Opinion Piece: Dare to speak when others remain silent by Tazeen Hasan

Thinking about writing an opinion piece has always been a nightmare since it is always challenging to organise my thoughts and arguments over an issue and giving them the form of a story. I do not know how many of you face the same problem.

For writing an opinion piece, we must have a stance, that is to say, strong opinion on an issue about which we are passionate.
Opinion is someone's stance on a given matter. We all have opinions but to write an opinion piece one should be objective and support his point of view the evidence. A good opinion must not only highlight the problems but suggest possible solutions. It must be focused around the issue and must acknowledge and address the opposite argument.
CHOOSE A TOPIC YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT
Unquestionably you must be passionate about the issue. However, it should also be topical and current. We can scan the newspapers what is hot and can engage the readers as well. If you are a jerk like me who have diversified interests, you will get lost easily. Avoid the temptation of working on every topic, you are passionate about and focus on one or two topics. You can always take notes for future work but do not start working at once on every topic that interest you.

LET YOUR OPINION BE KNOWN
It's your opinion so state without any apology or defence. What exactly are you trying to say. Come to the point as early as possible and be prepared to defend it instead of boring the readers with long introductions.

BACKUP YOUR ARGUMENTS BY RELEVANT AND REQUIRED RESEARCH
We should have the a solid understanding of the topic and a thorough analysis of the phenomenon, and this needs research. A good opinion piece must be based on factual information. Add data to support your argument. By the way this is my week point and I will suggest just do required and relevant research keeping in view the scope of your story. Don't try to write a research paper otherwise you too will be confused.

PERSUADE IN AN OBJECTIVE AND SIMPLE WAY
Provide the background and insight to the readers. The challenge is to persuade the reader objectively for your point of view by conveying a simple message in an unambiguous way. The evidence and facts mentioned must be authentic and accurate. Provide both sides of a story. Use relevant analogies from daily life to illustrate complicated technical point to make them understandable to the readers. Engage readers by asking rhetorical questions. Embellish with your personal observations and experiences to add authenticity.

SUGGEST SOLUTIONS AND SPARK THE READER FOR ACTION
Don't just raise an issue, provide potential solutions otherwise it's a pointless story. Spark the reaction in the reader so that they agree or disagree, change their point of view. Aim to inspire your reader for action.

CHECK THE ARGUMENT AND STRUCTURE AGAIN
Does your argument makes sense otherwise whole point of writing opinion piece is lost. Readers are very smart in picking up errors and gaps in the argument.

Finally keep in mind, a good opinion piece illustrates well constructed arguments, with supporting evidences, express a position and influence a reader to change their perception of the subject or react emotionally, on a timely issue.

Anything that makes you think.It provokes thought. It provokes opinion.