Writing an Editorial on Colonial Rebellion

Writing an Editorial on Colonial Rebellion

Editorial (Noun): An article in a newspaper presenting the opinion of the author.

Throughout history, controversial events have caused heated debate. During colonial times, opinions were often expressed by newspaper writers in editorial columns and pamphlets. Your job is to write an article in this style.

Here is what you need to do…

1) Choose an act of colonial rebellion—The Boston Massacre, The Boston Tea Party, or an event during the Stamp Act revolt (such as the tarring and feathering of tax collectors)—about which to write an editorial.

2) Complete the handout which asks you to view the event from both Patriot and British perspectives.

3) Decide which perspective you will take in your editorial—either Patriot or British—and complete a rough draft in this format:

Paragraph 1: An introduction that summarizes the who, what, where, when and why of the event. This should be written in language that reflects your viewpoint.

Paragraph 2: A section that clearly supports or criticizes the actions of the people involved in the event and explains what should be done as a result of the actions. This should reflect your newspaper’s perspective.

Paragraph 3: A section that presents the opposing point of view and then tells why that point of view is wrong.

Paragraph 4: A conclusion emphasizing why your point of view is right.

4) Polish your rough draft into a final draft that is typed, error-free, and includes a newspaper name, headline, and picture representing the event.

Please see samples in class. This project will be scored on the OPIE Rubric and is

due on ______________.

Notes: