How to write an opinion columneditorial Limelight How

How to write an opinion column/editorial Limelight

How to pick a topic �Pick a topic about which you are passionate. �Make sure there at least two sides to your topic. � Don’t choose a hot-button issue that will make people upset and angry. � Make sure you can gather enough facts about the issue to form a solid opinion. � Find something that is timely and/or relevant.

� Who Example issues will win Super Bowl/March Madness/NBA Championship/etc. � Whether colleges should require the ACT or SAT � Benefits of extracurricular activities � Celebrities – good role models or not � The “best” of all time (best movie, best song, best actor, etc. ) � Anything related to politics (electoral college, swing states, etc. ) � Benefit/downfall of working part-time during school � Any legislation: no cell phones in school zones, Race to the Top, number of hours needed for Behind the Wheel, etc. � How to decide what to do with your future

How to begin writing � Decide which side of the issue you are on. Write one statement that clarifies your position. � Students would benefit from longer school years. � Determine the opposing side of the issue. Write one statement that clarifies the opposite position. Be specific. � Students would not benefit from longer school days because they need the summer to recharge and because their brains reach capacity at the end of the current second semester.

Your opinion statement �Take your opinion statement and list reasons why you believe it. Use FACTS from credible sources. � Students would benefit from longer school years. � Students do not retain information during the summer. �Test scores have been falling. �Other countries rank higher than the U. S. and have longer school years.

Find data �Find numbers, quotes and evidence that supports your position. Use a variety of websites and personal interviews. �For the purposes of this assignment, you need at least three sources other than yourself. � Compile this evidence in a Word document. DO NOT COPY/PASTE. Summarize in your own words and give credit to the source.

Starting the opinion column �You need a lede that draws attention to your topic. �This could be an anecdote (story), quote or statistic. �DO NOT use a direct lede. We want people to be interested in reading your column, even if they disagree with you.

Example lede �It’s late June and the temperature is creeping toward 90 degrees at 9 a. m. High school junior Tammy Holt is in her second hour history class, taking notes and preparing for her final exam. �Last year at this time, Tammy was hitting the pool with her friends. This year, thanks to a change in the school calendar, she’s getting more instructional time – 30 more days in the school year.

Follow the lede with a nut graf �Sum up the issue and what your argument is. � Longer school years are becoming more popular across the country – and students benefit from these by learning more, retaining more information and improving test scores.

Follow the nut graf with the opposing viewpoint �Give your opponents’ position. � Opponents will say that students don’t need longer school days because students should enjoy their summers. They will also say that students do not learn enough in 30 days to justify the longer school year.

Transition into your position �State why the opposing viewpoint is wrong. �Give specific examples. � While students may enjoy their summers, they can participate in extracurricular clubs longer, giving them the social opportunities they crave.

Finally, elaborate your position �State the reasons for your position and give examples. � Think of these as paragraphs in an essay, but shorter. � Make your point and give an example. � You can use personal examples, but limit the use of “I” and “me. ” � State your opinion without the qualifier “I think that …”

Style �Develop your style. Use words that are snarky or sarcastic. � Use long and short sentences to make points. � Be creative. Consider what ways will best influence the reader to agree with you.

End with a strong statement �End with another story, a strong statement about your opinion or a statistic. �Do not end with a question. � You can be creative. Tell a joke, describe a situation, etc. But make sure it hammers home the point you want to make.