https://www.theopedproject.org/resources#structure
HYPERLINK THE SOURCES IN THE ESSAY, don’t really need a work cited pages
Instructions: Write an op-ed about a social problem in your community. In addition to presenting evidence of the problem, you must make an argument for an evidence-based solution to the problem. You must choose one social problem (such as homelessness), explain the social problem and provide evidence for why it is a social problem, and propose a solution to the problem. Your op-ed must have a thesis, which is an argument that is focused and supportable with evidence.
This midterm is one step in the final project, which includes three steps. The first step is the midterm, which is a draft of your final op-ed. The second step is your final op-ed. The third step is optional and is an opportunity for extra credit. This step includes submitting a condensed version of your op-ed to a local paper (The Astorian, The Chinook Observer, or some other publication).
Your midterm draft should be 500-600 words.
By week 4, you will answer a few questions about your piece to make sure you are on track. Your midterm op-ed is due week 5. The final op-ed is due week 11.
Op-ed Structure
Your op-ed must adhere the following structure (This structure comes from the Op-Ed Project):
LEDE: A lede is what sets the scene and grabs your reader’s attention – it is your introduction. You can base your lede on a news hook, which what makes your piece timely, or it could be a statement or a fact. However you choose to open your piece, it should be bold but based in fact. More Information on ledes and news hooks is below.
THESIS: Statement of argument. This is the main point of your op-ed—your main argument.
ARGUMENTS: Based on evidence (such as stats, news, reports from credible organizations, expert quotes, scholarship, history, first-hand experience)
1ST POINT
Evidence
Evidence
Conclusion
2ND POINT
Evidence
Evidence
Conclusion
“TO BE SURE” PARAGRAPH: In which you pre-empt your potential critics by acknowledging any flaws in your argument, and address any obvious counter-arguments.
CONCLUSION: Circle back to your lede and make a strong statement to end your piece.
Content and Formatting:
500-600 words
12 point, double-spaced, Times New Roman font
You must cite at least four sources. These should be reputable news sources or academic articles.
Citations: In an op-ed, references are not cited in an academic format with a references or works cited section. Instead, use hyperlinks in your op-ed that link to your sources. If you are confused about this, please see the examples hyperlinked above.
You op-ed must follow the required structure.
Include the word count at the end of your op-ed
Extra Guidance
As you write your midterm, consider the following checklist from Harvard University’s Kennedy School:
_It has a clearly defined point.
_It has a clearly defined point of view.
_It represents clarity of thinking.
_It contains the strong, unique voice of the writer.
_There is a clear audience for this piece.
_There is evidence for my argument.
_My op-ed is 500-600 words.
_My op-ed follows the required structure.
Below are some suggestions from The Op-Ed Project about how to write a lede:
A lede is what sets the scene and grabs your reader’s attention – it is your introduction. A news hook is what makes your piece timely, and often is part of the lede. Be bold, but incontrovertible. Tell an anecdote, if it illustrates your point. Use humor, if appropriate. Use clean sentences. A few possibilities (from real op-eds):
USE THE NEWS
This Wednesday evening Frances Newton, 40, will be put to death for the murders of her husband and two children 18 years ago…
TELL A DRAMATIC ANECDOTE
Ten years ago, I asked Bosnian civilians under siege in Sarjevo where they would go if they could escape…
REFERENCE POPULAR CULTURE
The marketing campaign shows real women, rather than anorectic teenagers, in white bras and panties posing next to the slogan “New Dove Firming. As tested on real curves”…
TURN CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ON END
Sex and the City’s main characters are witty, glamorous, independent and sexually liberated – in short, who wouldn’t want to be them? Me, for one.
USE WIT AND IRONY TO POINT OUT A CONTRADICTION
So now we know what “noble cause” Cindy Sheehan’s son died for in Iraq: Sharia. It’s a good thing W stands for women, or I’d be worried.
USE AN ANNIVERSARY
Fifty years after the Supreme Court banned school segregation, the battle over the racial composition of America’ s schools continues in courtrooms across the country.
CITE A MAJOR NEW STUDY
According to a new nation-wide poll, 60% of women have cheated on their husbands at least once.
GET PERSONAL
College admissions officers around the country will be reading my applications this month, essays in which I describe personal aspirations, academic goals — even, in one case, a budding passion for the sitar. What they won’t know is that I actually graduated from college more than a year ago, and that the names attached to these essays are those of my duplicitous clients.
