Choose a newsworthy topic related to an issue that is important to you and relates to this course
Your assignment: Choose a newsworthy topic related to an issue that is important to you and relates to this course. Write a 400 to 750 word Op Ed column. Many newspapers have requirements that Op Eds meet certain word limitations, …
Choose a newsworthy topic related to an issue that is important to you and relates to this course
Purpose: To learn how to write an Op Ed and to develop an evidence-based argument for an urban studies topic relating to Richmond that you think is significant.
Op Ed means “opposite the editorial page.” It is a convenient form for the expression of well-written opinion pieces on topics of general interest. You can see examples of Op Ed pieces in various reputable newspapers. Do not confuse an Op Ed column with a letter to the editor, which is shorter and usually states the writer’s opinion without much support.
Your assignment: Choose a newsworthy topic related to an issue that is important to you and relates to this course.
Write a 400 to 750 word Op Ed column. Many newspapers have requirements that Op Eds meet certain word limitations, so length is a part of your assignment. Please write or type the number of words in your Op Ed by your name on the first page.
Make a single point: You cannot solve all of the world’s problems in an Op Ed. Be satisfied with making a single point clearly and persuasively. If you cannot explain your message in a sentence or two, you’re trying to cover too much.
Put your main point on top: Op-ed articles must grab your attention immediately. You have no more than 10 seconds to hook a busy reader, which means you shouldn’t “clear your throat” with a witticism or historical aside. Just get to the point and convince the reader that it’s worth his or her valuable time to continue.
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?” You need to answer these questions. Will your suggestions help reduce readers’ taxes? Protect them from disease? Make their children happier? Explain why.
Offer specific recommendations: An op-ed is not a news story that simply describes a situation; it is your opinion about how to improve matters. Don’t be satisfied, as you might be in a classroom, with mere analysis. In an op-ed article you need to offer recommendations. How exactly should your state protect its environment, or the White House change its foreign policy or parents choose healthier foods for their children? You’ll need to do more than call for “more research!” or suggest that opposing parties work out their differences.
Supporting Articles: You must provide evidence that you believe supports your position. Your Op Ed must contain at least 2 quotes from outside sources and you must cite the source and date in your Op Ed (for example: Washington Post, 10/12/16).
Acknowledge the other side: People writing op-ed articles sometimes make the mistake of piling on one reason after another why they’re right and their opponents are wrong, if not idiots. They’d probably appear more credible if they took a moment to acknowledge the ways in which their opponents are right. Then tell the reader why you think the opponents are wrong.
Embrace your personal voice: The best of these examples will come from your own experience. You should embrace your own voice whenever possible. In so doing, your words will ring truer and the reader will care more about what you are saying. As a student, your personal voice becomes even more important.
Use short sentences and paragraphs: Look at some op-ed articles and count the number of words per sentence. You’ll probably find the sentences to be quite short. You should use the same style, relying mainly on simple declarative sentences.
Use the active voice: Don’t write: “It is hoped that [or: One would hope that] the government will …” Instead, say “I hope the government will …” Active voice is nearly always better than passive voice. It’s easier to read, and it leaves no doubt about who is doing the hoping, recommending or other action.
Make your ending a winner: Write a conclusion that restates your opinion and tells the reader why they should agree with you and what action they should take. The conclusion must have a “punch.” It must be strong enough to make the reader this “I need to take action, now.” As noted, you need a strong opening paragraph, or “lead,” to hook readers. When writing for the op-ed page, it’s also important to summarize your argument in a strong final paragraph. That’s because many casual readers scan the headline, skim the opening and then read the final paragraph and byline. In fact, one trick many columnists use is to conclude with a phrase or thought that appeared in the opening, thereby closing the circle
