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This
Writing with Purpose
By Angela M. Lopez
Writing the Commentary
Introduction
This chapter focuses on the comprehension, analysis, and writing of commentary. For the purpose of this
course, students are encouraged to write public commentaries such as those found in the
New York Times
;
specific examples relating to this category will be introduced and studied later in this chapter. Students will
study the fundamental principles that comprise
commentary
and scrutinize trend topics that accompany this
type of genre. Included in this section are example readings of various types of commentary. Students will
explore these forms of expression and examine similarities and/or variations associated among them,
particularly differences in language, forms of persuasion, and diversity in point-of-view.
Students will acquire the knowledge necessary to realize the purpose of commentary and utilize the
intellectual tools needed to write a distinct opinion regarding a significant
trend
. In order to achieve this result,
sections of this chapter focus on practice writing assignments that attempt to convince the reader that the
writer’s opinion is more effective than other opinions. This section also includes discussion on the
characteristics that comprise and differentiate the trend from fad. Students must grasp the difference between
a strong, relevant, and far-reaching trend as opposed to a superficial, short-lived obsession. This chapter
closes with an in-depth, detailed outline on the organization and final draft of the commentary essay.
The Definition of Commentary
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The term commentary is derived from the medieval Latin word
commentarius,
which translates to “a
message, letter, daily entry in a written log, diary, a form of written communication, or tabulation” (Lewis &
Short, 1879). In modern-day society, the word commentary has transformed in meaning to denote an
expression or assertion of opinion, either verbal or written in form, which discusses a definite belief on a
particular subject or occurrence—specifically, a current event or trend. These topics range in theme and
include, but are not limited to, world news and politics, controversial social issues, business or technology,
professional sporting events, celebrity news and gossip, art, cuisine, fashion, and/or foreseeable progressing
trends. A commentary is similar to an intellectual discussion in that various viewpoints are considered,
debated, and rebutted or confirmed. The purpose of the commentary is for the writer to persuade the reader
that his or her standpoint is compelling and ultimately conclusive when compared to other opinions. These
persuasive opinions are found almost anywhere, but specifically in academia, art, newspapers, especially in
the form of editorials or opinion-editorial pieces, magazines, or through broadcast media, such as television or
radio. With the onset of the 21st century, a new type of opinion piece was introduced and communicated in
