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Understanding Editorial Texts: Structure, Features, and Examples
Various phenomena often occur in our daily lives, ranging from social, health, as well as economic and cultural phenomena. Of course, there are many pros and cons regarding the phenomena around us. Not only according to individual views, a media can also voice its views on a phenomenon. The form of views conveyed by an official media is called an editorial text. So what is an editorial text? Below is the definition, structure, characteristics and examples of editorial texts that you need to know.
Definition of Editorial Text
Editorial text is a writing in a newspaper that contains the opinions or views of the editors regarding current events that are currently being hotly discussed. The events that are used as the topic of writing can be various, for example politics, social, economic, health, and so on. The opinions written by the editors are considered the official views of a publisher or media on an actual issue.
Editorial texts are generally published regularly in print or online media. This is a forum for media editors to convey their official opinions on issues that are developing in society. Opinions or views in editorial texts can be:
- Criticism
Example: The increase in parking rates is illogical
- Assessment
Example: The government does not pay attention to lower-class people with limited incomes, let alone paying for the electricity they use.
- Prediction
Example: If the cost of rice increases, it will be followed by an increase in the price of other basic necessities.
- Hope
Example: The government should reconsider the plan for the rice increase policy.
- Suggestion
Example: If the increase is urgent, it would be better if the government also provided subsidies to lower-middle class people in other sectors, such as health.
Although the editorial text contains the author’s opinion, not all opinions can be expressed in writing. Writing opinions must be proven and strengthened by logical facts.
Editorial Text Structure
Before creating an editorial text, the author must understand the basic structure that must be in the manuscript. The following are the main parts of an editorial text:
- Introduction to the Issue
This section expresses the author’s point of view regarding the issue or problem being discussed. The issue being discussed is an actual event, phenomenon, or controversial.
- Argumentation
This section contains the reasons, evidence, or data used to strengthen the statement in the editorial text. This argument can be in the form of a general question or relevant data.
- Statement or Reaffirmation of Opinion
The final part of this editorial text contains a reaffirmation of the author’s opinion supported by previously presented facts. This serves to strengthen and end the editorial text.
Characteristics of Editorial Text
A piece of writing can be categorized as an editorial text if it meets several characteristics such as the following:
- Actual and Factual
Editorial text must raise information that is currently being hotly discussed by the public. The information raised must also prioritize facts that actually occur.
- Systematic and Logical
Editorial text must be made systematically, meaning it must meet the structure and language rules. In addition, the editorial text must also be logical, meaning the text must make sense and not be imaginative.
- Argumentative
Editorial text contains the personal opinions of the editors. This means that the editorial text expresses arguments from the editorial point of view.
Short Editorial Text Example
To help you better understand editorial text, try to look at the example of editorial text and its structure below.
Restructuring Our Education System: Supporting a Brighter Future
Thesis:
Education is the foundation of a nation’s progress. However, the education system in Indonesia is still far from ideal. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the literacy rate in Indonesia has not yet reached a satisfactory figure, especially in remote areas. According to a BPS survey last year, only 78% of Indonesia’s population has an adequate literacy rate.
Argument:
Not only that, data from the Ministry of Education and Culture also shows significant inequality in access to quality education. More than half of schools in remote areas still lack basic facilities such as electricity and clean water. This is what makes it difficult for children in these areas to obtain a decent education.
Therefore, the government must immediately take firm steps to restructure our education system. In this year’s State Budget (APBN), only 20% of the total budget is allocated for education. This is far below the standard recommended by UNESCO. Where UNESCO suggests an allocation of around 25% – 30% of the total budget.
There must be greater investment in education, both in terms of infrastructure and training of educators. According to the Indonesian Teachers Association (AGI), the lack of training and support for teachers is one of the main problems in the current education system. Teachers must also be supported to continue to develop their skills and knowledge so that they can provide quality education to our next generation.
In addition, there must be reform in the education curriculum. The curriculum must be designed more carefully, considering technological developments and job market needs. Character education should also be a major focus, teaching moral and ethical values to students.
No less important is increasing access to education for children in remote areas. According to UNESCO data, there are still millions of children who do not receive formal education in Indonesia, most of whom live in remote areas.
Restatement:
The future of this nation is in the hands of the younger generation. By providing good and equitable education to them, we are forming a solid foundation for Indonesia’s progress. Let us together support positive changes in our education system, because good education is the right of every Indonesian child.
The existence of this editorial text can actually show some problems to the public that may not be of much concern. It can be said that this editorial text has an important role in the mass media as a means of conveying opinions and analysis on current issues. By understanding the definition, structure, characteristics, and examples of editorial texts, readers and writers can better appreciate and utilize this type of writing in the context of public communication and journalism.
