How long should an opinion paper be

Explain why you have the expertise to write about the issue you are proposing to cover. This should be no more than one or two lines. Write a brief outline of what argument you are going to make in the piece in a concise way, so it can be assessed quickly.

Include contact details for how the publication can get hold of you quickly if necessary. You should not send a pre-written article speculatively.

As detailed above, journalists do not have the time to read these. Take a look at this guide to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert. Students should express their thoughts in a precise manner while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic.

It is backed by examples and explanations. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This can be high-school or college students. It is designed to enhance the level of English among students. It enables them to express their thoughts and opinions while writing in the English language. Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write within relevance to the assigned question. Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different.

It contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction. A Well-Thought Thesis: The thesis is a brief description of the opinion essay.

It determines the rest of the paper. Include all the information that you wish to include in the body paragraphs. The Use of Formal Language: Although it is okay to write in an informal manner, keep a wide range of professional and formal words.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. The Use of First Person Language Optional : For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your opinion essay in the first person. Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow for the first-person language, they do not permit informal punctuation. This includes dashes, exclamation marks, and emojis. Avoid Including Contradictions: Always make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.

We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Sample Opinion Pieces. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Be timely. Your op-ed should discuss a topic that relates to current events, trends, or opinions of others. Timeliness is absolutely essential when it comes to submitting op-eds to newspapers.

Newsroom editors are going to be much more interested in a piece that relates to an ongoing debate or discusses an event that just happened, rather than a piece that focuses on something that happened a few months ago.

Scour the paper for compelling topics to respond to. If your op-ed piggybacks on work the newspaper published recently, your piece is instantly more interesting to the editors and will have more of a chance of getting published, if you want to submit it. Pick a topic you're passionate about. Opinion articles need to contain a really strong opinion. Try to make one single point clearly in one or two sentences.

If you can do this, you've got a good topic for an opinion piece. Your argument could be: The library is historically a hub of learning and community. It should not be closed so that a fast food restaurant can be built on the site.

Pick a topic you're knowledgeable about. In order to be persuasive, you will have to know what you are talking about. Op-eds that are filled with valid, fact-based points that support your argument are much stronger than op-eds that only state your point of view.

Run internet searches, look through archives, talk to people directly involved, and organize your own first-hand information. What is the history of the library? How many people check-out books from the library each day? What activities go on in the library each day? What community events are hosted in the library?

Keep in mind that you're more likely to get your article published if your background and credentials show that you are knowledgeable about the topic. It's best to pick a topic that relates to your personal and educational background, as well as your work expertise. Pick a topic that's complicated. Good op-eds shouldn't be open and shut cases that are easily proven or disproven. There's no reason to read an opinion about something that's obvious, like whether or not heroin is healthy.

Whether or not heroin addicts should be treated or incarcerated? That's more controversial. List out the different facets and main ideas of an argument to make sure it's complicated enough to warrant an op-ed.

For the library piece, your outline might be something like: The library is a beacon of learning and togetherness in a town that lacks a community center and only has one small all-grades school.

You might have a personal connection to the library and could incorporate a personal story that also brings in the present-day events and community activities. Explore possible alternatives to closing the library, how the community can keep the library open.

Include suggestions for the local city planners. Part 2. Get straight to the point. No guarantee someone can turn your junky screed into an influential masterpiece—but editing almost always helps. Finally, include a catchy headline that conveys your message. This will help the editor grasp the idea quickly, and help sell your contribution. In most workplaces, there is no requirement that you submit a piece to management— especially in academia.

That said: your title and affiliation will usually appear with your byline. So in that sense, you indirectly represent the honor and credibility of your institution. A controversial piece that is well articulated, well read and respectful raises the profile of your institution. This is rarely viewed as bad. Everyone wants their piece in The New York Times. Few will ever see it there. Unless you have something super-strong, consider other options. The Conversation specializes in op-ed-type pieces from academics.

Is your piece more regional or specialized? Check regional or specialized media. Local papers are always looking for a local angle on wider issues. Publications that cover energy, law or other topics are of course looking for that kind of piece. If you or someone you know happens to know the opinion editor, you can send directly to him or her.

Otherwise, most publications have a web page telling you where to send, and their particular requirements. Letters to the editor can often be sent in the body of an email.

Most op-ed submissions are made in an emailed Word document. For the subject line in either case, that catchy title mentioned earlier will come in handy.