • Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
    • Persuade: Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem. From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are good examples of editorials of persuasion.
    • Praise: These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well. They are not as common as the other three.

• Characteristics of editorials:

• • The opinions of the writer, delivered in a professional manner.
  • An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
  • Primary topic/topics
  • Intended audience
  • Facts and statistics
  • Arguments to support the thesis
  • Ideology/point of view of the writer
  • Develop logical and ethical arguments; avoid purely emotional rhetoric.
  • Collect evidence, examples, and support for the view you are promoting.
  • Alternative solutions to the problem or issue being criticized.

Speech

• Characteristics of a speech:
  • Structure: Introduction, body, conclusion
  • Engaging, emotive language
  • Rhetorical devices: Seek to make an argument more compelling than it otherwise would’ve been.
  • Always link back to the main idea. Clarity.
  • Informal touch, it should be presented in a personal way.
  • Support arguments: Facts/statistics, anecdotes, humor.
  • Consider the audience: expectations, interest, and nature of the audience.