In an op-ed, the author states their opinion about a given topic with the goal of persuading the reader to their way of thinking.

What Is an Op-Ed?

Op-ed stands for “opposite the editorial page.” In an op-ed, the author states their opinion about a given topic with the goal of persuading the reader to their way of thinking.

Despite the “op” in “op-ed” not standing for “opinion,” op-eds are often called opinion pieces because, unlike news articles, the authors of op-eds are encouraged to give their opinions on a certain topic, as opposed to simply reporting the news or research.

Steps for Writing an Op-Ed for a General Audience

Step 1: Determine the unique role the public plays in helping address the health or recreation issue you identified in your scholarly paper. Keep it current and relevant to a general audience. It does not need to be Bay Area or even California-specific but it does need to be written for a general audience.

Step 2: Argue the unique role the public plays in helping solve the issue and recommend two specific actions they should take. Explain why these actions are relevant and needed. Be persuasive.

Step 3: Use Evidence from your scholarly paper and the news, both general and specific to your areas of specialty, to back up your claims. Though in-text citations are not used in this genre, crediting sources is still required.

Sources: Use two (2) or more sources; They can be scholarly or popular, but they should be reliable. Remember not to use APA style— this is an op-ed!

Considerations

• How are you going to get people to care about your issue (hook; lede)?
• Start your op-ed by sharing your overall message or opinion. What is the main idea you want readers to understand? Make your point as clearly as possible. Keep sentences short. The tone of an op-ed is not academic– write for popular literature (e.g., a newspaper or magazine; the readers of the Spartan Daily are an appropriate audience).
• Include why you are the expert as a student preparing for a professional career. Your voice and opinion affect people and the community. Make it human. Follow up with statistics.
• Keep your voice strong. Do not use jargon or write “I think” or “I believe” — declare your opinions and back them up with the most persuasive facts.
• End by reiterating your call to action and painting a bigger picture. Why is action needed?  What can people expect if these changes are implemented?  How might they benefit? 

Resources

https://www.theopedproject.org/oped-basics

Here is a link to the Spartan Daily where you can find Op-Eds (labeled opinion) examples. https://sjsunews.com/publication/article/opinion 

Examples

Fixing the outdoors will fix the economy 

Policing is a public health issue

Discriminatory transgender bathroom bills should be flushed away

Rhetorical Specifications

Purpose: To argue and persuade

Audience: General; Write for non-specialists. You are the specialist because you researched this topic.

Subject: How the public plays a unique role in helping with the public health or recreation issue you identified in your scholarly paper.

Genre: Persuasive essay for the Spartan Daily newspaper opinion section. 

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