Distinguishing Characteristics Of An Op-Ed Or Column

Distinguishing Characteristics Of An Op Ed Or Columnpartly A Column I

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, unique voice of the writer. Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing an Op-Ed or Column • Do I have a clear point to make? • 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. • Topic: the person, place, issue, incident, or thing that is the primary focus of the column. The topic is usually stated in the first paragraph. • Theme: another level of meaning to the topic. What’s the big, overarching idea of the column? What’s your point? Why is your point 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. Research 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 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. DF Endings Every good column or op-ed piece needs a strong ending which has 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.

Paper For Above instruction

Distinguishing characteristics of an op-ed or column are essential to understand for anyone looking to craft impactful opinion journalism. While the form of a column is influenced by where it appears in a publication, its core traits transcend placement, focusing on clarity of purpose, voice, and research-backed argumentation. Typically, a column ranges from 750 to 800 words, maintaining brevity while delivering sharp insights. The central element is a clear and compelling point of view, articulated with distinctive voice and original thinking. These attributes ensure the piece resonates with readers and prompts reflection or action.

When constructing an op-ed or column, authors need to address critical questions: What is my main argument? Who am I trying to influence? Tailoring the message to a specific audience enhances its effectiveness. The substance of the argument must be rooted in credible research, which can be gathered through field investigations or secondary sources like scholarly articles and data visualizations. Such research not only provides factual support but also enriches the narrative through sensory details, enabling readers to engage more deeply with the content.

The opening paragraph holds particular importance, serving as the hook that captures interest. A strong opening might feature a surprising fact, a provocative question, or a vivid metaphor, setting the stage for the ensuing argument. Effective columns conclude with a memorable ending that either answers or echoes the introduction. Foreshadowing thematic elements earlier in the piece, the conclusion should inspire reflection or action, often encapsulating a final insight or call to the reader. Both open-ended and closed endings are valid, with closed endings being more common due to their decisive nature.

Overall, the success of an op-ed hinges on combining a focused topic, a compelling theme, thorough research, and precise stylistic elements like impactful openings and strong conclusions. These features help the writer communicate effectively, influence public opinion, and contribute meaningfully to ongoing societal debates. Mastery of these characteristics distinguishes a well-crafted op-ed from lesser efforts, establishing the writer’s authority and voice in the crowded landscape of opinion journalism.

References

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