Op-Ed Template
Things to include:
- Catchy Title (something that is clear about what the message is but makes it eye catching like an advertisement would). Then add a subtitle that is a short sentence/statement.
- Brief 1-2 paragraph summary stating the general issue about the issue and its effect on the public.
- Identify 2-3 key issues that you will hone in on. Use the talking points from your own research of the issue. Narrow your focus to the 3 most salient for you. You can draw from key themes (effects on children, effects on schools, ripple effect on our society --select one from each category or go deep into one theme). You might want to consider our audience for this step.
- Spend one paragraph on each topic you have identified.
- Support each argument with facts cited from credible source. Use the resource list provided on your project handout and also your four pieces of research. For example, “In ______________’s Op Ed piece in the NYT [date/page/hyperlink etc], she cites that ….” and then link your own information to that).
- Use personal story or experience as appropriate and think of other rhetorical elements that would enhance your argument.
- End with a killer conclusion. Something that leaves readers thinking and calls them to action. Be decisive, i.e. “we must act now” or “public education is in dire risk of becoming extinct”—something dramatic. Once again, consider your audience.
- Do not make gross generalizations using words like “all” or “every”—sets you up for some ding-dong to find the one case in which this is not true and discredit you
- Do not launch attacks against people or groups unless you can support it with proof or data
- Do not name call
- Do keep it short
Other resources:
http://newsoffice.duke.edu/duke_resources/oped
http://newsroom.depaul.edu/facultyresources/OPEDTips/index.html
http://www.kent.edu/ucm/services/mediarelations/writing-tips.cfm
http://www.theopedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=79
http://www.theopedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=80
http://newsoffice.duke.edu/duke_resources/oped
http://newsroom.depaul.edu/facultyresources/OPEDTips/index.html
http://www.kent.edu/ucm/services/mediarelations/writing-tips.cfm
http://www.theopedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=79
http://www.theopedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=80