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editorializing

How do we make our voice heard?

In this module, we will explore writing effective op-ed articles - and then put our knowledge to the test by sending our own articles to the Chaffee County Times!

This Editorializing module can be completed independently with regular check-ins along the way. Please let Morgan know you are working on it before you jump in.

Module summary:
  • analyze effective (and published) editorials
  • learn the secrets behind writing an effective editorial
  • write editorials and submit them for publication

essential questions

  • How do we paraphrase outside sources to back up our claims?
  • How do we revise for grammar and punctuation to prepare writing for publication?

goals

  • Students will understand that claims must be substantiated by relevant authorities, and that this kind of support can be added to our writing smoothly through paraphrasing
  • Students will understand that specific checklists can help look for mechanical errors (grammar, punctuation) in our writing - and that we must look for such errors intentionally

activities

INTRODUCE
  • Participate in four corners discussion
    • ​Completing independently? Choose four prompts from this list - one you completely agree with, one you mostly agree with, one you mostly disagree with, and one you completely disagree with. Write a short paragraph on each explaining your perspective.
  • Review syllabus and expectations with Morgan

EXPOSE
  • Read and annotate a published editorial (choose from links below)
    • What is being said, how does the author say it?
    • Discuss and compare findings with classmates and/or Morgan
    • ​watch NY Times video on writing an effective editorial
      • take notes on Rosenthal's 7 principles
      • discuss with Morgan

PRACTICE
  • Write out 2-3 persuasive statements you agree with about different topics
    • choose one statement to focus on for your editorial
      • review your topic with Morgan
  • Research your topic (background/context, related problems caused by issue)
    • use the Google Doc template
  • Develop notes into a clear outline:
    • introduction; make your stance known right away with a hook or statement of opinion
    • concrete, citable examples (paraphrased) to explain issue/causes and impact of the issue
    • recommendations for what should be done to improve or fix the issue
    • intentional conclusion

CREATE
  • Draft your editorial (450-500 words, precisely)
    • rough outline: 
      • your opinion
      • cause of the problem
      • your recommendations for how to fix/improve
      • intentional conclusion

REFLECT
  • Self-edit with content and mechanics checklists
  • Read draft aloud
  • Conference with Morgan

c-tachs

Writing
  • Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence
Language
  • Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar when speaking and writing
  • Demonstrate command of standard capitalization and punctuation

resources

Editorializing syllabus
Content and mechanics checklists

Editorials to choose from:
  • Why you should read this article slowly
  • Young people are determined to promote change
  • American schools don't keep kids active enough
  • Both political parties must work to ban mining in the Grand Canyon
  • Let's learn to love leftovers and fight food waste
  • Video gaming can be harmless and even helpful

​

Picture

The Mission of Chaffee County High School

“Chaffee County High School strives to engage and educate students through systemic and targeted interventions so they can make a positive impact on their community." 

Contact Us

  • Home
  • About
  • Research
  • Reading & Writing
  • Recent Modules
    • Connect >
      • Board Game Reviews (mini)
      • CCHS Powtoon
      • Coco!
      • Creative Writing Seminar >
        • Calvin and Hobbes
        • Pieces of art
        • Tell Tale Cards
      • Dragon Post
      • Editorializing
      • E-mail Etiquette (Dead Poet's Society)
      • E-mail Etiquette (Star Wars)
      • English Skills
      • Go Write Outside
      • Nature Poetry
      • Passion Project
      • Persons, Places, Things
      • Photo Essays
      • Rebel Girls >
        • Jane Goodall
      • Stereotypes
      • Teach Me Something
      • Virtual Reality-ing
      • What Music Means
    • Construct >
      • 2018 in Review
      • Book Censorship
      • Live Anywhere
      • Picture Book Inquiry
      • Propaganda Bombs
      • PSA Powtoon
      • Self-Improvement
      • State of the Union
      • Rant to Reason
      • TED Topics
      • Who Cares?
    • Be Curious >
      • Art Time is Fun Time!
      • Caper with the Classics
      • CCHS Librarians
      • Emma: Friend or Foe?
      • Fahrenheit 451
      • Found Poetry
      • Google Expeditions
      • Hero's Journey
      • Irreverence
      • Macbeth
      • Poetry
      • The Lottery
      • "Worthy" Art