The View from Here
Module 1, Activity 4.1 - Point of View (editorials)
Student Page
(teacher lesson for this page)

Activities:

Task One - Point of View
Your teacher will choose two volunteers from the class to discuss a recent event that took place in your community or school. You need to write down all the information that each individual gives and keep track of his/her point of view using the handout.

Once you have finished filling in the handout, discuss the differences in point of view and how they were achieved. Consider whether either person gave the same account as you would have.

Task Two - Informed Opinion
The job of a journalist when writing an editorial is to present an informed opinion. This may sound easy enough but it takes a great deal of time and research.

Watch the following video clip as a journalist from the Star Phoenix discusses the pressures of writing a good editorial. After watching the video, answer the following question:

Which does Jason Warick say is more difficult - a news article or an editorial? Why?

Take a copy of the story and editorial on the same topic and complete the following steps:
1. Read the article and the editorial
2. Underline all the facts from the article that are used in the editorial
3. Highlight any other facts that are used in the editorial
4. On the back of the editorial, write down what the author's purpose was in the editorial and whether he/she achieved it.

Participate in the class discussion regarding editorials and informed opinions.

Objectives:

You will be able to
- understand the role of the editorial
- identify the components of the editorial page
- distinguish fact from opinion

Resources:

- handout to record notes
- story and editorial an the same topic
- statement sheet
- internet access
- video clip Re: challenge of writing editorials

Look at the statement sheet. With a partner, try to write sentences for each statement that give the information in a positive light and a negative light.

Work through at least three of the statements using the example on the statement sheet as instruction.

Journalists have the opportunity to spin an issue in an attempt to convince readers of one side of a currently debated issue.

There is a standard format for what is included on an editorial page. Read the following information on editorial pages. Using the newspapers that your teacher has provided:
1. Find the editorial page of that newspaper.
2. Have the editorial page copied
3. Label all the parts of the page according to the notes you have read.
4. On a separate piece of paper, note any unusual things that are included on your editorial page.
5. Compare your page with a partner's page, noting differences and similarities. Remember to consider articles, topics and layout when making your comparisons.