These days, being the editor of the school newspaper is a very coveted position to have. But coming up with editorial topics on a regular basis is not very easy, even if it’s just for a high school newspaper. Choose a subject that you’re familiar with; something that you know the inside out of, so that you can provide an in-depth analysis of the same.
Whether it is for the school newspaper, or as a part of an assignment, writing editorials is a great activity. Not only does it help students develop writing skills, but also helps them develop their own point of view about the subject at hand. They learn to go beyond rote learning and understand their study material rather than simply reading through the same―it therefore helps them develop their own style of thinking and reproducing their thoughts on the matter. It also hones the skill of creative writing and essay writing in students, and helps them consider a career involving the same in the future.
Basics of an Editorial
There are some basic things to keep in mind while writing an editorial. First of all, it is not a report. A person writing an editorial is not expected to just state the facts and be done with it. An editorial is an analysis, it is an in-depth study of a topic. A person writing an editorial is also expected to come up with an opinion based on the facts and its analysis. But it is essential that the person writing an editorial is not biased in his opinion and gives an all-round judgment on the topic. An editor should always keep one thing in mind―an editorial is an analysis, not an endorsement.
Editorial Topics for High School Students
The first step in assigning editorial topics is that you have to remember that they are still quite young and should be asked to write about simple, non-controversial topics which will also help in their daily studies. You could frame the editorial topics around their curriculum, so that they can write about the topics which are relevant to them.
Current Affairs and Hot Topics for Editorials
The most common editorial topics to write about are those that pertain to current events. Along with testing the writing and analytical skills of the students, it also keeps the students up-to-date with what is going on in the country. The topics can include current political, legal, or sports events. Here are some interesting editorial topics that focus on current affairs.
♦ Global warming effects on earth
♦ The causes of, symptoms and treatment for swine flu
♦ The ways recycling affects our environment
♦ What caused the subprime crisis?
♦ Should gay marriages be allowed?
♦ Should gambling be outlawed?
♦ Should capital punishment be allowed?
♦ NBA season review (or preview)
♦ Major league season review (or preview)
♦ Should marijuana be legalized?
♦ Should cigarettes be banned?
♦ How necessary is a college education?
Editorials on Significant Past Events
Another set of topics for editorials could be related to historical events. This helps them get a first-hand insight into what America was, rather than telling them about it. Secondly, it improves their knowledge of history.
♦ The Boston Tea Party
♦ Are we living up to the America envisioned by the founding fathers?
♦ History of blacks in America
Editorials on Thought-provoking Issues
There are some editorial topic ideas that were and will always remain the pet peeves of editors due to their controversial nature. These topics are such that each one of us wants to have our say on them.
♦ Darwinism Vs. Creationism
♦ God Vs. Science
♦ Is euthanasia immoral?
♦ Does wealth translate to happiness?
♦ Do people complain too much?
♦ How long should you wait in an establishment without buying anything?
♦ The impact of Latin Americans as the largest minority in the US
Editorials Topics From the World of Teenagers
These editorial topics for high school students are especially formulated keeping this generation in mind, and are a part and parcel of the everyday life of high school students. Hence it will be good for them to sound their opinion on these topics.
♦ Benefits of Reading
♦ Is there such a thing as an Instagram addict?
♦ Importance (or evils) of social networking websites
♦ The flip-side of television
♦ Is the PSP contributing to the death of outdoor games?
♦ How fast foods are making us a fatter country
♦ Does parental pressure play a role in career choices?
Some Interesting Editorial Topics
And for those with a real flair for writing and an abstract thinking ability, here are some editorial topics that you can choose to write on.
Apart from these, you can also write about topics like biographies of famous people, book reviews, etc. Editorial writing is a fun experience which also develops your thinking ability. It also helps one find his niche. For example, while writing editorials, you might realize that journalism is what you wanted to do all along. Writing an editorial is a fun and knowledge enhancing experience, all at the same time.
