Last chapter, you wrote P7 — your conclusion. Your column now has all seven paragraphs.
But before you publish, there are two things left to do.
First: The ethics check — making sure every sentence in your column is fair, honest, and responsible.
Second: The final edit — making sure every sentence is clear, correct, and specific.
These are not the same thing. Ethics is about what you say. Editing is about how you say it.
Both matter. Both happen before you publish.
A column is a public piece of writing. Once it's published, other people read it. Words have consequences — they can inform, inspire, and push people to act. But they can also hurt. They can damage someone's reputation. They can spread false information. They can target people unfairly.
Before publishing, every columnist — student or professional — asks the same question about every sentence: "Is this fair? Is this true? Could this hurt someone who doesn't deserve it?"
Read your column from P1 to P7. For each paragraph, ask all four questions.
A rumor is something people say without actual proof. In a published column, rumors do real damage — even if they turn out to be false later. If you can't verify it — don't write it.
❌ "I heard the school treasurer has been misusing student council funds." ✅ "The student council has not released a financial report in six months, despite three formal requests at council meetings."
Plagiarism means using someone else's words or ideas and presenting them as your own. If you use someone else's words — say where they came from.
❌ Copying a health article without credit. ✅ "According to a 2023 DepEd circular on school-based feeding programs, students who skip breakfast are more likely to show lower concentration in morning classes."
Before checking anything specific — read your entire column out loud. This one step catches more problems than any other editing technique.
After reading out loud, go through your column one paragraph at a time. For each paragraph, ask three questions.
After the ethics check and the editing pass, do this one final test. Close your column. Finish this sentence from memory:
If you can finish that sentence clearly and specifically — your column has a clear stand, a clear argument, and a clear conclusion. It's ready. If you struggle — your stand or your conclusion isn't sharp enough yet. Go back and fix it. When you can finish that sentence — you're done. Publish.
Apply what you learned. Work through the activities below step by step.
Read your column from P1 to P7. Answer each question honestly. For every ❌ — find the sentence, fix it, then check again.
| Ethics Question | Yes ✅ | Needs fixing ❌ |
|---|---|---|
| No sentence attacks a person instead of an issue | ☐ | ☐ |
| Every fact can be verified — no "I heard" or "someone said" | ☐ | ☐ |
| No exaggeration — no "everyone," "always," "never" without proof | ☐ | ☐ |
| Column points toward a solution — not just venting | ☐ | ☐ |
| No gossip or unverified rumors | ☐ | ☐ |
| All words and ideas are my own — any sources are credited | ☐ | ☐ |
Read your entire column out loud. Mark any sentence that sounds too long, confusing, or missing punctuation.
Go through each paragraph and check all three boxes. For every ❌ — fix before moving on.
| Paragraph | One job ✅/❌ | 1–2 sentences ✅/❌ | No vague words ✅/❌ |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 — Hook | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| P2 — Problem + Stand | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| P3 — Reason 1 | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| P4 — Evidence 1 | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| P5 — Reason 2 | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| P6 — Evidence 2 | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| P7 — Conclusion | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Finish this sentence from memory — without looking at your column. If you can finish it cleanly, your column is ready to publish. ✅
| What to Check | Done ✅ | Try Again 🔄 |
|---|---|---|
| All six ethics questions answered ✅ | ☐ | ☐ |
| All sentences read clearly out loud | ☐ | ☐ |
| Every paragraph does its one job | ☐ | ☐ |
| Every paragraph is one to two sentences | ☐ | ☐ |
| No vague words remain | ☐ | ☐ |
| No fragments, comma splices, or subject-verb errors | ☐ | ☐ |
| Final test passed | ☐ | ☐ |
Answers will differ for each student. Use the rubric above or ask your teacher for help.
Each item is either a REAL column sentence (ethical and responsible) or a FAKE one (unethical, biased, or irresponsible). Pick the correct verdict.