Prompt: Write an Op-ed of approx. 700-1000 words for a journal or respected news

Prompt: Write an Op-ed of approx. 700-1000 words for a journal or respected newsmagazine/newspaper. Because of all your research, you are considered an expert on the topic, so be sure to take on a strong opinionated persona to capture the appropriate ethos. Pick a publication that best fits your topic.
To start, search for op-ed article in publications that might publish yours. Every one of them has an opinion section. Notice the differences in each publication. Some are short, and some are unusually long 2-6 part series. Images, graphs, charts, are all acceptable for visual evidence if you desire, and if the publication accepts them. Follow their submission guidelines for formatting.
CHARACTERISTICS OF EDITORIAL WRITING
An “editorial “is an article written by an editor that presents the newspaper’s or journal’s expert opinion on an issue. It is usually assigned to someone who specializes in that issue. Selection is decided upon by the majority vote of the editorial board, the governing body of the newspaper or journal made up of editors and managers. “Op-Ed” articles are responses to news/news articles, arguments, calls to action, educated opinions written by people outside of the newspaper. They are peer-reviewed, so anyone can submit but only the best are chosen. “Editorial” is often a blanket term that covers all Opinion Section articles.
Op-Ed articles and editorials are meant to influence the target circulation audience’s opinion, promote critical thinking, and sometimes cause people to take action on an issue or pursue further research.
Op-Ed articles have:
1. Introduction, body and conclusion like other news stories and begin with who, what, where, when, why, how info.
2. An objective explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
3. A timely news angle
4. Addressing of the opposition and a refutation
5. Opinions of the writer delivered in a professional manner. Good editorials engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty tactics.
Three Main Types of Op-Ed Articles:
1. Explain or interpret: These editorials offer an explanation or interpretation of a complicated issue, another article/news story that may be misinterpreted, or a new law or policy.
2. Criticize: These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions, published articles, or situations, often providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Propose: These editorials of persuasion aim to encourage readers and officials to take a specific, positive action. Political endorsements are also good examples of editorials of persuasion.
Writing an Editorial – Tips
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this situation is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details, figures, quotations. Pick apart the other side’s logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition — they must have some good points you can acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
9. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
10. Keep it to 1000 words; make every work count; never use “I”
A Sample Structure
I. Lead with an Objective Explanation of the Issue/Controversy.
Include the five W’s and the H. (Members of Congress, in effort to reduce the budget, are looking to cut funding from public television. Hearings were held …)
Pull in facts and quotations from the sources which are relevant.
Additional research may be necessary.
Present Your Opposition (if applicable)
As the writer, you disagree with these viewpoints. Identify the people (specifically who oppose you. (“Democrats feel that these cuts are necessary;” “other cable stations can pick them;” “only the wealthy watch public television.”)
Use facts and quotations to state objectively their opinions.
Give a strong position of the opposition. You gain nothing in refuting a weak position.
III. Directly Refute The Opposition’s Beliefs.
You can begin your article with transition. (“Republicans believe public television is a ‘sandbox for the rich.’ However, statistics show most people who watch public television make less than $40,000 per year.”)
Pull in other facts and quotations from people who support your position.
Concede a valid point of the opposition which will make you appear rational, one who has considered all the options (“fiscal times are tough, and we can cut some of the funding for the arts; however, …”).
Give Other, Original Reasons/Analogies
In defense of your position, give reasons from strong to strongest order. (“Taking money away from public television is robbing children of their education …”)
Use a literary or cultural allusion that lends to your credibility and perceived intelligence (“We should render unto Caesar that which belongs to him …)
Conclude With Some Punch.
Give solutions to the problem or challenge the reader to be informed. (“Congress should look to where real wastes exist — perhaps in defense and entitlements — to find ways to save money. Digging into public television’s pocket hurts us all.”)
A quotation can be effective, especially if from a respected source
A rhetorical question can be an effective concluder as well (“If the government doesn’t defend the interests of children, who will?”)