type of article other than
straight news usually included in a newspaper. Editorials reflect
opinion and
viewpoint of the paper. An editorial is generally
short, varying from a sentence or two to 1000 words or more. It usually has a
news peg, that is an introductory
statement announcing the
subject and tying it to a
news development. Forceful and persuasive arguments are marshaled from logical pattern to logical pattern to convince the reader. The editorial writer also considers what arguments may be raised in rebuttal and raises them to answer in
advance. The editorial
ends with a
firm conclusion, clearly and reasonably stated. The
purpose is to have a desired
effect on the reader.
(BPL 10 Jan 73R)