11 03 spotlight on op eds with david jarmul part 1 and 2

English Composition I Project 4: Op-Ed Articles Writing for the Broader Public David Jarmul Op-Ed Articles Opposite the editorial page Opinion-Editorial EXAMPLES EXAMPLES EXAMPLES EXAMPLES EXAMPLES EXAMPLES ADVICE FROM OP-ED EDITORS An op-ed page ought to be a place where a wide range of voices can speak to the issues of the day; where controversy can blossom or consensus wilt; where a marginal crackbrain can make a reader sputter over the morning coffee; where four polished paragraphs can bring tears Richard Liefer, Chicago Tribune ADVICE FROM OP-ED EDITORS What we look for: well-written, thought-provoking essays on all sorts of topics … We like lively, humane discussions of the issues It's best if these discussions are vivid and concrete (arising from specific experiences and circumstances), and if they surprise or challenge us Philadelphia Inquirer PICK A NEWSWORTHY TOPIC Break No Read the first few paragraphs of these articles: •  http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/01/04/why-we-need-totalk-about-guns.html •  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/03/opinion/sunday/pregnant-inmedical-school.html?pagewanted=1&ref=contributors •  http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/01/16/2611794/toward-tobaccofree-troops.html Quiz No What these articles have in common? A. They all discuss gun control B. They all criticize their opponent’s view C. They all focus on a recent study D. They all feature the author’s own voice SHARE YOUR PERSONAL VOICE MAKE YOUR READER CARE What’s the one thing you want them to (or believe, or remember)? Why does it matter now? TIE YOUR ISSUES TO THE NEWS •  •  •  •  •  What’s the big story in the news today? International conflicts, economic news Debates over guns, immigration, whatever Weather, entertainment, sports Other news events related to your topic OP-ED ARTICLES: THE BASICS •  About 750 words •  Sizing up your competition •  The exclusive on exclusivity Break No Pick a topic that you want to write about Turn off your monitor for a moment and think about what you want to say We’ll return to consider some guidelines A FEW GUIDELINES •  •  •  •  •  •  Track the news and jump at opportunities Make a single point well Tell readers why they should care Offer specific recommendations Make your point immediately Use the personal voice – and have fun SOME TIPS •  Acknowledge the other side •  Avoid tedious rebuttals •  Make your ending a winner “Circle back.” Break No Write an op-ed article Write at least the opening two paragraphs AND the final paragraph (If you have time, write more.) ASSESSING YOUR WORK •  •  •  •  •  Does your article make a single point well? Did you explain why readers should care? Did you appeal to their heads and hearts? Did you get to the point quickly? Did you end strongly? MORE DETAILED GUIDLINES SAMPLE OP-ED ARTICLES Thank you ... http://www.newsobserver.com /2 013 / 01/ 16 /2 611 7 94/toward-tobaccofree-troops.html Quiz No What these articles have in common? A. They all discuss gun control B. They all criticize their opponent’s view C. They all focus on. .. http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek /2 013 / 01/ 04/why-we-need-totalk-about-guns.html •  http://www.nytimes.com /2 013 /03/ 03/opinion/sunday/pregnant-inmedical-school.html?pagewanted =1& ref=contributors •  http://www.newsobserver.com /2 013 / 01/ 16 /2 611 7 94/toward-tobaccofree-troops.html... •  http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/god-knows-wholl-winthe-super-bowl/article8077 703/ •  http://www.providencejournal.com/opinion/blogs/this-new-england/ 2 013 022 8-troy-campbell-what-argo-says-about-human-nature.ece