Requirements: In the final draft, you should make clear the following:
(1) Your ability to address each part of the writing sample guidelines below,
(2) Your ability to tell a story about a policy issue;
(3) Your ability to articulate three main challenges regarding the policy issue;
(4) Your ability to create a powerful conclusion which moves your audience.
(5) Your ability to write an op-ed that could possibly be published.
Word count, font, & layout: 750 words, exclusive of title and author description; 12-point, Times New Roman font, 1” margins, single-spaced.
Citations: Do not cite or quote readings in text. Simply embed a URL in the text, if and when it is appropriate. Direct quotes should be attributed using standard practices in journalism, e.g., According to the Homeland Security Secretary XYZ, “[The US] cannot secure its southern border without Mexico’s cooperation.”
Tone: Prepare your assignment as if you are sending it to the newspaper company to get published (which should be the goal).
Format/Key Sections: Here are some instructions on the key sections of the Op-Ed. Most successful Op-eds include the following:
NOTE: Your draft should start with a brief publication note (200-400 words) outlining the publication you intend to target, the types of articles they usually publish, and the level of expertise and authority expected from Op-Ed contributors. Also, mention any specific guidelines provided for contributors, like word count. Please explain why you consider this publication the best platform for your Op-Ed and elaborate on how its publication would support your cause.
Lede:
How to draw people in. Here is the link for a video by Prof. Thom Blaylock where he discusses in detail the “Lede,” which is one of the most important sections of the op-ed. (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tvPFzm9hV9sSH19gz_0urpBaAizzPkMK/view?usp=drive_link) THIS VIDEO IS IMPORTANT.
Thesis:
The crux of your argument. What should your reader think, do, know, or understand after they finish reading the op-ed?
Evidence:
Provide evidence to support the argument you are making. It is often useful to break up the paragraphs and provide each piece of evidence as a separate paragraph.
“To Be Sure” paragraph:
Address what the naysayers may argue and refute their arguments. This should ideally be a separate paragraph.
Conclusion:
Wrap up your argument at the end. This part often but not always circles back to the lede. Explain here why your argument is vital. In some cases, it might good to address here how your readers can support your argument or recommendation.
NOTE: Students who follow the basic structure tend to receive the highest grades. Choosing to not follow the format is a risk that is sometimes, but rarely, rewarded.
CHOOSING A PUBLICATION
Begin by considering a specific publication where you could imagine submitting your piece.
● For a list of publications, see here: https://www.theopedproject.org/submissions NO, REALLY, THIS WEBSITE IS VERY HELPFUL! IT TAKES OUT ALL THE LEG WORK.
As a general rule, avoid the New York Times, the Washington Post, the LA Times, etc.
Go for more niche publications – the more specific to your topic or locale, the better! This is where we’ve historically seen the greatest relevancy, but also the greatest likelihood of being published.
You will want to target the right publication for the topic you intend to cover. Most newspapers, magazines, blogs, and journals have some kind of Op-Ed section, though they may call it something else.
Attachments:
One Op-ed example, Op-ed resources form, and rubric for this assignment.
