Thu, Apr 21

DUE TODAY:

• Research experience self-eval (strengths, weaknesses, next steps); consider the research process as a whole rather than the paper as a self-contained entity
• Editorial ready for peer review

HOMEWORK:

FOCUS: editorial reviews

Collection of research paper self-evaluations

Editorial reviews in groups - quick, informal read and respond

Groups paraphrase "The Man He Killed"

Wed, Apr 20

DUE TODAY: Research paper reviews (as needed)

HOMEWORK:

• Research experience self-eval (strengths, weaknesses, next steps); consider the research process as a whole rather than the paper as a self-contained entity
• Editorial ready for peer review
• Paraphrase of the poem "The Man He Killed" 

FOCUS: Introduction to poetry

Mon, Apr 18

DUE TODAY: Editorial review and handout activities

HOMEWORK TONIGHT:

• What are two external sources you can use to bolster your editorial? Find them, and summarize what you can get from them
• What is YOUR opinion/experience on the topic you have chosen? Begin to write your own view
• If needed, print two copies of your research paper for review tomorrow

FOCUS TODAY: Editorials

Editorials – Write answers to these questions on the back of your write-up or on a separate sheet of paper

1. What paper did you purchase?
2. What editorials did you read this weekend?
3. What was the most interesting? Why?
4. What common characteristics do you notice in editorial writing?
5. How do editorials differ, if at all, from one another?
6. How do editorials differ from other writing, like the formal writing we tend to do?

Discussion of editorials read and their characteristics

Brainstorming in groups of where to find add'l evidence for original editorials

Fri, Apr 15

DUE TODAY: Remaining admission essays

HOMEWORK:

• Do the work on the editorial handout
• Read all reviews of your essay on TURNITIN; write a self-critique of your essay. What are the strengths? Weaknesses? What is your next step?

FOCUS: Power write

“Bugs and Beefs” – An Exercise in Editorial 

Adapted from “Bugs & Beefs: Editorial Writing” from “Newspapers in Education” retrieved April 15, 2011. http://www.newspapersineducation.ca/eng/level_7to9/lesson11/lesson11_eng.html#rubric

Begin the exercise by reading all of the sample editorials below (links available online):

Sample 1 - Sample Editorial - National Post - 191 KB

Sample 2 - Sample Editorial - Toronto Star - 198 KB

Sample 3 - Sample Editorial - Hamilton Spectator - 300 KB

Sample 4 - Sample Editorial Writing - Peterborough Examiner - 349 KB

Sample 5 - Sample Editorial Opinion Piece - Windsor Star - 360 KB

Sample 6 - Sample Editorial Soft News Story - Calgary Herald - 483 KB

Sample 7 - Sample Editorial News Story - Star Pheonix (Saskatoon) - 281 KB

After reading, consider how the editorials are similar. Hopefully, you will notice that the opinions expressed are often balanced with supporting evidence.

PURCHASE A NEWSPAPER over the weekend. Many excellent editorials are found in the Sunday New York Times, which is available locally at coffee shops and book stores for $5. It’s worth it for the glimpse into a quality newspaper. Other papers that work just fine include: The Seattle Times and The Tacoma News Tribune

Locate the editorial page of the newspaper. Here you will find the opinions of the newspaper’s editorial board.

The editorial board is made up of journalists assigned to follow local, provincial, national and world issues. This is where the paper takes a stand on issues, offering opinion mixed with facts.

Personal opinion is found in columns and in film, theatre and music reviews. It’s also found on the page opposite the editorials – the Op Ed page. This is where members of the public express their opinions in the form of guest columns and letters to the editor. It is one of the most popular pages in a newspaper.

Choose an editorial. Discuss it in one page of writing. 

1. What is the writer’s topic?
2. What is the writer’s opinion on the topic?
   Are there facts to back up the opinion? Where?
3. Make a list of the facts versus opinion.
4. Where appeal to emotion is used, what emotion do you feel the author wishes to elicit in the reader?
5. Has the writer done a good job of presenting a point of view? How do you judge this?

Now it’s your turn …

1. Try making a list of “It bugs me when …”
2. From the brainstorm list, choose one and write down your personal opinion on the topic
3. Brainstorm sources of evidence beyond personal opinion; what data can be used as fact to back your opinion?
4. Go on an information-gathering adventure

RETURN FROM THE WEEKEND WITH YOUR EDITORIAL REVIEW AND BRAINSTORM ACTIVITY FOR YOUR OWN!