T hreshold Two
PART 2: Chasing Light
75. In medical terms, proprioception is concerned with movement and spatial orientation, which arises from non-conscious perception o f stimulation within the body itself.
2.12 Proposals and Process: setting out a working method for use beyond context
This unit identifies guides for good editorial writing and discusses factors for determining editorial subjects.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
With detailed explanation, discuss factors that determine good editorial subjects.
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS
Ate, A.A. (2006). “Editorial Writing.” Unpublished Material.
Duyile, D. (2005). Writing For the Media – A Manual for African Journalists. (2nd ed.) Lagos: Gong Communication Ltd. P. 66.
Folarin, B (1998). Elements of Journalistic Style. Ibadan: Stirling-Horden Publishers Nigeria Ltd.
UNIT 2 CLASSIFICATION OF EDITORIALS
3.1 Reasons for Classification
Classification of editorials is strictly based on certain reasons. Ate (2007:43) lists these reasons:
• It assists journalist and students of communication to appreciate and differentiate various forms and types of journalistic write-ups from editorials.
• It also equips journalism practitioners to show a clear difference and similarity between opinion writing and factual news reporting.
• It empowers communicators to locate the exact domain of editorial writing and establish its relationships with other write-ups.
• Classification of editorials could open a new door in communication research by researchers.
3.2 Classification of Editorials
Editorials are classified into three major ways. Some of which are:
Parts, Purpose and Types
Ate (2007:46-48) gives a profound explanation on the advantages and disadvantages of these classifications as follows:
• Classification According to Parts
Basically, a typical editorial has three parts. These are – (a) statement of the issue, subject or thesis (b) comment on the problem and (c) conclusion, which normally contains solutions to the problems identified in the editorial.
It is instructive to note that the arrangement of the parts of editorial is not a dogmatic affair. Some skillful editorial writers may turn the above formular upside down and begin the editorial piece with conclusion followed by comment and then statement of the issue or thesis.
Another logic is that other writers prefer to integrate statement of problem with comment in a single sentence or paragraph and then move to conclusion.
Yet other editorialists believe that an editorial has only two parts – statement of the problem and comment. Their arguments are predicated upon the notion that, like an artiste, the editorial writer need not provide solution to the problems identified. Such editorial are bound to be unpatronising, unattractive and unpersuasive because the central or cardinal instrument of persuasion is missing. The missing link which
can only be appreciated from the standpoint of solutions to the problem can affect in no small measure the body and soul of the entire editorial.
• Classification According to Purpose
For everything under the sun, there must be a purpose. The same thing is applicable to the concept of editorial writing. Editorials are usually packaged to meet multi-dimensional purposes.
While some editorials are designed to inform or explain an issue, others are crafted with the burning desire to persuade, amuse or amaze the audience.
Editorials whose mission or purpose is to persuade are supposed to be loaded with concrete facts so as to have desired effect.
• Classification According to Types
This form of classification is closely related to the second category of classification. Here, we have three major types – Interpretative Editorials, Controversial Editorials and Explanatory Editorials which perform their unique functions.
Aneato and Onabajo (2007:63) identify the following types of editorials:
1. Editorial of Interpretation 2. Editorial of Argument 3. Editorial of Criticism 4. Editorial of Commendation 5. Editorial of Entertainment
• Editorial of Interpretation: This type of editorial appraises an issue and then gives explanation or interpretation to it in an objective manner to inform the reader. The editorial presents facts and analyses them to give a meaningful perspective.
• Editorial of Argument: It is an editorial that is meant to argue an issue to draw out a point. It is usually on controversial topics. It is persuasive and convincing, and as such, the editorial writer must know how to present his or her facts and to substantiate his or her points.
• Editorial of Criticism: This is an editorial that aims to point out the ills or bad aspect of a situation. It can be used to curtail some unhealthy behaviour and decisions. This type of editorial is meant to bring about a change of heart, both from government and the public.
• Editorial of Commendation: This type of editorial gives commendation or praise to government officials, actions by government, achievements and successes of people.
• Editorial of Entertainment: This editorial injects comedy into the issue being discussed. It treats the subject in a light manner that interests the reader; it takes a human-interest angle.
SELF ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
1. Give reasons for classification of editorials in the mass media.
2. List and explain the various classification of editorial.
4.0 CONCLUSION
This unit established the fact that, there are three solid ways of classifying editorials – Classification according to types, purpose and parts.
5.0 SUMMARY
This unit outlines major reasons for classification of editorials. It also identifies three proper ways of classifying editorials.
6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENT
Why are editorials classified in the mass media and how?
7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS
Ate, A.A. (2007). Editorial Writing: An Academic and Professional Approach. Akure: Pamma Press.
Ukonu, M. (2005). Fundamentals of Editorial Writing. Nsukka: Educational & Services Trust.
Aneato, S.G. and Onabajo, O.S. (2007). Essentials of Campus Journalism. Lagos: Jamiro Press Link.