Opinion articles are sometimes called op-eds, which give newspaper readers the opportunity to voice their thoughts and ideas on a variety of topics, from local events to international controversies. Usually, people who want to contribute opinions write articles about politics, current events, and public issues. Opinion articles are usually 750 words in professional style. If you want to try writing opinion articles, you can learn to choose interesting topics, write effective drafts, and finish articles like a professional editor.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Topic
Step 1. Be on time
Opinion articles should cover topics related to recent events, trends, or other people's opinions. Submitting articles to newspaper editors on time is very important. News editors will be much more interested in articles that deal with hot debates or discuss recent events than articles that focus on events from months ago.
- Check out interesting posts or articles for feedback. If you want to respond to recently published posts, your articles will be more interesting to editors and more likely to be published.
- For example, if the local library is closing next week, you could write an opinion article about the benefits of the library and why it is so important to the community.
Step 2. Choose a topic you like
Opinion articles must contain very strong opinions. If you are not interested in the chosen topic, we recommend choosing another topic. When you have chosen a topic, work on your argument down to its simplest form. Try to state one point clearly in a sentence or two. If this can be done, then you have found a good topic for opinion.
Continuing the example of the library above, your argument could be like this: Since the first the library is a place of learning and the center of community activities. Libraries should not be closed so that fast food restaurants can be built on their land
Step 3. Choose a topic that you are familiar with
In order to persuade, you must know the topic being discussed. To find out what is covered, you have to do some research. Opinion articles that contain valid points based on facts that support the argument are much stronger than articles that only state the opinion and point of view of the author. Do internet research, check archives, talk to people directly involved, and organize information from sources.
- Why will the library be closed? What is the history of the library? How many people borrow books from the library each day? What activities are carried out in the library? What community events are held at the library?
- Remember that articles are more likely to be published if your background and credentials show that you are knowledgeable about the topics covered. We recommend choosing topics that relate to your personal and educational background, as well as your professional skills.
Step 4. Choose a complicated topic
Good opinion articles don't cover topics that can be easily proven or disproved. There's no reason to read opinions about something obvious, like whether heroin is healthy or dangerous. Try more controversial ideas, like should heroin addicts be treated or jailed? List all aspects and main ideas of the argument to make sure the topic is complex enough to deserve an opinion article. Using the library case example above, the skeleton could be built like this:
- Libraries are centers of learning and unite urban communities that do not have community centers and only small schools.
- You may have a particular impression of the library and could include a personal story that also describes community events and activities.
- Explore possible alternatives to closing libraries and ways to keep them open. Include suggestions for the city planning department.
Part 2 of 3: Writing an Opinion
Step 1. Get straight to the point
Unlike essays, opinion articles directly place the argument in the first few lines. From there, organize the points of the argument, make the reader care about your opinion, and summarize what you think should be done about the topic. Here's an example:
“When I was a child, especially during the dry season with the hot sun and hot air, my sister and I used to find comfort and shade in the library. Our afternoons and evenings are filled with learning to paint in the art classes held there or listening to fairy tales from the librarian, and when there is no activity, we indulge ourselves by browsing each bookcase in the historic building. Unfortunately, next month our library will meet the same fate as many other community buildings which are now closed. For me, this is the final blow."
Step 2. Include interesting details and examples to grab the reader's attention
Readers tend to remember interesting details more than flat facts. Opinion articles should contain solid facts, but use interesting and lively details to ensure that your articles stay with readers. Give real-world examples to help readers see that this topic is worth reading and remembering.
For example, you could include the fact that the regional library was founded by the first Bupati because he felt that the city needed a place to read and discuss. You could tell a certain librarian who worked there for 60 years and has read all the fiction books in his collection
Step 3. Show why the reader should care
If readers feel that your topic doesn't affect them, they are less likely to read it. Make articles that are personal to readers. Explain why the topics you discuss and the recommendations you suggest will affect their lives. As an example:
Closing the library will eliminate access to 130,000 books and films, forcing residents to travel 64 km to the nearest library, bookstore or film rental. Children can only access half of the books they should because schools always assign children to the library to borrow textbooks
Step 4. Write a personal letter
That is, use your own language and provide a personal example that underscores the point. Show who you are through writing to keep readers connected. Let them know you, that you are a citizen who really cares about the city and its people.
Continuing the library example: You could use a personal story that the first book you read from start to finish was the library book, or how you developed a relationship with the middle-aged woman who was guarding the front counter, or how the library acted as a protection when you were going through a tough time.
Step 5. Avoid passive language and jargon
Opinion articles aim to let readers know there is a problem and that they should do something, not ask them to consider thinking about the topic. Use the active language. In addition, remember not to confuse the reader with technical jargon that may seem pretentious or confusing.
- Example of passive language: “Hopefully the local government will consider the plan to close the library.”
- Example of active language: “I hope the local government sees how much this library means to the community, and will reconsider its sad decision to close this learning and community center.”
Step 6. Plan ahead and ask the librarian if you can hold a meeting at the library
Choose a date and time, and distribute pamphlets inviting the public to discuss the future of the library. You can also invite reporters to cover public opinion and take some photos to build awareness.
Step 7. Name the parties against your opinion
This will make your article appear more interesting and still respect policymakers (even if you think they are acting stupid). Name their actions that you think are right. For example:
It is true what those who want to close the library have said, that our city's economy is in trouble. Many businesses are closing because there are no buyers. However, the assumption that closing libraries will solve our economic problems is a misnomer
Step 8. Provide a solution to the problem
Opinion articles that simply complain and provide no solution (or at least steps that lead to a solution) are less likely to be published than articles that provide alternatives and solutions. This is where you should offer a repair solution and any other steps you think the parties involved can take.
For example, “If we unite as a community, we are likely to be able to save this library. Through fundraising and petitions, I think the local government will realize that they should reconsider the closure of our historic and active library. If the government is willing to allocate some of the funds that are planned to be disbursed in the construction of a large mall for library maintenance, this beautiful building does not need to be closed.”
Part 3 of 3: Completing Articles
Step 1. Close with strong words
To close your article, you need a final paragraph that strengthens your argument and contains a conclusion that will stick around after people have read it. As an example:
- Make sure the last sentence calls for an action the reader can take after finishing your article.
- Example: “Our city library is not only a place to store the brilliant work of writers from around the world, but also a place for people to learn, discuss, appreciate, and inspire. If the library is closed as planned, our society will lose a symbol of the city's history, and a place for the development of the seeds of young minds as well as the wisdom and wisdom of old thinkers. As a society, we must unite to save our beloved library. Do your job by contacting your representative in the DPRD, donating to the library, and joining the Library Rescue Brotherhood.”
Step 2. Remember the word limit
Write articles in short, concise sentences and paragraphs. In general, good opinion articles are written in short and simple declarative sentences. Each newspaper has different requirements, but the maximum limit is 750 words.
Newspapers almost always edit articles, but usually maintain the tone of the author's language, style, and point of view. However, that doesn't mean you are free to submit long articles and leave it to the editor to cut them as you please. Newspapers will usually skip articles that do not meet the word limit they have set
Step 3. Don't waste time just thinking about the title
Newspapers will create titles for your articles, regardless of whether or not you have already titled them. Therefore, there is no need to think about the perfect title.
Step 4. Fact check
You should include a brief bio that relates to the topic you are writing about and supports your credibility. Include a phone number, email address, and postal address.
Example of a short bio related to a library opinion article: Dewi Puspita is a book enthusiast with a PhD in Political Science and Creative Writing. He lived and visited the library in this city all his life,
Step 5. Include any graphics you may have
In the past, opinion article pages only had a few pictures. Now that newspapers have transformed into online publications, photos, videos, and other media related to articles are acceptable. In an introductory email to the editor, indicate that you have a graphic that supports the article, or scan and send the supporting media along with the article's manuscript.
Step 6. Check the article submission guide
Each newspaper has its own terms and guidelines for submitting articles and what information to include. Check the newspaper's website or if you have a physical newspaper, look for submission information on the Opinions page. Usually, you should send articles to an email address.
Step 7. Follow up
Don't worry if you don't get a reply right away since submitting the article. Make sure you send a follow-up email or call a week later. Editorial Page Editors are very busy, and if they receive your article at an inopportune time, it may be missed. Calling or emailing is also an opportunity to establish contact with the editor and make you stand out from other article writers.
Tips
- When appropriate, you may include humor, irony, and anecdotes.
- If your topic focuses on national or international issues, send it to many newspapers at once, don't just be limited to one publication.
