An opinion piece is a short, personal, thought-provoking article that advocates for a particular point of view. It should be written in a personal voice and use the author’s own experiences and insights to convey an opinion on a specific topic, issue or controversy. A good opinion piece should make the reader feel something by addressing their emotions and causing them to think differently about an issue or problem.
Opinion pieces are often based on research, but the writing style is less structured than a research paper. A good opinion article will still be clear, concise and engaging. It should also include plenty of information and sources (hyperlinked rather than endnotes).
A great opening sentence/paragraph that grabs attention is important. An anecdote or loosely connected lead is a way to do this. This is the reader’s first impression of your topic and will entice them to continue reading your article.
Keep in mind that your audience is broad – you are writing for a wide range of Claremont students and the greater community. It is best to focus on a topic that appeals to a broad audience and can be linked to current events or societal trends.
Any topic that has relevance to a larger group can be an opinion piece. This includes issues such as climate change, sexism or racism. Be aware that many op-eds are tied to holidays and popular events. It is not unusual to see a large number of op-eds on a single subject around Valentine’s Day or Christmas.