Mastering Editorial Writing: Techniques and Tips for Effective Communication

1. Editorial Writing An Introduction

2. Editorial Writing • This module is also known as ENB5 • It requires you to write in a particular mode and genre, using material from a range of sources • You also need to consider audience and purpose • The key thing is to be aware of genre conventions • The best way to achieve this is to read a range of genres • You are required to use a range of the material from the pack, but to create a new text.

3. Editorial Writing • You are given the source packs (2) about 7 days before the examination • Each pack is about 20-25 pages in length • It contains a range of (sometimes quite random!) information • You can take this apart, make notes on it, highlight it, etc • Try to read each one at least twice

4. Editorial Writing • The exam lasts for two and a half hours • You are given two questions on each pack • You only answer one question • So, one from the four given. You are expected to write approximately 800-1000 words • You must also write a commentary of about 250 words • Use 2 hours for the piece, and half an hour for the commentary

5. Editorial Writing • Preparation • When you get the packs, read them through at least twice. • You can get together to work on these packs, but you can’t discuss them with your teacher • Make a contents page • Make a grid, telling you where the illustrations are etc • This will help you to find things quickly in the exam

6. Editorial Writing • Usually, but not always, there will be a spoken task as well as at least one written one • This means that you need to listen to a range of genres (radio programmes, trailers, interviews, etc) as well as reading • This awareness is the key to success

7. Editorial Writing • Think about the key aspects of your Original Writing folder here • This means considering audience, purpose and genre • You will be given specific instructions on these aspects, and marked on them, so consider them carefully before you begin writing

8. Editorial Writing • The commentary consists of your discussion and evaluation of the choices you have made • For example, what graphology did you choose for a web-page, what language did you choose for a talk to 10 year olds, etc

9. Editorial Writing • Preparation • Read, read and read….. • Try keeping a log-book of the things you have read and listened to over the day • List the genre conventions of these pieces • Evaluate the effectiveness of these • Try to read/listen to something different for 20 minutes each day

10. Editorial Writing • We’ll begin by writing mini-tasks, then build up to writing full ones • You’ll need to do at least 2 full, practice ones, preferably 3 • Be careful to re-write, or edit information • Don’t bring in information from any other sources • You can use some information directly (verbatim) from the pack, but keep this to a minimum.