MAKE SURE ITS A PDF FORMAT
Write an all-inclusive 750-words op-ed (opinion piece) on a current environmental issue (climate change, biodiversity conservation, hazardous waste disposal, water and food security, etc.) Ideally, sources should be less than 30 days.
Op-Ed pieces need to be concise, supported by evidence, understood by the average reader, and timely. Indeed, the best op-eds are written within 24-48 hours after an event (e.g., if a landslide destroys a hillside village, one could write an op-ed on the dangers of deforestation the following day).
Op-eds are one way to contribute to debates in the media by publishing an informed opinion piece (traditionally located opposite the editorial page of a newspaper (hence “op-ed”)) that makes and supports one primary argument.
Use relevant facts and statistics to bolster your case, but avoid using too many.
Make a single point – well. You cannot solve all of the world’s problems in an op-ed. Be satisfied with making a single point clearly and persuasively. You’re trying to cover too much if you cannot explain your message in a sentence or two.
Put your main point on top. You have no more than 10 seconds to hook a busy reader, which means you must get to the point.
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 relatively short. With the exception of the first and last paragraph, each paragraph should have one to three hyperlinks to different sources.
Don’t be afraid of the personal voice. Academics often avoid first-person exposition. When it comes to op-eds, however, use your voice.
Avoid jargon. If a technical detail is not essential to your argument, do not use it. Simple language doesn’t mean simple thinking; you are considerate of readers who lack your expertise and are sitting half-awake at their computer screen.
Usetheactivevoice.Don’twrite:”Itishopedthat[or:Onewouldhopethat]the government will . . .” Instead, say, “I hope the government will . . .” Active voice is easier to read, and it leaves no doubt about who is doing the hoping, recommending or other action.
4. Don’t be afraid of the personal voice. Academics often avoid first-person exposition. When it comes to op-eds, however, use your voice
5. Avoid jargon. If a technical detail is not essential to your argument, do not use it. Simple language doesn’t mean simple thinking; you are considerate of readers who lack your expertise and are sitting half-awake at their computer screen.
6. Usetheactivevoice.Don’twrite:”Itishopedthat[or:Onewouldhopethat]the government will . . .” Instead, say, “I hope the government will . . .” Active voice is easier to read, and it leaves no doubt about who is doing the hoping, recommending or other action.
EXAMPLE OF OPED:
Evaluation criteria:
1. Has a catchy headline, a hook, and identifies the topic in the first paragraph.
2. It has a short bio (1-2 sentences), a headshot, and relevant/aesthetically pleasing graphics. 3. Use hyperlinks for citations (see
https://pdos.csail.mit.edu/~neha/hyperlinks/main-no.html )
Links issue clearly to something happening in the current news
Clearly explains why the reader should care about the issue
Does not make factually incorrect statements
Has a solid final paragraph that summarizes their opinion in a convincing way
No spelling errors or awkward syntax.
9. Uses short paragraphs with 1-3 hyperlinks to different sources.
