There are many different types of writing. Some are highly specialised. If, for example, you produce a class or school newspaper, you may need to know about editorials.
Editorials get their name because they are usually written by the editor of a newspaper. The editor will write what is called an opinion piece - what the paper thinks about an event or issue currently in the news. The audience is always the readers of the newspaper. But the opinions may be directed at a government department or a particular group of people.
The editorial is designed to make people think about their own opinions and to bring out the facts about an issue or event. Read the editorial below and see which parts are facts and which parts are the editor's opinions.
Red Fire Ants
The discovery of red fire ants in Hong Kong recently was worrying. This is a situation we should all take seriously. The sting from these ants is at least uncomfortable and, in some cases, fatal. Also, they can damage crops and be a nuisance to people in urban as well as rural areas.
Nevertheless, nobody should panic. These ants have only been introduced to Hong Kong a few months ago and, if we all work together, we can limit the damage. First of all, the government needs to be more vigilant when it inspects flowers and other plants coming into Hong Kong. Most of these arrive from China and our inspectors need to work with their friends from across the border. This will help a lot. Teams also need to be sent to areas where the ants are found to try and eliminate them. Care needs to be taken to make sure local insects that are harmless are not killed at the same time.
Secondly, flower sellers should look carefully at all plants they receive and check them for signs of these little red insects.