Writing An Editorial
Tonight for homework, pretend you are a writer for our Oceana paper, Shark Tale, and you want the Oceana community to stop using put-downs and insults on campus. It is your job to write an editorial, convincing people to stop using put downs.
Pick ONE word that we discussed today in class to focus on. It needs to be a word that DOES NOT apply to you.
Then, use the structure below to write your editorial.
1. A hook or lead. This can be a question, a powerful quote, a statistic, or a very brief story (1-2 sentences at the most!) that connects to the insult/put-down you will be discussing.
2. Your position. State clearly why you think that this word should not be used by anyone on this campus any longer.
3. Supporting details. Spend a few sentences explaining WHY people should not use this word. Use as many facts as you can to support your argument.
4. Conclusion: Suggest a plan of action. What should people do if they hear this word? How can they encourage other people not to use this word?
Example:
Last week, I was in the cafeteria and a girl behind me in line called my friend a b***h. We got in a shouting match and almost got suspended. Why was I so angry? This word makes me infuriated because no woman should be called that word, since it is demeaning and sexist. While it is often the case that the b word is used by friends in a joking matter, I think that the Oceana community as a whole should stop using it. Women in the United States have fought for equal rights for over a hundred years, from getting the right to vote to getting paid equally at work. Why, then, should women call each other the b word and ignore all of the hard work women have gone through to become more equal? Oceana females—it is time to band together and stop degrading each other. If boys hear us using this word, they will think it’s acceptable for them to use it too—and it’s not. So let’s all make a change. Stop using the b word!
25 points, due tomorrow. This must be typed or written in pen!!!
