example of op ed essay

What Is an Op-Ed Article? Op-Ed Examples, Guidelines, and More

Have you ever wondered the name of those articles in newspapers or online that seem to be more conversational in style than standard news stories?

These are called op-ed articles, and they are an entirely different style and format of writing that is typically found in the opinion section of a newspaper, magazine, or website.

In this article, I’m going to answer the question what is an op-ed article by digging into exactly what an op-ed article is as well as looking at some op-ed examples, how to write an op-ed, and how (and where) to submit an op-ed.

What Is an Op-Ed Article?

Op-ed stands for “opposite the editorial page,” and an op-ed article is an article in which the author states their opinion about a given topic, often with a view to persuade the reader toward their way of thinking.

Despite the “op” in “op-ed” not standing for “opinion,” op-eds are often called opinion pieces because, unlike standard news articles, the authors of op-eds are encouraged to give their opinions on a certain topic, as opposed to simply reporting the news.

Op-eds are sometimes written by a ghostwriter, which means somebody writes the op-ed on behalf of someone else (such as a businessperson or politician), then the intended author makes some tweaks, with the final version being attributed—bylined—to the intended author instead of the ghostwriter.

Anonymous Op-Eds

Op-eds can also be anonymous, although for larger publications, such as the New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Washington Post , an anonymous op-ed is typically only allowed when the writer’s job (or in extreme cases, their life) would be jeopardized if their name or other distinguishing details were disclosed. In cases when an anonymous op-ed is allowed to go ahead, the author’s true identity is known by the publisher.

Whether or not anonymous op-eds should be allowed to be published comes up for frequent scrutiny, the most recent episode of which being in September 2018 after the New York Times published an anonymous opinion piece by a senior official working in the Trump administration. (In October 2020, former chief of staff in the Department of Homeland Security, Miles Taylor, publicly confirmed that he had authored the article.)

Op-Ed Responses

Often, op-ed articles are written in response to something that is happening in the news at a particular time; such as during a climate change summit or election cycle, or they are written as a response to another op-ed, whether the first opinion piece was published in the same newspaper or, for example, somebody decided to write an op-ed in the New York Times in response to an op-ed that appeared in the Wall Street Journal .

While there is no generalized word limit for an op-ed, most published op-eds run under 1,000 words. The New York Times notes that:

Written essays typically run from 800 to 1,200 words, although we sometimes publish essays that are shorter or longer.

Op-Ed Examples

For an article to be an op-ed it must, as noted above, appear in an opinion column. As many people find themselves reading op-eds after clicking a link online, op-ed columns typically also have the words ‘Opinion’ or ‘Guest Essay’ displayed above or close to the column’s headline.

If you’re looking for op-ed examples, look no further than the opinion pages of three of the largest newspapers in the United States, namely the New York Times , Wall Street Journal , and Washington Post opinion pages (for a longer list, see the How (and Where) to Submit an Op-Ed section below).

The Difference Between Op-Eds and Regular Articles

Some columns that look like a good op-ed article example are in fact lifestyle articles that, while not being timely in relation to the news of the day, aren’t defined as op-ed articles because they are purely factual, with no opinion being given.

Articles I have personally written for the New York Times , New York Observer , Quartz , and similar publications had to be meticulously sourced and fact-checked before publication; and my opinion surrounding any of the topics in question was not taken into consideration, unlike for an op-ed.

That’s not to say you can simply make up facts when writing an op-ed. You can’t have your own opinion about the year Queen Elizabeth II was born (1926), the height of the Empire State Building (1,454 ft.), or the length of the Great Wall of China (21,196 km). Depending on what your op-ed is discussing, you can sprinkle your opinion in around facts, but those facts must be deep-rooted in order for your audience to get on board with your argument—and for a reputable source to choose to print your article.

How to Write an Op-Ed

Of course, knowing what an op-ed is and knowing how to write an op-ed are two different things entirely.

Here are my top five tips on how to write an op-ed:

Get to the point: The moment a reader (or your potential editor) starts reading your op-ed article they need to know what it is about, and why it matters to them.
Have a clear thesis: Submitting a meandering opinion column is a surefire way to ensure you do not hear back from the editor. Outline your entire op-ed before sitting down to write, and keep a clear thesis in mind.
Write what you know: While many factors go into the op-ed selection process, having authority in the topic you’re writing about, as well as a persuasive argument, is required above all else.
Write for the publication you’re pitching: Don’t use technical phrases if it is a non-technical publication. Look into what they have published on your topic in the past. How can you advance this discussion?
Stick to the rules: Most op-ed sections list their rules for publication. These often include information on how to source your facts, a well as the house style.

How (and Where) to Submit an Op-Ed

It’s easy to submit an op-ed to either a national or local newspaper, or to a trade publication in your field. Assuming you’ve read my advice on how to write an op-ed above, here are the links you’ll need to submit an op-ed to the following newspapers:

New York Times
Wall Street Journal
Washington Post
Los Angeles Times
Houston Chronicle
Chicago Tribune
San Francisco Chronicle
Tampa Bay Times
Dallas Morning News
Denver Post
Seattle Times

If you want to submit an op-ed to your local newspaper or a trade publication, look in their opinion columns for information on how to send in your submission, or search for their name alongside the word “submissions” online.

I hope this article on what an op-ed article is will help you on your journey toward writing and submitting your first op-ed to a major newspaper or publication.

If you’re interested in hearing more from me, be sure to subscribe to my free email newsletter , and if you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media, link to it from your website, or bookmark it so you can come back to it often. ∎

Benjamin Spall

Introducing Acne Club

Nature-Deficit Disorder: What It Is, and How to Overcome It

How to Feel Less Anxious About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 8, 2024

How to Write An Op-Ed: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Learn how to write a compelling op-ed with our step-by-step guide. From research to revisions, discover the secrets to crafting impactful opinion pieces.

For effective op-ed writing, keep it short (700-800 words) with a clear thread throughout.

Identify your topic and theme early, back your argument up with solid research, and use a compelling opening and memorable ending.

Maintain a consistent, engaging voice, and revise for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.

What is an op ed piece?

Originally, an op-ed appeared op posite the ed itorial page in a newspaper (hence, ‘op-ed’).

Today, it represents a column where the writer shares a strong, informed, and focused opinion on a relevant topic for a specific audience, typically in a media outlet.

In this guide, we’ll explore the key aspects of opinion writing, from defining your point to crafting a compelling argument.

5 key features of a typical op ed column

When writing an op ed article, consider the following factors to make your piece stand out:

Length : Keep your op-ed short, usually between 700 and 800 words. This forces you to be concise and get straight to the point. For example, if you’re writing about climate change, briefly present alarming statistics and propose specific actions instead of diving into the lengthy science.
Defined point : Ensure your op ed submission has a clear main point. Communicate this point from the start and reinforce it throughout the piece. For instance, if you’re arguing for renewable energy, focus on the benefits and feasibility of switching to renewable sources.
Point of view : Your perspective is crucial, and your op-ed should reflect a strong and unique viewpoint . For example, if you’re discussing educational reform, argue for the importance of integrating technology into classrooms from your perspective as a teacher who has seen its benefits firsthand.
Clarity : Ensure your argument is clear and logical. Your readers should easily understand your position and the reasons behind it. For example, if you’re writing about public health for an online publication, clearly outline the steps needed to improve healthcare access.
Voice : Every op ed column should contain the columnist’s strong, unique voice. This makes your piece engaging and personal. For example, if you’re discussing urban development, share personal stories of how changes in the city have impacted your community in your everyday speaking style. Your opinion editor will work with you to shape it for the letter.

Focusing on these elements will help you craft a resonant op-ed or column.

Questions to ask for an effective op ed project

Before you start writing your op-ed or column, ask yourself the following questions to ensure your piece is clear and impactful:

Do I have a clear point to make? : Make sure you have a specific point you want to convey, and clearly define your main argument. For example, if you’re writing about the importance of mental health awareness, your main point might be that society needs to prioritize mental health resources and support. State this argument upfront in your letter.
Who cares? : Identify your target audience and explain why your argument matters to them. Writing with a specific audience in mind can help you tailor your message. For instance, if you’re addressing parents in your column about school nutrition, explain why healthy meals are crucial for their children’s academic performance and well-being . This will resonate better than if you were writing for an average reader.
Is there substance to my argument? : Back up your argument with facts, data, expertise, and solid reasoning. For example, if you’re advocating for renewable energy, provide statistics on its environmental and economic benefits. An essay with an informed opinion on the issue retains your readers’ attention better.

Answering these questions will help aspiring op-ed writers create a focused and persuasive opinion column.

Topic and theme

Every successful op-ed or column must have a clearly defined topic and theme.

These elements are crucial in guiding your writing and ensuring your piece is coherent and focused.

Topic definition : Identify the main subject of your column. This is the person, place, issue, incident, or thing you’ll focus on. Usually, you should state the topic in the first paragraph. For example, if you’re writing about climate change, your topic might be the impact of rising sea levels on coastal cities .
Theme exploration : Beyond the topic, explore the overarching idea or message of your column. This is the big picture that ties everything together. Your theme should convey why your topic is important. For instance, in a column about climate change, your theme might be the urgent need for sustainable practices to protect future generations .
Placement : Decide where to introduce the topic and theme in your piece. Often, the topic is introduced early on, while the theme can appear early or develop as the piece progresses. For example, you might start with a personal experience about experiencing extreme weather, then expand to the broader theme of the global climate crisis.

By clearly defining your topic and theme, you create a strong foundation for your op-ed or column.

This helps you stay focused and ensures your readers understand the importance of what you’re discussing.

To write a compelling op-ed or column, you need to base your opinion(s) on solid research. This gives your piece credibility and depth.

Here are the key aspects of conducting research for your op-ed:

Research your op ed idea widely

Your op-ed should be grounded in facts, quotations, citations, or data from reliable sources.

This supports your argument(s) and makes your piece more persuasive.

For example, if you’re writing about healthcare reform, include statistics from reputable health organizations and recent policy updates from an elected official.

Choose the right research method

There are two primary methods of research you can use:

Field research : This involves going to the scene, conducting interviews, and gathering primary materials, observations, and knowledge. For instance, if you’re writing about local environmental issues, you might visit affected areas, interview residents, and observe the conditions firsthand.
Library and internet research : This involves using secondary sources such as graphs, charts, scholarly articles, and data from the internet. For example, if you’re writing about the economic impact of remote work, you could cite studies and reports from academic journals and research institutions. Additional resources to leverage include media articles, a related press release, or books.

Conducting thorough research ensures your op-ed or column is well-informed and credible.

It also helps you provide a balanced view and anticipate counterarguments, strengthening your overall argument.

A strong opening grabs your readers’ attention and sets the stage for your argument.

Here’s how to craft an effective opening:

Hook : Start with a compelling hook to draw readers in. This could be a strong claim, a surprising fact, a metaphor, a mystery, or a counter-intuitive observation. For example, you might begin an op-ed piece on education reform with a startling statistic: “In our city’s schools, only 60% of students graduate on time.”
Strong claim : “We must overhaul our education system now.”
Surprising fact : “Did you know that over half of our city’s schools lack basic supplies?”
Metaphor : “Our current education system is a sinking ship, and we need to steer it to safety.”
Mystery : “Why are our brightest students failing?”
Counter-intuitive observation : “Smaller classrooms might not be the solution to better education.”
Foundation : The opening should briefly lay the foundation for your argument. Introduce the main point you will be discussing and hint at the direction your piece will take. For instance, after presenting a startling statistic about graduation rates, you might hint at the solutions you will explore: “To address this crisis, we must rethink our approach to teaching and learning.”

Crafting a strong opening sets the tone for your op-ed page and encourages readers to keep reading.

We’ve written a separate guide to intros that you can learn from as an aspiring op-ed writer or editor.

Having a strong voice is critical to a successful op-ed or column.

Your voice makes your piece engaging and unique, allowing readers to connect with your perspective on an important issue.

Here’s how to develop and maintain a compelling voice:

The typical op-ed is conversational. Imagine yourself having a chat with your readers on a specific topic, and you’d be on the right track.

Use lots of “you” and “I” to create a direct and personal connection:

“You might think remote work is just a trend, but I believe it’s here to stay.”

Range of voice

Your voice can vary depending on the specific topic and your style.

It can be contemplative, descriptive, humorous, authoritative, or any combination of these.

For instance:

Authoritative : “Research shows that smaller class sizes lead to better student outcomes.”
Contemplative : “Reflecting on our education system, it’s clear we need change.”
Descriptive : “Picture a classroom where every child feels engaged and inspired.”
Humorous : “If our classrooms were as outdated as our education policies, we’d still be using chalk and slate.”

Consistency

Maintain a consistent voice throughout your op-ed.

This helps keep your readers engaged and ensures your piece feels cohesive.

For example, if you start with a conversational tone, don’t switch to an overly formal style halfway through.

Sometimes, your voice might be influenced by the publication you’re writing for.

Get in the habit of reading other columns or op-eds from the same publication to understand the preferred style.

For instance, if you’re writing for a publication known for its witty and informal tone, your piece should match that style.

On the other hand, a syndicated columnist for the Washington Post would probably write with a different tone.

By developing a strong, consistent voice, you make your op-ed more engaging and relatable, ensuring that your readers stay interested and understand your perspective.

The ending of your op-ed is just as important as the opening.

A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression on your readers and reinforces your main argument.

You have two types of endings:

Open ending : This type of ending suggests rather than states a conclusion, leaving the reader to ponder. For example, “What kind of future do we want for our children?”
Closed ending : This type of ending clearly states the conclusion, resolving the main point of the piece. For example, “Implementing these reforms will ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

Here’s how to create an effective ending:

Echo or answer the introduction : Your ending should connect back to your opening, either by echoing it or answering a question posed at the beginning. For example, if you started with a statistic about graduation rates, you might end with a hopeful note on how proposed reforms could improve those rates.
Foreshadowing : The ending should be foreshadowed by thematic statements throughout the piece. This creates a sense of cohesion and ensures your argument flows logically to its conclusion. For instance, if you’ve discussed various education reforms, your ending might highlight the most promising solution.
Memorable detail : The last sentence should be one of the most memorable parts of your op-ed. Use a powerful statement, a call to action, or a poignant observation to leave a strong impression. For example, “Our children’s future depends on the choices we make today.”

By crafting a strong ending, you ensure that your op-ed leaves a lasting impact on your readers, effectively driving home your main points and encouraging further thought or action.

Revision checklist for a successful op ed page

Revising your op-ed or column is essential to ensure clarity, coherence, and impact.

Use this checklist to guide your revision process:

Accuracy : Verify all facts, statistics, and quotes. Ensure that your information is correct and comes from reliable sources. For example, double-check data from health organizations if you’re writing about healthcare.
Clarity : Ensure your ideas are communicated clearly. Avoid jargon and complex sentences. For example, instead of saying, “The implementation of educational reforms will necessitate substantial fiscal investments,” say, “We need to spend more on education reforms.”
Coherence and unity : Check that your piece flows logically from one point to the next. Each paragraph should connect to the one before and after it, creating a cohesive argument. For instance, if you discuss the benefits of renewable energy, ensure that each point builds on the previous one.
Simplicity : Keep your language simple and accessible. Use short sentences and everyday words. For example, instead of “ utilize ,” say “ use .”
Voice and tone : Maintain a consistent voice and tone throughout your piece. Make sure your writing is engaging and matches the style of the publication.
Source credit : Properly credit all sources you use. This adds credibility to your piece and allows readers to verify your information. For example, “According to a report by the World Health Organization…”
Opinion consistency : Ensure that your opinion remains consistent throughout the piece. Avoid contradicting yourself or shifting your viewpoint without clear justification.

By following this revision checklist, you can polish your op-ed or column to make it clear, cohesive, and compelling.

This helps ensure your message is effectively communicated and leaves a strong impression on your readers.

Final thoughts on op ed writing

Writing an op-ed or column is a powerful way to express your views and contribute to public discourse.

Let’s recap the key points:

Introduction : Understand the purpose and significance of an op-ed.
Distinguishing characteristics : Focus on length, defined point, point of view, clarity, and voice.
Questions to ask : Ensure you have a clear point, know your argument, identify your audience, and have substance to support your claims.
Topic and theme : Clearly define your topic and theme, and know where to place them in your piece.
Research : Conduct thorough field and library/internet research to support your argument.
Openings : Use a strong hook and set the foundation for your argument.
Voice : Develop a strong, consistent voice that engages your readers.
Endings : Create a memorable conclusion that echoes your introduction and ties your points together.
Revision checklist : Ensure clarity, coherence, simplicity, accuracy, source credit, and opinion consistency.

Apply these principles to write a jargon-free opinion piece that communicates your views, persuades your audience, and contributes to the conversation.

And remember: your unique voice and perspective are what make your piece stand out.

Happy writing!

Work with us

Grow your business through content.

LinkedIn Thought Leadership Metrics: 6 Proven Ways We Track ROI

A quick look at how we track LinkedIn thought leadership ROI at Column.

Founder Branding: Everything You Need To Know

Explore our take on founder branding, why it matters, and how we do it differently at Column.

Why We Created A New LinkedIn Ghostwriting Course

Our LinkedIn ghostwriting course is designed to meet the growing demand for high-quality content. Learn why we’re training the next wave of copywriters.

About The Journalist’s Resource
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Criminal Justice
Environment
Politics & Government
Race & Gender

Expert Commentary

How to write an op-ed or column

Tip sheet on formulating, researching, writing and editing news opinion articles.

Republish this article

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License .

by The Journalist's Resource, The Journalist's Resource January 28, 2013

This <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org/home/how-to-write-an-op-ed-or-column/">article</a> first appeared on <a target="_blank" href="https://journalistsresource.org">The Journalist's Resource</a> and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.<img src="https://journalistsresource.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-jr-favicon-150x150.png" style="width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;">

The following is reprinted courtesy of Jeffrey Seglin , lecturer in public policy and director of the Harvard Kennedy School Communications Program :

An op-ed piece derives its name from originally having appeared opposite the editorial page in a newspaper. Today, the term is used more widely to represent a column that represents the strong, informed and focused opinion of the writer on an issue of relevance to a targeted audience.

Distinguishing characteristics of an op-ed or column

Partly, a column is defined by where it appears, but it shares some common characteristics:

Typically, it is short, between 750 and 800 words.
It has a clearly defined point.
It has a clearly defined point of view.
It represents clarity of thinking.
It contains the strong, distinctive voice of the writer.

Questions to ask yourself when writing an op-ed or column

Do I have a clear point to make? If so, what is it?
Who cares? (Writing with a particular audience in mind can inform how you execute your column. Who is it that you are trying to convince? Why are you targeting that specific reader?)
Is there substance to my argument?

Topic and theme

Every successful op-ed piece or column must have a clearly defined topic and theme.

The topic is the person, place, issue, incident or thing that is the primary focus of the column. The topic is usually stated in the first paragraph.
The theme is the big, overarching idea of the column. What’s your point in writing about the chosen topic and why is it important? The theme may appear early in the piece or it may appear later when it may also serve as a turning point into a deeper level of argument.

While columns and op-ed pieces allow writers to include their own voice and express an opinion, to be successful the columns must be grounded in solid research. Research involves acquiring facts, quotations, citations or data from sources and personal observation. Research also allows a reader to include sensory data (touch, taste, smell, sound or sight) into a column. There are two basic methods of research:

Field research: going to the scene, interviews, legwork; primary materials, observations, and knowledge.
Library, academic, or internet research: using secondary materials, including graphs, charts, and scholarly articles.

Openings and endings

The first line of an op-ed is crucial. The opening “hook” may grab the reader’s attention with a strong claim, a surprising fact, a metaphor, a mystery, or a counter-intuitive observation that entices the reader into reading more. The opening also briefly lays the foundation for your argument.

Similarly, every good column or op-ed piece needs a strong ending that fulfills some basic requirements. It:

Echoes or answers introduction.
Has been foreshadowed by preceding thematic statements.
Is the last and often most memorable detail.
Contains a final epiphany or calls the reader to action.

There are two basic types of endings. An “open ending” suggests rather than states a conclusion, while a “closed ending” states rather than suggests a conclusion. The closed ending in which the point of the piece is resolved is by far the most commonly used.

Having a strong voice is critical to a successful column or op-ed piece. Columns are most typically conversational in tone, so you can imagine yourself have a conversation with your reader as you write (a short, focused conversation). But the range of voice used in columns can be wide: contemplative, conversational, descriptive, experienced, informative, informed, introspective, observant, plaintive, reportorial, self-effacing, sophisticated or humorous, among many other possibilities.

Sometimes what voice you use is driven by the publication for which you are writing. A good method of developing your voice is to get in the practice of reading your column or op-ed out loud. Doing so gives you a clear sense of how your piece might sound – what your voice may come off as – to your intended reader.

Revision checklist

Below are some things to remember as you revise your op-ed or column before you submit it for publication. You should always check:

Coherence and unity.
Simplicity.
Voice and tone. Most are conversational; some require an authoritative voice.
Direct quotations and paraphrasing for accuracy.
That you properly credit all sources (though formal citations are not necessary).
The consistency of your opinion throughout your op-ed or column.

Further resources

Below are links to some online resources related to op-ed and column writing:

The Op-Ed Project is a terrific resource for anyone looking to strengthen their op-ed writing. It provides tips on op-ed writing, suggestions about basic op-ed structure, guidelines on how to pitch op-ed pieces to publications, and information about top outlets that publish op-eds. Started as an effort to increase the number of women op-ed writers, The Op-Ed Project also regularly runs daylong seminars around the country.
“How to Write an Op-Ed Article,” which was prepared by David Jarmul, Duke’s associate vice president for news and communications, provides great guidelines on how to write a successful op-ed.
“How to Write Op-Ed Columns,” which was prepared by The Earth Institute at Columbia University, is another useful guide to writing op-eds. It contains a useful list of op-ed guidelines for top-circulation newspapers in the U.S.
“And Now a Word from Op-Ed,” offers some advice on how to think about and write op-eds from the Op-Ed editor of The New York Times .

Author Jeffrey Seglin is a lecturer in public policy and director of the Harvard Kennedy School Communications Program .

Tags: training

About The Author

The Journalist's Resource

TechBar Support

How to Write an Impactful Op-Ed

by The Writing Workshop | Feb 8, 2024 | Persuasive Writing

What is an op-ed?

An op-ed goes by many names—an editorial, opinion piece, commentary, page op, etc.—but it is, in essence, a piece of writing within the public view that expresses an informed opinion focused on a specific topic or problem. Op-eds are fairly new as a writing style, first coming to prominence in the early 1900s as a way to attract the public back to print news in the age of radio. Today, they serve a similar niche; newspapers face a budget crisis as readership is at an all-time low, and op-eds offer a low-cost solution to providing daily content that engages readers in a way that more traditional journalism simply can’t.

The modern op-ed writer is not restricted by occupation either; professors, politicians, researchers, and professionals use them to take control of the narrative on a given topic rather than entrusting social media and search algorithms to do the job. There is also a rising trend in the sciences to compliment research with op-eds to address limitations in their work that can lead to pervasive misinterpretations.

For example, in early 2023, Cochrane, an influential organization that collects databases and reviews research, published an ambiguously worded review of RCT studies on masking and hand washing that led to gross misinterpretations of the study’s conclusions, even by one of its authors . Researchers and epidemiologists, including the editor in chief at Cochrane , were quick to point out that the study did not come to a conclusion due to a lack of evidence alongside glaring inadequacies in the review . Given the mistrust in science that has permeated from Covid-19 misinformation, academics continue to dispel the significance of the article months after its original publication .

Why does this matter? Well, just like in research writing, where you are one piece of a larger puzzle contributing to the cannon of knowledge on a given topic, op-ed writing is about making a small yet meaningful contribution to this cannon using persuasion. Unfortunately, many of the tools used to purvey a greater understanding can also be used to distort and mislead. While there is certainly something to be said of the severity and degree to which misinformation impacts the public in a digital age (in an op-ed, perhaps?), it is just an amplification of the truth’s dependence on the status quo; your job as an op-ed writer is to add nuance to widely held assumptions by offering alternative opinions, evidence, and interpretations.

So where do you begin? Well for one, you need some expertise on the topic you are writing about; persuading your audience to believe something you don’t understand yourself would be both unethical and a poor reflection of your abilities. You will also need to understand who you are writing to and what they care about, so let’s start there!

Identifying your audience

Good writing always has an audience, but writing to a large group of folks, each with their own unique needs and beliefs, can often be difficult. Your job in an op-ed is to speak to the aligned values and attitudes of your audience.

Do you speak to what is most important to your audience?
Is there a clear benefit to reading your piece?
Do you present information in a way that is new and interesting to the audience?
Does your audience have biases or preconceptions about the issue? Can you manage them?
How do you want your audience to react to this piece?
Is the language appropriate?

Successful op-eds also capitalize on what the audience may know (or not) about the topic.

What does your audience already know about the topic?
Is there a varying level of knowledge or familiarity with your topic?
Does your audience “know” because they trust that someone does?
What is new to your audience?
Do you present new information in a way that is easy to understand?
Why does your audience not know this information?

All writers struggle to understand their audiences, but for op-eds, it’s a little easier. Given the popularity of op-eds in most US newspapers, you can look to what other writers do in their pieces to engage readers—just remember that the point of an op-ed is to challenge a prominent belief or interpretation, and if you write only to those who share your views, you will lose the hearts and minds of those open to a critical dialogue on the topic.

For more on understanding your reader’s unique needs, check out our post below!

Choosing a role

Everyone from professional journalists to professors and politicians—including the president—writes op-eds. There are plenty of reasons someone would be compelled to write an op-ed, but we think it’s useful to divide them into three distinct roles, listed below, that a policy professional will find themselves in at one time or another.

The Witness

The Witness offers a firsthand account of the problem, whether they experienced it themselves or witnessed it in action. Witnesses focus on the material and human costs, but the true power of their opinion lies in their testimony, often speaking truth to power and serving up a distinctly human-centered narrative of what’s going on. Witnesses should focus on creating a strong narrative that is representative of the problem and conveys the cost of ignoring it.

The Practitioner

The Practitioner occupies an important space between witness and expert. The practitioner experiences the problem secondhand—through aid or non-profit work, for example—but uses their insider knowledge to further educate their audience on its root causes, often moving from problem identification to a solutions-focused narrative. Practitioners are challenged to create short, effective narratives followed by evidence-based arguments to contextualize their observations; they should lean into their role and the credibility it provides but be cautious in appealing to themselves as an authority in place of evidence.

The Expert can be both a witness and/or practitioner (a practicing epidemiologist, for example), but their power lies in their extensive knowledge of the problem and the landscape in which it occurs. While it may seem easy for the experts, they are plagued with the “curse of knowledge” and challenged to write about complex ideas in way that an average reader will understand. Experts should lean into their extensive knowledge but be careful in presenting too many contingencies, caveats, and abstractions. Experts tend to jump around in their op-eds, which can often disorient a reader, so having a second set of eyes that represents their intended audience will always be helpful.

Once you’ve identified where you fall within this spectrum, it’s time to begin developing your argument.

The nuts and bolts of an op-ed

Structurally, an op-ed can be somewhat free-form, and there will be a lot of variation between different schools of writers (i.e. researchers, academics, journalists, activists, etc.), but a deductive structure is always a great starting point, even if you alter it after your essentials are in place. To start, focus on creating adequate context for your argument in the first paragraph—making sure to provide your reader with the essentials—and then move on to crafting a strong connection between that background information and your argument in the second paragraph. From there, go point by point, keeping in mind that journalists use line breaks more often than academic writers, dividing each piece of evidence along with its analysis into individual paragraphs rather than adjoining them to their topic sentence. For more on deductive structure, read our post below!

Every op-ed should have a clear purpose that can be intuited in the first few paragraphs. However, the central claim of an op-ed often differs from an academic thesis in that it requires some action on your reader’s part. You may want them to consider, reconsider, deny, approve, march, vote, or a whole host of other activities, but your argument should always move toward a call to action. Aside from being persuasive, your piece should also:

Those writing for monthly publications will have a little more flexibility here, but your central claim should have some degree of relation to what is going on right now . Maybe it’s that the problem has finally reached its tipping point, or that some event has made it front and center in the public eye, but whatever it is, it should activate existing knowledge in your audience. Regularly reading the news will be essential to your success in the op-ed space as readers are simply uninterested in rehashing the issues of the past or predictions of the future unless they are pertinent today.

Start with a leading sentence

Traditional journalists often write a setting sentence to start their feature pieces (i.e. “John Doe sits on his front porch looking at his latest bill from the doctor.”), but you have much more flexibility in an op-ed. The goal in your leading sentence should be to entice your audience into reading your piece while providing them with a general sense of the topic or problem. Check out a few examples below (UChicago students have unlimited access to the New York Times via the library page).

The air pollution in Emma Lockridge’s community in Detroit was often so bad, she had to wear a surgical mask inside her house.
Tyler Parish thinks of himself as “the last dinosaur.”
What comes to mind when you think of a mom-and-pop small business: A hardware store? A diner? A family-run clothing store or small-scale supermarket?

Get to the point

Timing is everything in an op-ed. If you present your case for change too early, the reader might not have the background knowledge they need to understand or support it; however, if you wait too long, they may lose interest. Depending on your topic, your point—one main argument per piece being the standard—may come sooner or later, but it should always be clearly stated by the halfway mark.

In this recent piece by Peter Coy on commercial real estate in the New York Times , notice how quickly the author presents his point. He uses the first paragraph to contextualize new information that will be familiar to the audience while attaching the issue to the larger concern of a potential banking crisis, then uses the second paragraph to present his argument (skepticism in the Fed’s approach to inflation as it pertains to commercial real estate). The New York Times has covered domestic inflation on a daily basis, so Coy is both capitalizing on this existing knowledge while encouraging the reader to further invest by presenting nuance and evidence for it. While this piece is heavier on the jargon than we would recommend, it is to be expected when targeting a more specific group.

In contrast, this piece on antitrust law by the editorial board of the Washington Post uses the first few paragraphs to explain a more complex issue that the reader may not be familiar with given the current direction of the FTC. Their main claim—that this is a classic example of antitrust enforcement—comes later because readers may not understand how Google’s ad stack functions nor the alleged monopolistic behavior within that space.

Create a realistic call to action

While a policy maker, organization, or politician may be the one who implements change, be sure to include your audience in the call to action as they will be essential in pushing your decision-maker to action. For example, you might want a senator to support a bill that you think will institute change; in this case, you should think of the voters in their district and how you can make the value of your argument resonate with them through a boycott, petition, or other activist work.

Adding counterpoints to increase credibility

Sometimes it helps to present an argument against your own, which can earn credibility from a skeptical audience or consideration from one that is potentially hostile. A counterpoint assures readers that you’ve considered both sides and wrestled with discordant data or situations that don’t neatly fit the narrative thus far. Basic and fair counterpoints rhetorically position you to make your strongest case before the close. Avoid choosing a weak or widely discredited claim as a counterpoint—often referred to as a “strawman” argument—and instead focus on summarizing the most prominent or pervasive criticism of your main point.

The rebuttal, on the other hand, refutes the counterpoint while introducing a subclaim that directly addresses it. In the case that a previous claim already addresses the counterpoint, do not repeat it verbatim; instead, expand on that point’s scope with additional analysis or evidence to accommodate the counterpoint.

Sign posting language will be a useful tool in writing a compelling and concise counterargument, so make use of language like:

Some might argue that . . . However . . .
While it can be said that . . .
There is a widely held belief that . . . but . . .

Counterarguments (the counterpoint plus the rebuttal) should come at the end of your piece, right before the conclusion. If your piece contains a call to action, make sure to set yourself up for success in your counterargument (a good sign post to add in this case is “that is why . . .”).

Counterarguments can also be the focus of an op-ed when a belief about a given topic has become fallacious or dangerous to public discourse—a phenomena all too common in our current age. Politicians will often use these longform critiques to respond to opponents during election cycles, but in light of controversial bills and rulings within the United States, many have stepped up to the soapbox to dispel common myths and misinformation about a whole host of issues.

We think a recent op-ed on the value of the humanities in higher education by Professor John Keck did this exceptionally. Notice how he uses his first paragraph to build context through timeliness, capitalizing on the recent comments surrounding Texas’s HCR 64, an immigration bill, and their unwarranted criticism of higher education. As he progresses through his critique, he gradually reorients his reader to his home state and the work that he does there, navigating his role of the expert while utilizing the tools of the practitioner to give his narrative a distinctly human focus.

Using a behavioral framework to better persuade your audience

Knowing your target audience’s priorities, values, and concerns will help you craft an argument that is most likely to resonate with them. To better analyze how a given policy narrative might strike our potential readers, we can use insights from social-psychological theories like the Moral Foundations Theory, which was developed by Jonathan Haidt and colleagues to explain how individuals’ moral values are shaped by their cultural, social, and evolutionary contexts. Moral Foundations Theory won’t reveal exactly how your audience will react to your argument for change, but no theory can. At the Writing Workshop, we like to think of these social-psychological theories as additional tools in your kit to help you make quicker and better informed decisions about the arguments, evidence, and language you use within your piece rather than empirical frameworks you can apply with certainty.

If you are interested in acquiring other tools to help you become more persuasive, we recommend checking out the work of Paul Slovic and Daniel Kahneman as well. For further reading on Moral Foundations Theory, check out our post below: