How to write a short opinion piece

Opinion papers, often called “op-eds,” are a great opportunity to express your thoughts and opinions on hot topics—from local events to heated international debates. These papers typically focus on politics, current events, and public issues, are around 750 words long, and are written in a professional style. If you want to try this genre, this article will guide you on choosing compelling topics, writing effective drafts, and refining your writing like a professional editor. Let's explore how to improve your writing skills and convey your views most persuasively!

Part 1: Secrets to Choosing a Topic for Your Article: Timeliness, Passion, and Knowledge

Tip 1: Write a short article expressing your opinion at the right time and choose an engaging topic.

• Choose a topic relevant to current events: Your article should revolve around hot issues, trends, or opinions that are of interest to many people. Newspaper editors prioritize articles that reflect recent debates or events, rather than topics that are months old.

• Find a suitable topic to respond to: Carefully read recent articles in newspapers to choose a topic you want to comment on or debate. Basing your article on recent news content will help it attract the editor's attention and increase your chances of publication.

• Practical example: If your local library is closing next week, you could write an essay expressing your views on the importance of libraries and why they are an essential part of the community.

Tip 2: Choose a topic you are truly passionate about and have a clear perspective on.

• Passion is key: An opinion piece needs to express a strong and clear viewpoint. If you're not genuinely interested in or passionate about the topic, consider choosing a more suitable subject.

• Simplify your point: Once you've chosen a topic, condense your opinion into a clear, concise argument in 1-2 sentences. This is a crucial foundation for creating a meaningful and persuasive piece of writing.

• For example, regarding libraries: “Libraries have long been centers of learning and community engagement. They shouldn’t be closed down to make way for a fast-food restaurant.”

Tip 3: Choose a topic you are knowledgeable about to make your writing more persuasive.

• In-depth knowledge enhances persuasiveness: To make your opinion piece powerful, you need a thorough understanding of your topic. This requires careful research, not just offering personal opinions but also basing them on reliable data and facts.

• Thoroughly research the information: Find out the reasons, history, and role of your chosen topic. For example, regarding a library: Why did the library close? What is its history? How many people use its services daily? What community activities does the library organize?

• Leverage your experience and expertise: Your article has a higher chance of being published if you demonstrate that you have knowledge and experience relevant to the topic. Choosing a topic related to your educational background or work experience will make writing your article easier and more persuasive.

Tip 4: Choose a complex topic to make your writing engaging and insightful.

• Avoid overly simplistic or obvious topics: An effective opinion piece should focus on multifaceted issues that are not easily proven right or wrong. For example, stating that heroin is harmful is self-evident, but debating whether heroin addicts should be treated or imprisoned is a more controversial topic.

• Analyze the various aspects of the issue: Before writing, list the main points and multiple perspectives to ensure the topic is complex enough and worth discussing.

• Examples of libraries:

  • The library is a beacon of learning and community engagement in a town lacking a central hub and possessing only a small school.

  • You can tell a personal story related to the library, combined with current community activities.

  • Offer alternatives to closing the library, how the community can work together to keep the library running, and provide suggestions for local urban planners.

Part 2: How to start an attention-grabbing op-ed: Write the opening sentence as a punchline.

Step 1: Get straight to the point to grab attention.

• A direct and clear opening: Unlike essays, opinion pieces should present the main argument in the first few sentences. This helps attract the reader's attention and pique their interest in the issue you raise.

• Organize your arguments logically: After the introduction, present the main points in a coherent manner to persuade the reader to empathize with your viewpoint.

• Strong conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the viewpoint and propose specific solutions or actions to the problem.

• Here's an introductory example:
  “During the winters of my childhood, when the days were short and we had to dress warmly, my sister and I would walk to the library. Those afternoons were dedicated to art classes and quiet moments beside the bookshelves of that old building. Sadly, the library will close next month, like many other community facilities. For me, this is the last straw.”

Step 2: Use vivid details and specific examples to attract the reader's attention.

• Interesting details make an article stand out: Readers tend to remember stories or vivid images more than dry numbers. Therefore, add colorful and engaging details to make your article leave a lasting impression.

• Combine facts with compelling stories: While you need to rely on accurate information, you should tell stories or provide specific examples to clarify your points and make the topic truly interesting to the reader.

• For example, regarding a library: You could say that the library was founded by President Wilson because he believed the town needed a place to read and exchange ideas. Or mention the librarian who worked there for 60 years and had read every single novel in the collection.

Step 3: Show the reader why they should care.

• Connect the topic to the reader's life: If readers feel that the issue you're writing about doesn't affect them, they'll be less interested in continuing to read your article. Make the topic relatable and directly relevant to them.

• Explain the specific impact: Clearly state why the issue you raise and the solutions you propose will affect their lives, rights, or future.

• Examples of libraries:
  The library closure will leave more than 130,000 books and films without storage space, forcing residents to travel 40 miles (64 km) to the nearest library or bookstore. Children in the town will have access to only half the books, as schools typically send them to the library to borrow textbooks annually.

Step 4: Write in a personal, authentic way to connect with your readers.

• Use your own voice: Let your personal voice speak for itself in your writing, sharing your real experiences to make your viewpoint more persuasive and relatable.

• Tell personal stories: Personal memories or experiences will help readers sense your sincerity and emotions, making them more likely to empathize and be captivated.

• For example, you could recount the first time you finished reading a complete book at the library, or your close relationship with the old lady at the lending counter, or how the library was a peaceful refuge during difficult times.

Step 5: Avoid using passive voice and difficult-to-understand technical jargon.

• Use active voice to inspire action: Your writing needs to stimulate readers to understand the issue and take immediate action, not just think or consider. Active voice makes your opinion stronger and more direct.

• Avoid using jargon that can be confusing: Refrain from technical terms or complex language that may make readers feel unfamiliar or confused. Use simple, easy-to-understand language to reach a wider audience.

• For example:
  Passive sentence: “Hopefully, the local authorities will reconsider the plan to close the library.”
  Active sentence: “I hope the local authorities recognize the immense value the library brings to the community and will reverse their decision to close this learning and engagement center.”

Step 6: Plan ahead and organize a community meeting about the library's future.

• Contact the library director: Ask for an appointment to hold a meeting at the library, choosing a suitable date and time.

• Prepare flyers to invite people to participate: Print and distribute flyers to encourage the community to come and discuss the future of the library.

• Invite reporters and take photos: Invite a journalist to record people's opinions and take photos to increase awareness and spread the message to a wider audience.

Step 7: Acknowledge opposing viewpoints to make the article more persuasive and respectful.

• Demonstrate fairness and respect: Considering the opposing viewpoint's reasons or arguments will help make your writing more balanced, serious, and easier to accept, even if you disagree with them.

• Point out their valid points but skillfully counter them: You can acknowledge some of their reasoning or concerns, then explain why your perspective is still the better option.

• For example:
  “It’s undeniable that those who want to close the library are right to think that the local economy is struggling. Businesses are closing constantly because people are cutting back on spending. But thinking that closing the library will solve the economic problem is a misconception.”

Step 8: Provide specific solutions to make the article more persuasive.

• It's not enough to simply reflect the problem; it's also important to propose solutions: An article that expresses a critical viewpoint without offering clear solutions is often unlikely to be published. Presenting feasible steps helps build trust and encourages action from readers and stakeholders.

• Clearly state the improvements or directions: Suggest measures that the community, government, or organizations can take to achieve positive results.

• For example:
  “If the community works together, we can absolutely save the library. Through fundraising and signature campaigns, I believe the local authorities will realize they need to reconsider closing this historic and vibrant library. If, instead of spending on a new shopping mall, they allocate some of the funds to maintaining the library, this valuable landmark will not have to close.”

Part 3: How to conclude an opinion piece that compels readers to take action.

Step 1: Conclude with a strong point to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

• Summarize the main point: The final paragraph should clearly and concisely reiterate your viewpoint, helping the reader remember the issue you raised.

• Call to action: Let readers know what they can do immediately after reading the article to help solve the problem.

• For example:
  “Our town library is not only a repository of outstanding works from around the world, but also a space for the community to learn, exchange, appreciate, and inspire. If the library closes as planned, we will lose a precious symbol of history and a center for inquisitive minds, young and old. As a community, we must act together to save the library. Call your city council representative, donate to the library, and join the ‘Library Friends’ group today.”

Step 2: Keep the article length appropriate and sentences concise.

• Prioritize concise sentences and paragraphs: Write short, clear sentences to convey your ideas easily and quickly. Avoid rambling or lengthy sentences that can be distracting.

• Maximum word limit: Most newspapers require articles to be no more than 750 words. Sticking to the length limit increases your chances of getting published and avoiding rejection.

• Note on editing: Newspapers will usually edit your article, but will try to maintain the original tone, style, and perspective. However, you shouldn't submit an excessively long article and expect them to cut and edit it to fit, as overly long articles are often rejected.

Step 3: Don't worry too much about the article title.

• The press will create the headline themselves: When you submit an opinion piece, the newsroom will usually edit and create a suitable headline, whether you include one or not.

• Save time for the main content: Instead of spending too much effort on the headline, focus on writing high-quality and persuasive content.

Step 4: Review information and prepare your personal introduction.

• Ensure data accuracy: Before submitting your article, carefully review the figures and facts to avoid errors that could damage your reputation.

• Write a concise biography: Provide information about yourself relevant to the topic, which will increase persuasiveness and build trust with readers and the editorial board.

• Complete contact information: Don't forget to include your phone number, email address, and physical address so the editorial team can contact you when needed.

• Example biography for an article about a library:
  “John Smith was an avid reader with a Ph.D. in Creative Writing and Political Science. He lived in Library Town, Massachusetts his entire life.”

Step 5: Include images or supporting materials to increase the appeal of your post.

• The new trend in journalism: Previously, opinion pieces rarely included images, but now online newspapers welcome photos, videos, or other multimedia materials.

• Notice when submitting articles: When submitting articles, please mention in the email that you have images or supporting materials for the editorial team to consider using.

• Attaching documents: You can scan or attach relevant images to your article to increase its persuasiveness and attract more readers.

Step 6: Carefully review the submission guidelines of each news organization.

• Each newspaper has its own guidelines: You should check the website or the Opinions page of the print newspaper to find out how to submit your article correctly and what information needs to be included.

• Usually sent via email: Most newsrooms receive articles via a dedicated email address for opinion pieces.

• Prepare all necessary information: Ensure you submit the correct format, including your full biography, contact information, and any supporting documents.

Step 7: Follow up after submitting to increase your chances of getting published.

• Don't be discouraged if you don't receive a reply immediately: Editors are often very busy, and your article might be missed if submitted at an inconvenient time.

• Send a follow-up email or call after a week: This helps you establish direct contact with the editor and demonstrates your seriousness and interest.

• Gain a competitive advantage: Proactive contact helps you stand out among many submissions received at the same time.

Translated by: Lesley Collins Tran .