OPINION WRITING!!!!!!!

1. OPINION WRITING!!!!!!!

2. Columns! • Opinion pieces that are signed and represent the views of one specific writer (as opposed to the entire publication) • Three types of columns: • Topical commentary • Personal meditations • Slice of life

3. Three types of columns • Topical commentary • React to an issue/event with insight, outrage or humor • Personal meditations • Often reads like a diary entry • Still focuses on important issue • Slice of life • Tells a story

4. Columns continued! • Columnists should develop a distinctive voice. • Base opinions on facts– and present those facts • Do your own reporting (try not to get all your information from another printed story) • Choose worthy topics: “Feeling passionate about a subject does not necessarily make it interesting reading”. • What is important to the public?

5. Reviews! • YOU A CRITIC: your job is to study, evaluate and interpret the arts. • Criticism ponders the meaning, context and social significance of an artist’s work • “Arts” include: • Movies • Books • CD’s • Apps • Restaurants • ETC!

6. In other words… • Be an expert • Get to the point • Balance reporting and opinion; combine fact and reaction; solid info and insightful opinion • Don’t be creul • Structure your reviews: don’t just rant

7. Review Don’ts • Don’t ever reveal surprise plot twists/ story endings (“spoilers”) • Don’t add unnecessary phrases like I think or in my opinion • Avoid vague adjectives like boring, awful and fantastic • Substantiate your opinions with detailed descriptions • Don’t get personal; criticize the art and not the artist