You will write an opinion editorial on a topic we’ve covered in the course thus far. Typically, an
op-ed, or opinion-editorial, presents the writer’s opinion or thoughts about an issue. Op-eds do
one or more of the following: 1) raise awareness about a topic, 2) aim to persuade others, 3)
highlight the writer’s expertise on a subject. In this case, you’ll do the first two and perhaps the
third, but you don’t need to be an expert on the topic you choose.
***Your sources must be hyperlinked. No works cited/bibliography. You must reference at least
three sources from the course. If you use a book (e.g., the Stephen Miller), you can link to the
Google Books page and give the page number.
The goals of this op-ed are to demonstrate your abilities to summarize/synthesize information,
communicate clearly in writing, reflect on an issue, present a claim, read or view closely by
analyzing excerpts of the text or film relevant to your argument, and persuade the reader.
Format (no word count, approx. 1000-1500 words)
Lead paragraph:
• Start with an anecdote, i.e., a personal story or moment that readers can relate to.
• Grab readers’ attention and make them want to read more.
• State your claim as the final sentence of the first paragraph.
Body paragraphs:
• Support your claim with excerpts from the text or descriptions of film clips.
• Tell readers why they should care. Put yourself in the place of the busy person looking at
your article. At the end of every few paragraphs, ask out loud: “So what? Who cares?”
Conclusion:
• Summarize your claim/opinion.
• Leave readers with information about a solution to be done next.
• Bring the story full circle by referencing your original anecdote.
Other tips
• Sum up your opinion in a single sentence. If you can’t, you’re trying to cover too much.
• An op-ed is about your opinion and perspective—no need for objectivity.
• Write as if you are debating with a friend.
• Use simple, everyday language that is easy to understand.
• Write for a general audience that may not be as familiar with your subject as you are.
• Back up every claim you make with facts and statistics.
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• Give plenty of examples.
