An Energy Lifestyle: Gas prices and opinions

Ben Amato | Educational consultant

Editorial Writing--All Four ELA Standards

"Smell that! That's gasoline you smell in there. You can't buy any perfume in the world that smells as sweet. "
William K Whiteford, Chairman, Gulf Corp--1964

The economic impact of high energy prices affects the attitudes of Long Islanders, causing some to wait for hours for cheap gas while allowing others to invest in energy efficiency and conservation. Today's lesson looks at how energy needs will shape Long Island lives in the future.

TV Component The CW 11 News at Ten had the story of a "gassy" publicity stunt by WBLI/106.1 FM. View the video clip twice and then answer the Multiple-Choice Quiz. Newspaper Component Newsday has two stories detailing how energy prices shape the behavior and attitudes of Long islanders and all Americans. Read them and then using the facts and details within, complete the Comprehension Crossword Puzzle.

Language Arts Component Critical lens "It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -Yogi Berra

Situation The use and cost of energy will be a major factor in the lives of future Long Islanders. Write an EDITORIAL on how the price of energy and its impact on our climate will change the way residents will live.

The Nature and Structure of an EDITORIAL An EDITORIAL is a persuasive style of communication. Writers present their opinion on an issue and try to sway readers to adopt their position. Typical of all formal styles of writing, editorials follow a set pattern and are usually divided into 3 paragraphs.

INTRODUCTION Editorials begin with the TOPIC, where in short, direct sentences the issue is stated. Details about the SETTING and CAST are presented next. These sentences tell WHO the major players are and WHERE the issue is being played out. The final sentence is where the writer presents his/her OPINION. This is a "grabber" that makes the reader want to read the rest of the editorial to discover why the writer feels this way.

BODY This section contains the facts that support your opinion. An editorial is more than a statement of how you feel. It is a collection of the important information that led you to "feel" the way you do. Begin this section with the details about rising cost of gas and what some people will do to "save a buck." Then detail the results of the latest survey on LI's energy opinions. Be sure to organize the information in an ORDER OF IMPORTANCE, with major relevant details appearing early in the paragraph and less important details later.

This section may be longer than just one paragraph depending on how many facts and details you gather from the article and television news story. Use the Comprehension Crossword Puzzle and answers to the Multiple-Choice Quiz as a RUBRIC to see if all the important facts have been included and described.

CONCLUSION This section of an editorial is reserved for the opinions of the writer. These feelings should in the form of answering some basic questions about the topic. How have gas prices affect you and your family? What would you do to get cheap gas? How will energy concerns factor into your future plans and behavior? End this section with a prediction, based upon your consideration of the stories, the video and your present attitude.