STUDENT NOTES:
GEN Z
COMPETITION
2015
Terms 2-3, 2015
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CONTENTS
OPINION – student notes ............................................................................................................................................. 6
OPINION – student notes ............................................................................................................................................. 7
OPINION – student notes ............................................................................................................................................. 8
OPINION – student notes ............................................................................................................................................. 9
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – student notes ................................................................................................................ 10
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – student notes ................................................................................................................ 11
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – student notes ................................................................................................................ 12
EDITORIAL CARTOONS – student notes .................................................................................................................. 13
EDITORIAL CARTOONS – student notes .................................................................................................................. 14
© Media Education / The West Australian 2015
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OPINION – student notes
Introduction
Most newspapers set aside particular sections of the
newspaper for columns, illustrations and letters that
express opinion, clearly separating factual reporting
from these less objective features.
What is meant by opinion?
The aim of a journalist who writes an opinion piece for
the newspaper is to cause people to think more deeply
on issues.
Editors rely on their opinion writers to provide context
and insight to the news of the day. There’s so much
news that is broken in Australian by the morning
newspapers that gets picked up by radio
commentators and television news and a strong voice
of opinion helps shape that debate in the morning.
The work of opinion writers has become more
influential than ever. Most people are looking to have
someone they trust to make sense of it all - to assess
competing claims and come up with hopefully, a
synthesis of the truth.
Opinion columns convey what 140 characters of a
tweet cannot. At their most powerful, they can
influence political outcomes for the better, or disrupt
the political process.
Weaving together an argument is essential to a
successful column. For many columnists, audience is
everything. If you are not writing for your readers then
the whole thing is a joke. It is always about the
readers. Writing for your audience does not mean they
have to agree with everything you say. They don’t.
Whose opinion is being expressed?

Is the opinion that of the newspaper editorial staff,
a local columnist, a syndicated columnist a
specialist in the area, or someone else?

Turn to the Opinion pages in The West Australian
for several days cut out bylines for the writers of
the Opinion columns.

What do you know about the person or people
whose opinions are expressed?

How can you tell if the person is a journalist for the
newspaper or a contributor?

Why do you think a newspaper includes opinion
pieces from people other than journalists?
Most columnists are concerned with presenting fairly
unvarnished facts and a coherent argument, an
articulate position. Good columnists should be
independent thinkers without fear or favour.
In an opinion column the writer is sharpening your
viewpoint. There’s no grey area in an opinion column
and the journalist can’t sit on the fence. The writer
needs to state an opinion.
The writer needs to give the reader food for thought
straight away. They need to make an argument as
coherently and as logical as possible so readers can
make up their own minds.
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OPINION – student notes
Editorial v opinion
Different ways of expressing opinions
The editorial is the newspaper’s opinion on an issue
and reflects its position on the issue.
Writers can present their opinions in a variety of ways:
 using logic.
 humour.
 appeal to emotions.
 use of rhetorical devices.
 draw parallels between current events and history.
 using metaphors to make a particular point.
 use of evidence, quotations, statistics, historical
details, etc.
What is the difference between editorial and opinion
column?
 For several days, cut out editorial and opinion
columns from The West Australian.
 What are the topics of the editorial and opinion
columns?
 How is an editorial different / similar to an opinion
column?
 Compare the language used, structure, style and
information.
Cut out the news stories related to the editorial and
opinion columns. These may be found in the days or
weeks preceding the opinion piece you are analysing.
 How are the facts from the news reports used in
the opinion columns by the writer to make his/her
point?
Look at a range of editorial and opinion columns in
The West Australian and identify examples of the
above styles writers have used.
 Analyse what the writer is trying to say and how he
or she said it and why he or she might have
chosen to say it in that way.
 Which style of writing do you like best? Why?
 Select one current issue and try writing an
introductory paragraph using this style.
Go online to check out opinion pieces published
recently in The West Australian
https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest
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OPINION – student notes
What other opinions might be expressed about the
same topic and who might express them?
Who would be convinced?
Look at a range of editorial and opinion columns in
The West Australian and discuss them using these
questions as a guide.
When considering an opinion, it can be very helpful to
try to list other opinions one could hold about the same
topic.
Think about the purpose and who might be convinced
by the opinion piece that you read.
Does the column present an argument that would
appeal to people with particular ideas but fall flat with
people who held other ideas?
Is this opinion piece designed to sway people to the
author’s point of view in an inviting and balanced way?
Or is it written primarily for people who already agree
with the author?
The West Australian, March 9, 2015
How might someone who completely disagrees frame
his or her argument to refute the opinion piece?
What evidence might they use to support that opposite
point of view?
You may be able to find opinion pieces that present
alternative viewpoints. It can be interesting to explore
different opinions on the same topic to get a sense of
the range of journalistic opinion on the issue.
The West Australian, March 3, 2015 p17
p14
The West Australian, March 10, 2015 p16
The West Australian, February 24, 2015 p17
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OPINION – student notes
Guidelines for writing opinion pieces
If you can express yourself clearly and persuasively in
an opinion article, you may reach thousands of people,
sway hearts, change minds and perhaps even reshape
public policy.
Track the news and jump at opportunities
When an issue is dominating the news — whether it’s
a war or the latest controversy on a reality TV show —
that’s what readers want to read. Whenever possible,
link your issue to something happening in the news.
Limit the article to 300 words
Shorter is even better. Newspapers have limited space
to offer.
Make a single point — well
You cannot solve all of the world’s problems in 300
words. Be satisfied with making a single point clearly
and persuasively.
Put your main point on top
In an opinion article you have no more than 10
seconds to hook a busy reader. Get to the point and
convince readers it’s worth their time to continue.
Tell readers why they should care
At the end of every few paragraphs, ask: “So what?
Who cares?” You need to answer these questions.
Explain why.
Showing is better than discussing
Humans remember colorful details better than dry
facts. When writing an opinion article look for
examples that bring your argument to life.
Use short sentences and paragraphs
Look at opinion articles and count the number of words
per sentence. The sentences tend to be quite short.
You should use the same style, relying on simple
declarative sentences. Cut long paragraphs into
shorter ones.
Avoid jargon
When in doubt, leave it out. Simple language doesn’t
mean simple thinking; it means you are being
considerate of readers.
Use the active voice
Don't write: ‘It is hoped that . . . .’ Instead: ‘I hope the
government will …’
Active voice is easier to read and leaves no doubt
about who is doing the hoping, recommending or other
action.
Avoid tedious rebuttals
If you’ve written your article in response to an earlier
piece avoid the temptation to prepare a point-by-point
rebuttal. Mention the earlier article once and argue
your own case. If you really need to rebut the article,
write a letter to the editor, which is more appropriate
for this purpose.
Make your ending a winner
You need a strong opening paragraph, or ‘lead’ to
hook readers. It is also important to summarize your
argument in a strong final paragraph. One trick many
columnists use is to conclude with a phrase or thought
that appeared in the opening.
http://newsoffice.duke.edu/duke_resources/oped
Embrace your personal voice
The best of these examples come from your own
experience. When it comes to opinion articles,
embrace your own voice whenever possible.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
– student notes
What is a letter to the editor?
Letters to the editor are among the most widely read
features in any newspaper or magazine. They allow
you to reach a large audience.
Letters to the editor can take a position for or against
an issue, or simply inform, or both. They can convince
readers by using emotions, or facts, or emotions and
facts combined.
Open with a strong statement and place the most
important information at the beginning.
As letters may be edited to fit the space available in
that issue of the newspaper, most often they are cut
from the bottom up. By placing the important
information anywhere but at the top could result in its
being omitted.
Your turn
Reasons why you might write to the editor
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Anger about something, and you want others to
know it.
You think an issue is so important you have to
speak out.
Want to persuade others to take a specific action.
Want to suggest an idea to others.
Want to influence public opinion.
Want to educate the general public on a specific
matter.
Want to influence policy-makers or elected officials
directly or indirectly.
Want to publicize the work of a group and attract
volunteers or participants.


Turn to the Letters page in The West Australian.
Highlight the first sentence in three different letters
you think make good opening sentences.
Explain why you think these are good opening
sentences.
Generally, letters have three parts:
 Purpose: Opinion or point of view.
 Argument: Supports opinion and persuades
reader.
 To comment: on a topical issue.
Letters fall into three types. Those written:
 In response to a published news article or
comment piece.
 In response to a previous letter.
 To comment on another topical issue that hasn’t
been reported.

Grab the reader's attention
Your opening sentence is very important. It should tell
readers what you’re writing about and make them want
to read more.
Think of one topic in the newspaper that interests
you. Practise writing an opening sentence for a
letter to the editor. Discuss your opening sentence
with three other students. Which do they think is
best? Why? After your discussion, revise and
rewrite your opening sentence on your selected
topic.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
– student notes
Make your point in plain language
NEWS REPORT
If at all possible, refer your letter to a recent piece of
news, editorial, or a prior letter to the editor, and, if you
do so, reference the title and date of the article in your
letter.
If you are referring to a newspaper article, send your
letter as soon as possible after an article has been
published in the paper.
Your turn
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Look through The West Australian and cut out a news
article, opinion piece or a letter about an issue which is
important to you.
Explain to a partner why this issue is important to you
and how it makes you feel.
List facts, opinions and emotions you have in response
to this issue.
PRIOR LETTER TO EDITOR
For three minutes, write different possible opening
sentences you might use in your letter.
You can look at the Letters page in The West
Australian to help you with ideas on how to start your
letter.
Next select what you think is the strongest opening
sentence.
For two minutes, try rewriting this opening sentence so
you state your position and grab the readers’ attention.
OPINION PIECE
Share your opening sentence with your class.
What suggestions do they have to make it stronger?
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
– student notes
Helpful tips and hints
The West Australian receives hundreds of letters a
week but only 10 to 15 may make it into print.
In general, newspapers will publish letters that are
well-written and articulate and either represent specific
points of view on an issue, or thoughtfully analyze
complex issues and events.
Libel
Stay away from attacks on particular people (although
not from criticism of the actions of politicians and other
public figures), and anything that might possibly be
seen as libel.
Legally, libel is the publication of a false statement
about someone that damages that person’s reputation.
Thus to falsely accuse someone of a crime would be
libel; to inaccurately print that someone had won an
award for citizenship would not be.
Keep it brief
Generally, shorter letters have a better chance of
being published.
So go back over your letter and see if anything can be
cut or condensed.
Keep your letter under 300 words
Editors have limited space for printing letters and some
papers have stated policies regarding length.
Make sure your most important points are stated in the
first paragraph. Editors may need to cut parts of your
letter and they usually do so from the bottom up.
Sign your letter
Write your full name and include your address, phone
number and e-mail address.
Newspapers do not print anonymous letters.
Explain the issue and its importance simply
Use plain language that most people will understand.
Throughout your letter, remember the rule: Be quick
and concise.
State your opinion about what should be done
You can write a letter just to ''vent," or to support or
criticize a certain action or policy, but you may also
have suggestions about what could be done to
improve the situation. If so, be sure to add these as
well. Be specific. And the more good reasons you can
give to back up your suggestions, the better.
Refer to a recent event in your community or to a
recent article – make a connection and make it
relevant.
Check your letter
Make sure it's clear and to the point.
A newspaper may not print every letter it receives, but
clear, well-written letters are likely to be given more
serious consideration.
Use local statistics and personal stories to better
illustrate your point.
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EDITORIAL CARTOONS
– student notes
Look through The West Australian and cut out a
collection of Dean Alston’s editorial cartoons to
complete the following activities.
Sometimes the subjects of cartoons are not happy
because the cartoonist can make them look
unflattering through exaggeration and caricature.
Discuss how the cartoon pokes fun at a particular
idea.
 Is the humour obvious or subtle?
 Does the cartoonist present the message in a way
some people might find funny while others might
find offensive?
Think about the techniques the cartoonist uses to
get his message across.
 What does the cartoonist do to make a normal
situation silly?
 Explore the setting for each cartoon.
 How does the cartoonist bring humour to the
situation?
What symbols are used in the cartoon?
 What do they mean?
 What meaning do you think the cartoonist is trying
to convey?
Look at one cartoon and list the objects and or
people.
 Which of the objects are symbols?
 What do you think each symbol means?
 How does the use of symbols add to the message
of the cartoon?
Find one cartoon which appeals to your sense of
humour.
 How has the cartoonist made you think this is
funny?
 What tools has he used to help you interpret the
meaning of the cartoon?
What news topic is the cartoon about?
 Look through The West Australian and cut out the
newspaper and or opinion articles related to the
editorial cartoon.
 How has the cartoonist used the information to
develop his cartoon?
 Try drawing your own cartoon on this issue.
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EDITORIAL CARTOONS
– student notes
A laugh a day with Dean Alston
The West Australian’s editorial cartoonist Dean Alston
talks about cartooning.
Cartoonists, who create those squiggly lines that adorn
daily newspapers, are great humourists.
Alston reckons the first cartoons were drawn by
cavemen and he too was a great wall artist as a child.
He scribbled through school and a 10-year stint as a
government cartographer, before running a hotel for a
few years, taking a holiday in England and getting
married.
Most of Alston's cartoons are based on federal politics.
Some politicians have bodies and faces that lend
themselves to humorous cartoons.
"Sometimes politicians ring up and criticise and
occasionally their supporters write or fax me
complaints. Praise is not so frequent but I tend not to
worry and enjoy getting a reaction from readers.
"Humour is always the focal point and I like to twist the
knife a bit."
Alston believes a good cartoonist needs an eye for
news, an ability to remember trivia and a broad
education in history and literature.
A chance visit to The West in 1985 with his drawing
folio in hand gave him the chance to become the
cartoonist we enjoy with our morning newspaper.
"A cartoon is designed to exaggerate a feature of a
person or animal. The aim of it is to portray an event or
incident quickly and with humour," Alston says.
The working day for this newspaper cartoonist begins
at lunchtime and involves reading current newspapers
and magazines and much day-dreaming about
possible cartoons.
He attends afternoon editorial conference and from
this he develops an idea for a cartoon, submitting three
or four rough drawings to the editor for approval.
Once an idea is accepted Alston takes an hour to
produce a finished cartoon.
"The trend in modern cartoons is for fewer lines that
only hint at the picture and a greater emphasis on the
idea.
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