How to write an Op-ED?

Tazeen Hasan

Writing an opEd has always been a nightmare for me since it is challenging to organize arguments. Unlike hard news where you just place information in context, there is much more to writing an opEd than merely sharing information.  It is crucial to support your opinion with factual information. OpEd pieces demand a genuine issue, clear stance / opinion on the issue, relevant evidence to support the issue, all tied up in the form of an engaging story.  

CHOOSE A TOPIC YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT
Unquestionably you must be passionate about the issue. It should also be topical and current. If you are a jerk like me who have diversified interests, you will get lost easily. Avoid the temptation of working on multiple topics that interest you and focus on one or two topics.

LET YOUR OPINION BE KNOWN
It's your opinion so state without any apology or defense. Come to the point as early as possible and be prepared to defend it instead of boring the readers with long opening sentences.

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.  I will suggest just do the relevant research keeping in view the scope of your story. Don't prepare for a research paper.

PERSUADE IN AN OBJECTIVE AND SIMPLE WAY
Provide the background and insight to the readers.  The evidence and facts mentioned must be authentic and accurate. Provide both sides of a story. Use relevant analogies from daily life to illustrate the 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. Spark the reaction in the reader so that they agree or disagree, change their point of view. Aim to inspire your reader for action. It must be focused around the issue and must acknowledge and address the opposite argument.

CHECK THE ARGUMENT AND STRUCTURE AGAIN
Finally check, do your arguments make sense. Readers are very smart in picking up errors and gaps in the arguments.

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.