steps to write an opinion article

How to Effectively Structure an Opinion Article

Opinion articles present the researcher’s viewpoints on the strengths and limitations of a scientific hypothesis or theories. Consequently, they make us think about where we stand! It helps us evaluate where we are heading to and what should we do to meet the rapidly changing research trends. This form of writing involves constructive criticism. These articles are intended to encourage scientific discourse that defies the current state of knowledge in that specific field.  As an esteemed scientist you get the satisfaction of expressing your unique perspectives in a competitive manner. Again, it is undoubtedly the most-read section of a journal. In the best case, it could also inspire decision-making!

Characteristics of an Opinion Article

Opinion articles are written to share an author’s perspective on a contemporary issue. It must add significant value to the scientific literature pool. Additionally, unlike original research articles, it is variant that is briefer, crisper and has a clear point of view. Indeed, it is also equally important that the authors present a well-balanced overview of the field in terms of research representation for all the concerned groups. Indeed, the fundamental idea of encouraging opinion pieces is to stimulate healthy debates about new research. Moreover, they assist in discussing possible consequences or effects of new research, provide a new framework for an old existing problem or any current issue.

Structure of an Opinion Article

Opinion pieces may not strictly follow the IMRaD format . The author has to ensure that ideas are logical and presented in a coherent manner. Opinion article are usually around 2000-3000 words and have an accompanying short abstract of about 150-300 words. It may have a minimum of 5 to 10 references and one or two tables or figures at the maximum.

Generate a concise and specific title that clearly reflects the idea of the article.

For instance, “What is the impact of factor ABC on subject PQR: A systematic analysis” or “ Is A a risk factor for B: a case control study”

In addition, provide the complete list of authors, their full names and institutional addresses. Clearly indicate the corresponding author.

The abstract must be a succinct summary of around 150 words that briefly explains the significance and relevance of the article. You may include the background, the main body, followed by a short conclusion. Do not add any citations in the abstract. Abbreviations and acronyms may be added if absolutely essential. Furthermore, ensure to spell them correctly. In certain cases, the journals may not require an abstract at all.

Provide 4-6 keywords relevant to your subject of discussion. This helps in improving the visibility of the article.

Introduction

Provide background information with a brief summary of existing literature. Once you establish the base, present your statement of purpose towards the end.

The main body must be logical and well-structured. Ensure that every viewpoint is presented in a lucid manner, making it easy to read and review. Introduce your topic and outline all the existing opinions and perspectives about the issue. In addition, always make sure that the opinions or models have strong and credible supporting evidence. Add relevant, meaningful and informative subheadings to the article for better distinction of arguments.

Summarize your arguments with evidence that supports your statement. Furthermore, discuss the applications and implications of your opinions. You may also recommend future directions for research. It is also important to mention any limitations or shortcomings related to your opinion piece for an unbiased overview.

Declarations in An Opinion Article

Some journals require a declaration section that includes the following:

• Authors must disclose any financial or non-financial competing interests.

2. Authors must provide ethics approval and consent to participation in the study (if human subjects/ human tissue/ human data are involved). Mention the ethics statement and the name of the ethics committee that approved the study.

3. Consent for publication for any human data involved in the report.

4. Availability of data and materials statement must include information about the source of data supporting your findings reported in the article. You may also provide hyperlinks to publicly archived datasets that were refereed to, analyzed or generated during the course of your study. Providing the sources help other to accurately interpret, replicate and build upon the published data. However, please refrain sharing data that may compromise individual privacy.

Examples of data availability statements may include:

• The datasets analyzed/generated during the present study can be availed from [Name of the repository and web link to the dataset].
• All the data analysed or generated during the present study have been included in the supplementary files.
• The datasets analysed/referred to/generated during the present study are available from the corresponding author on rational and valid request.

5. Clearly state the funding sources and their role in the design of the study, data collection and analysis, interpretation of data and in the writing of the article.

6. Individual author’s contributions should be specified.

Have you ever drafted an opinion piece? What challenges did you face? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. If you have any questions related writing and publishing good opinion pieces, post them here and our experts will be happy to answer them! You can also visit our Q&A forum for frequently asked questions related to  research writing and publishing answered by our team that comprises subject-matter experts, eminent researchers, and publication experts.

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Opinion The Washington Post guide to writing an opinion article

The Washington Post is providing this news free to all readers as a public service.

Follow this story and more by signing up for national breaking news email alerts.

Each month, The Washington Post publishes dozens of op-eds from guest authors. These articles — written by subject-matter experts, politicians, journalists and other people with something interesting to say — provide a diversity of voices and perspectives for our readers.

The information and tips below are meant to demystify our selection and editing process, and to help you sharpen your argument before submitting an op-ed of your own.

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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

Opinion Writing: Everything You Need To Know (+ 8 Examples)

Everybody has opinions and the perfect medium to convey them is through opinion writing.

Learning how to convey your opinions to others by writing is an excellent way of voicing your ideas and suggestions and becoming more confident as a person and an articulate writer.

What is the purpose of opinion writing?

Opinion writing is a powerful type of writing that helps you convey your opinion to the audience in the most effective and compelling manner.

It has a specific format:

Thesis statement

• Introduction

It also consists of structural elements such as

Let’s delve further into opinion writing, its types, and how to write an opinion piece in this guide.

What is opinion writing?

As its name implies, opinion writing is a type of writing in which the writer gives their opinion on a topic or subject matter.

The writer shares their perspective or stance on that topic and offers reasons and supporting arguments to support that opinion.

What must be included in opinion writing?

Here are some features that every piece of opinion writing should have.

• Supporting reasons and evidence
• Well-researched and well-presented arguments
• A definite, well-organized structure
• Quotes or experiences by credible authorities on the subject that lend credence to the writer’s opinion
• Relevant and authentic facts and statistics
• A reasonable conclusion summing up the main idea and reiterating the writer’s viewpoint

Importance of Opinion Writing: Why is opinion writing important for students?

Opinion writing is an essential kind of writing for a multitude of reasons. As a student, a writer, or a blogger, it helps you share your views and opinions on various subjects with your audience.

It also enables you to develop and further enhance your writing skills, and you learn how to effectively communicate your ideas and perspectives with the aid of authentic evidence. Moreover, it helps build confidence.

For readers, opinion pieces are a great source of knowledge, facts, and other opinions that may or may not be different from their own.

Knowing other opinions on various subjects is essential and allows one to broaden their perspective.

What are some types of opinion writing?

Opinion pieces can mainly be divided into columns, editorials, and op-eds. We’ll explore each type in detail below.

Writers who write columns are often referred to as columnists and write opinion pieces on various current events, political events, social issues, and other topics.

Columns are usually published in newspapers, magazines, and other literary publications.

Like columns, editorials are also published in newspapers and magazines and convey a specific opinion or stance on a particular subject matter.

Editorials are written by an editorial board member of a newspaper or magazine.

Op-eds are opinion pieces commonly featured in magazines and newspapers and written by guest contributors.

“Op-ed” is short for “opposite the editorial page,” where these pieces are mostly found.

What is the structure of opinion writing?

Every opinion piece should be well-structured, with different paragraphs dedicated to other parts of the arguments.

Typically, an opinion piece has the following structural elements: thesis sentence, introduction, body, and conclusion.

The body is the part where the bulk of the writer’s opinions, arguments, supporting evidence, and statistics go.

In the body part, ideas should be formulated using this order:

• Examples/Evidence
• In the next section, we’ll explore these structural elements in more detail.

Opinion writing format

While there is no strict format, every writer has to adhere to when penning opinion pieces, certain structural elements (that we’ve mentioned previously) must be present in every opinion piece.

Here are some of them:

The thesis statement gives the reader a quick overview of what the opinion piece is about and what the writer’s stance is.

Introduction Of Your Opinion

The introduction is an integral part of an opinion piece in which the writer gives some background about the topic and paves the way for their upcoming arguments.

The opening may also contain the writer’s name, publication details, etc.

Next comes the body. The body is where the bulk of the writer’s arguments, supporting reasons, facts, and statistics go.

It can contain multiple supporting arguments, examples, and references from credible sources. The body usually contains numerous paragraphs.

Opinion Conclusion

In the conclusion, the writer effectively wraps up their argument and reiterates their stance on the subject matter.

The conclusion is basically a summary of the whole opinion piece.

Besides the essential structural elements and necessary parts (supporting arguments, evidence, examples, etc.), there are other vital components that every opinion piece must have.

These include:

• A bold, clear statement of the writer’s opinion or stance on the subject matter
• Formal language and a polite and informative tone
• Relevant and appropriate evidence
• Varying sentence length and convincing word choice to inform the audience and keep them engaged

How do you start opinion writing?

The beginning of an opinion piece is important and must set the stage for the upcoming arguments.

The opinion piece should begin with a clear statement of the subject matter and hint at the writer’s stance on it.

In addition, your introduction should provide a smooth transition to the main body of the opinion piece.

Opinion writing topics: What is an example in opinion writing?

Here is a list of 8 excellent topics for writing opinion pieces.

• Should organizations adopt a 4-day work week?
• Should standardized testing be abolished?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
• Are video games turning children violent?
• What are some of the best electric cars you can buy?
• Should every child receive awards for participating in school events instead of only those who win?
• Is online education as effective as in-person education?
• Is it wrong to put animals in cages?

Final thoughts

Opinion writing is a crucial type of writing and is something everybody should try their hand at. It helps you voice your opinions and empowers you to address an audience and speak your mind.

Since it is specialized writing, it has its own format, structural elements, and other essential components.

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How to Write an Opinion Piece

Last Updated: March 3, 2024 Fact Checked

Topic Choice

Sample opinion pieces, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA . Emily Listmann is a private tutor in San Carlos, California. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 429,848 times.

Opinion articles are sometimes called "op-eds," and these articles allow readers of a newspaper to voice their thoughts and ideas on topics ranging from local happenings to international controversy. People often write opinion articles about politics, current events, and public affairs. Most opinion articles are about 750 words long, with a professional tone. If you want to try your hand at writing an op-ed, you can learn to choose a compelling topic, write an effective draft, and finish off your op-ed like a professional editor.

• 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.
• If your local library is slated to close in the next week, you could write an op-ed about the merits of the library and why it is an absolutely essential part of your community.

• Let’s continue on with the library example. 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.

• Why is the library closing? 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.

• 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.

• "In the winters of my youth, when days were short and walking was done in bundled layers, my sister and I would make the short trek to the library. Afternoons were spent in art classes, and among the bookshelves of that historic building. Sadly, next month the library is slated to meet the same fate as many of our other now-closed community buildings. For me, this is the last straw."

• The library op-ed might draw on details like the fact that the library was founded by President Wilson because he felt the town needed a place to read and discuss. You might discuss a specific librarian who has worked there for 60 years and has read every book of fiction in the collection.

• The closing of the library will displace 130,000 books and movies, forcing citizens of the town to travel 40 miles (64 km) to the next nearest library, bookstore, or movie rental business. Readers’ children will have access to half as many books, as the school always sends the kids to the library to rent their textbooks for the year. Etc.

• To continue the library example: You might use a personal story about how the first book you ever read from cover to cover was in that library; or how you developed a relationship with the old lady who runs the check-out counter; or how the library was your refuge from your bad living situation.

• Example of passive voice: “It is hoped that the local government will reconsider its plans to close the library.”
• Example of active voice: “I hope that the local government sees what this wonderful library means to the community, and will reconsider its horrible decision to close this hub of learning and community-building.

• To be sure, those that wish to close the library down are correct in thinking that our local economy is struggling. Businesses are closing left and right because people are not buying their goods. But to think that closing the library will solve the problem of our economy is surely a misguided notion.

• For example: If we come together as a community, there is a serious chance that we can save our library. Through fundraising and petitioning, I think it will become clear to the local government that they need to reconsider the closing of this historical and vibrant library. If the government were to instead allocate some of the funds they are planning on pouring into the new mega-mall to the upkeep of the library, this beautiful landmark would not have to close.

• Make sure your final sentences include specific actions the reader can take after finishing your article.
• Our town’s library is not only a house for the brilliant works of authors from around the world, but it is also a place where the community can come together to learn, discuss, appreciate, and inspire. If the library closes as planned, our community will lose a beautiful testament to our town’s history, and a hub for the curious minds of our young and old alike. As a community, we must come together to save our library. Do your part by calling your city council representative, donating to the library, and joining Friends of the Library.

• Newspapers will almost always edit, but will usually preserve the voice, style, and viewpoint of your piece. This doesn’t mean, however, that you can send a lengthy piece and count on them to cut it down to their liking. Papers will often skip over a piece that does not generally correspond to their specified word count.

• Example of brief bio-related to library op-ed: John Smith is an avid reader with a PhD in Creative Writing and Political Science. He has lived in Library town, MA his entire life.

• If it is appropriate to do so given your topic, employ the use of humor, irony, and wit. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If your topic focuses on an issue at a national or international level, send it out to many different newspapers--don't just limit yourself to one. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Related wikiHows

• Work as a Freelance Journalist
• ↑ https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/hks-communications-program/files/new_seglin_how_to_write_an_oped_1_25_17_7.pdf
• ↑ https://styleguide.duke.edu/toolkits/writing-media/how-to-write-an-op-ed-article/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/opinion-essay/
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/02/write-op-ed
• ↑ https://www.umass.edu/pep/sites/default/files/how_to_write_an_oped-duke_2.pdf

About This Article

To write an opinion piece, or an op-ed, on a current event or trend, start by condensing your argument down to 1 or 2 sentences, then support that argument with historical facts, statistics, quotes, and other interesting information. Make your point in the first few sentences, then show the readers why they should care about the issue. In addition, add in personal details that will humanize the piece and show why you feel strongly about the subject. Keep reading to learn how to address other people’s arguments to the issue. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Opinion Writing: a Guide to Writing a Successful Essay Easily

An opinion essay requires students to write their thoughts regarding a subject matter. Relevant examples and explanations back their point of view. Before starting an opinion paper, it is important to study the definition, topics, requirements, and structure. Referring to examples is also highly useful. Perhaps you need help with our admission essay writing service ? Take a look at this guide from our dissertation writing service to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert.

What Is an Opinion Essay

A common question among students is: ‘What is an Opinion Essay?' It is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion essays type require references to back the writer's claims.

Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or something along those lines.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay

Non-native English-speaking students enrolled in the International English Language Testing System by the British Council & Cambridge Assessment English are tasked with learning how to write the opinion essays. 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 good opinion essay in English.

Get Your Opinion ESSAY READY TODAY!

We will write you a plagiarism-free opinion essay, with a title page, unlimited revisions, and bunch of other cool features included!

What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write an opinion essay within relevance to answer the assigned question. This is also known as ‘beating around the bush' and should not be included in any opinion paragraph as it may lower your grade.

Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different. Therefore, it contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction.

A Well-Thought Thesis: The full thesis statement 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 Languages: Although it is okay to write informally, keep a wide range of professional and formal words. This includes: ‘Furthermore,' ‘As Stated By,' ‘However', & ‘Thus'.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. Don'tDon't include words like ‘LOL', ‘OMG', ‘LMAO', etc.

The Use of First Person Language (Optional): For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your personal opinion essay in the first person.

Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow custom essay 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 also recommend reading about types of sentences with examples .

Opinion Essay Topics

Before learning about the structure, choosing from a wide range of opinion essay topics is important. Picking an essay theme is something that can be done very simply. Choosing an excellent opinion essay topic that you are interested in or have a passion for is advisable. Otherwise, you may find the writing process boring. This also ensures that your paper will be both effective and well-written.

• Do sports differ from ordinary board games?
• Is using animals in circus performances immoral?
• Why should we be honest with our peers?
• Should all humans be entitled to a 4-day workweek?
• Should all humans become vegetarians?
• Does a CEO earn too much?
• Should teens be barred from having sleepovers?
• Should everyone vote for their leader?
• The Pros & Cons of Day-Light Saving Hours.
• What are the most energy-efficient and safest cars of X year?

Opinion Essay Structure

When it comes to opinion paragraphs, students may struggle with the opinion essay format. The standard five-paragraph-essay structure usually works well for opinion essays. Figuring out what one is supposed to include in each section may be difficult for beginners. This is why following the opinion essay structure is something all beginners should do, for their own revision before writing the entire essay.

You might also be interested in getting more information about: 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Opinion essay introduction

• Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter.
• Reference a speech, poem, book, or play.
• Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets.
• 1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description.
• 1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
• 1 sentence that links to the first body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

• Supporting arguments
• Explanation
• A linking sentence to the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

• Supporting argument
• A linking sentence to the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

• A linking sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion paragraph

• Summary of the entire paper
• A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion)

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Opinion Essay Examples

Do you need something for reference? Reading opinion essay examples can expand your knowledge of this style of writing, as you get to see exactly how this form of an essay is written. Take a look at our samples to get an insight into this form of academic writing.

Over the past, American popular culture has been strong in creating racial stereotypes. Images displayed through television, music, and the internet have an impact on how individuals behave and what individuals believe. People find their identities and belief systems from popular culture. Evidently, I believe that American pop culture has created racial stereotypes that predominantly affect other ethnic minorities. Analyzing the history of America reveals that African Americans have always had a problem defining themselves as Americans ever since the era of slavery. AfricanAmericans have always had a hard time being integrated into American culture. The result is that African Americans have been subjected to ridicule and shame. American pop culture has compounded the problem by enhancing the negative stereotypes ofAfrican American. In theatre, film, and music, African Americans have been associated with vices such as murder, theft, and violence.

The family systems theory has a significant revelation on family relations. I firmly agree that to understand a particular family or a member, they should be around other family members. The emotional connection among different family members may create functional or dysfunctional coexistence, which is not easy to identify when an individual is further from the other members. Taking an example of the extended family, the relationship between the mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law may be tense, but once they are outside the family, they can pretend to have a good relationship. Therefore, I agree with the theory that the existing emotional attachment and developed culture in the family is distinctively understood when the family is together.

Opinion writing is a form of academic paper that asks students to include their thoughts on a particular topic. This is then backed by a logical explanation and examples. Becoming more knowledgeable is a practical way to successfully learn how to write an opinion paper. Before writing anything, it is essential to refer to important information. That includes the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements. This is what turns amateur writers into master writers.

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How to Write an Opinion Essay (With Tips and Examples)

Are you struggling with how to write an opinion essay that effectively communicates your viewpoint on a particular topic while providing strong evidence to back it up? Fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of crafting a quality opinion essay, from understanding the purpose and structure to choosing engaging topics and employing effective writing techniques. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Opinion essays are formal pieces of writing that express the author’s viewpoint on a given subject.
• Crafting an effective thesis statement and outline, choosing engaging topics, using formal language and tone, addressing counterarguments and maintaining logical flow are essential for creating compelling opinion essays.
• The revision process is key to producing polished opinion essays that effectively convey one’s opinions.

What is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay, also known as an opinion paper, is a formal piece of writing wherein the author expresses their viewpoint on a given subject and provides factual and anecdotal evidence to substantiate their opinion. The purpose of an opinion essay is to articulate a position in a clear and informative manner, following a proper opinion essay structure. Opinion essays are commonly found in newspapers and social media, allowing individuals to articulate their perspectives and opinions on a specific topic, striving to create a perfect opinion essay.

While the focus of an opinion essay should be on the writer’s own opinion concerning the issue, it necessitates more meticulous planning and effort than simply articulating one’s own thoughts on a particular topic. The arguments in an opinion essay should be grounded on well-researched data, making it crucial to consult pertinent information, including the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements, to write an opinion essay and transform novice writers into proficient writers.

Crafting the Perfect Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the foundation of a great essay. It clearly expresses the writer’s opinion and sets the stage for the rest of the essay. To craft the perfect thesis statement, start by perusing the essay prompt multiple times to ensure you fully understand the question or topic you are being asked to discuss. Once you have a clear understanding of the topic, construct your opinion and conduct thorough research to locate evidence to corroborate your stance and examine counterarguments or contrasting perspectives.

Remember, your thesis statement should provide a succinct overview of the opinion essay and serve as a guide for the remainder of the paper. By crafting a strong thesis statement, you will be able to capture your reader’s attention and set the tone for a well-structured and persuasive essay.

Building a Solid Opinion Essay Outline

A well-structured opinion essay format is crucial for organizing your thoughts and ensuring that your entire essay flows smoothly from one point to the next. An opinion essay outline typically comprises an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, following the standard five-paragraph essay structure.

Let’s delve deeper into each component of the outline. The introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic and your opinion on it. It should be.

Introduction

The introduction of your opinion essay should hook the reader and provide an overview of the essay’s content. To achieve this, consider addressing the reader directly, introducing a quotation, posing thought-provoking or rhetorical questions, or referring to a remarkable or unconventional fact, concept, or scenario.

It is essential to introduce the topic clearly in the introduction to avoid superfluous phrases and inapplicable facts that are not pertinent to the topic. By crafting an engaging introduction, you will set the stage for a compelling and well-organized opinion essay.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your good opinion essay should provide arguments and supporting examples to substantiate your opinion. Begin each paragraph with a distinct topic sentence and use credible sources to provide substantiation for your viewpoint with dependable data.

Addressing counterarguments in your body paragraphs can also enhance your essay by illustrating a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and fortifying your stance.

Organize your body paragraphs in a coherent manner, ensuring that each argument and supporting example flows logically from one to the next. This will make it easier for your reader to follow your train of thought and strengthen the overall impact of your essay.

The conclusion of your opinion essay should summarize the main points and restate your opinion in a new manner, providing a sense of closure and completion to your argument. Keep your conclusion concise and avoid introducing new information or arguments at this stage. By effectively summarizing your main points and restating your opinion, you will leave a lasting impression on your reader and demonstrate the strength of your argument.

In addition to summarizing your main ideas, consider providing a final thought or call to action that will leave your reader pondering the implications of your essay. This can further reinforce the impact of your conclusion and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Choosing Engaging Opinion Essay Topics

Selecting engaging topics for opinion essays is crucial for capturing the reader’s interest and encouraging critical thinking. While there are an abundance of potential questions or topics that could be utilized for an opinion essay, it is important to choose topics that are relevant, interesting, and thought-provoking.

To find inspiration for engaging opinion essay topics, consider browsing the Op-Ed sections of newspapers, exploring social media debates, or even reflecting on your own experiences and interests. Keep in mind that a well-chosen topic not only draws the reader’s attention, but also stimulates critical thinking and fosters insightful discussions.

Opinion Essay Writing Techniques

Effective opinion essay writing techniques include using formal language and tone, addressing counterarguments, and maintaining logical flow.

Let’s explore each of these techniques in more detail.

Formal Language and Tone

Using formal language and tone in your opinion essay is essential for conveying a sense of professionalism and credibility. This can be achieved by avoiding slang, jargon, and colloquial expressions, as well as short forms and over-generalizations. Moreover, expressing your opinion without utilizing the personal pronoun “I” can give your essay a seemingly more objective approach.

Remember that the recommended tense for composing an opinion essay is present tense. By maintaining a formal language and tone throughout your essay, you will demonstrate your expertise on the subject matter and instill confidence in your reader.

Addressing Counterarguments

Addressing counterarguments in your opinion essay is an effective way to demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic and strengthen your position. To do this, introduce opposing viewpoints in a straightforward manner and provide evidence to counter them. This not only showcases your comprehension of the subject matter, but also bolsters your own argument by refuting potential objections.

By acknowledging and addressing counterarguments, you will create a more balanced and persuasive opinion essay that encourages critical thinking and engages your reader.

Maintaining Logical Flow

Ensuring your opinion essay maintains a logical flow is critical for enabling your reader to follow your arguments and evidence with ease. To achieve this, utilize precise and succinct words, compose legible sentences, and construct well-structured paragraphs. Incorporating transitional words and varied sentence structures can also enhance the flow of your essay.

By maintaining a logical flow throughout your opinion essay, you will create an organized and coherent piece of writing that effectively communicates your viewpoint and supporting arguments to your reader.

Analyzing Opinion Essay Examples

Analyzing opinion essay examples can help improve your understanding of the structure and style required for this type of writing. Numerous examples are available online as a source of reference, providing valuable insights into how other writers have approached similar topics and structured their essays.

By examining opinion essay examples, you will be better equipped to identify the elements of a successful essay and apply them to your own writing. This will not only enhance your understanding of opinion essay writing, but also inspire you to develop your own unique voice and style.

The Revision Process: Polishing Your Opinion Essay

The revision process is essential for polishing your opinion essay, ensuring clarity, logical flow, and proper grammar and punctuation. Start by rereading your first draft, making improvements as you progress and rectifying any grammar errors that may be observed. Having another individual review your writing, such as a family member or friend, can provide candid feedback, allowing you to refine your essay further.

The ultimate step in composing an opinion essay is proofreading. This final review will ensure that your essay is polished and free from errors, resulting in a well-crafted and persuasive piece of writing that effectively communicates your opinion on the topic at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start an opinion essay.

To start an opinion essay, begin by stating the subject of your essay and expressing your perspective on it. Follow up by using an interesting or provocative statement to capture the reader’s attention.

Introduce your essay by restating the question in your own words, making sure to make your opinion clear throughout your essay.

What is the structure of an opinion essay?

An opinion essay is typically structured with an introduction containing a thesis statement, body paragraphs providing arguments or reasons that support your view, and a conclusion.

Each section of the essay should be written in a formal tone to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

What is the format of an opinion paragraph?

An opinion paragraph typically begins with a clear statement of the opinion, followed by body sentences providing evidence and support for the opinion, before finally summarizing or restating the opinion in a concluding sentence.

It should be written in a formal tone.

What not to write in an opinion essay?

When writing an opinion essay, make sure to stay on topic, avoid slang and jargon, introduce the topic clearly and concisely, and do not include unnecessary facts that do not relate directly to the question.

Use a formal tone and keep your conclusion clear in the first sentence.

What is the purpose of an opinion essay?

The purpose of an opinion essay is to articulate a position in a clear and informative manner, providing evidence to support it.

This type of essay requires the writer to research the topic thoroughly and present their opinion in a logical and convincing way. They must also be able to back up their opinion with facts and evidence.

In conclusion, crafting a quality opinion essay requires a clear understanding of the purpose and structure of this type of writing, as well as the ability to choose engaging topics and employ effective writing techniques. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this guide, you will be well on your way to creating a compelling and persuasive opinion essay that effectively articulates your viewpoint and supporting arguments.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write and revise, the more adept you will become at crafting insightful and impactful opinion essays. So, go forth and share your opinions with the world, backed by strong evidence and persuasive writing!

Opinion Pieces and Editorials: A Comprehensive Writing Guide

• Published: November 16, 2023
• By: Yellowbrick

Opinion Pieces and Editorials: A Writing Guide

Opinion pieces and editorials play a crucial role in journalism, offering writers a platform to express their perspectives and influence public opinion. These forms of writing allow individuals to delve into a range of topics, from politics and social issues to entertainment and culture. Whether you aspire to become a journalist, a columnist, or simply want to enhance your writing skills, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary tools to craft compelling opinion pieces and editorials.

Choose a Relevant and Engaging Topic

The first step in writing an impactful opinion piece or editorial is selecting a topic that is both relevant and interesting. Consider current events, trending topics, or issues that you are passionate about. It’s essential to choose a subject that will captivate your readers and spark their curiosity.

Conduct Thorough Research

Before you start writing, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible about your chosen topic. Conduct thorough research from reliable sources, such as reputable news outlets, academic journals, and expert opinions. This will help you build a strong foundation for your argument and ensure your piece is well-informed.

Understand Different Perspectives

While writing an opinion piece, it’s important to acknowledge and understand various perspectives on the topic. This will help you present a balanced argument and avoid appearing biased. Analyze different viewpoints, gather supporting evidence, and consider counterarguments to strengthen your piece.

Develop a Clear and Persuasive Thesis

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of any opinion piece or editorial. It should clearly state your main argument and provide a roadmap for the rest of your article. Craft a thesis that is concise, persuasive, and captures the essence of your viewpoint.

Structure Your Piece Effectively

To ensure your opinion piece or editorial flows smoothly, follow a logical structure. Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that hooks the reader and provides context for your argument. Then, develop your points in the body paragraphs, providing evidence and examples to support your claims. Finally, conclude your piece with a compelling ending that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Opinion pieces and editorials should be written in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may alienate your readers. Instead, opt for simple and impactful language that effectively communicates your ideas.

Incorporate Compelling Evidence

To strengthen your argument, it’s essential to back up your claims with compelling evidence. Use statistics, research findings, and expert opinions to support your viewpoints. This will add credibility to your piece and make it more persuasive.

Engage with Your Audience

Opinion pieces and editorials are meant to engage and provoke thought in readers. Consider your target audience and tailor your writing style accordingly. Use rhetorical questions, anecdotes, or personal experiences to captivate your readers and invite them to think critically about the topic.

Edit and Revise

After completing your initial draft, take the time to edit and revise your opinion piece or editorial. Check for grammatical errors, clarity of ideas, and overall coherence. Consider seeking feedback from peers or mentors to gain valuable insights and improve your writing.

Submit to Appropriate Platforms

Once you are satisfied with your final draft, it’s time to submit your opinion piece or editorial to relevant platforms. Consider pitching your article to newspapers, magazines, or online publications that align with your chosen topic. Additionally, consider publishing your work on personal blogs or social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

Opinion pieces and editorials are powerful tools for shaping public discourse and influencing opinions. By following this writing guide, you will be well-equipped to craft compelling and impactful pieces that resonate with readers. Remember, the key to success lies in thorough research, clear argumentation, and engaging storytelling. Happy writing!

Key Takeaways

Writing opinion pieces and editorials can be a powerful way to express your perspectives and influence public opinion. Here are the key takeaways from this writing guide:

• Choose a relevant and engaging topic that captivates your readers and sparks their curiosity.
• Conduct thorough research to gather information from reliable sources, building a strong foundation for your argument.
• Understand different perspectives on the topic to present a balanced argument and avoid appearing biased.
• Develop a clear and persuasive thesis statement that captures the essence of your viewpoint.
• Structure your piece effectively with an attention-grabbing introduction, well-developed body paragraphs, and a compelling ending.
• Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and complex terms that may alienate your readers.
• Incorporate compelling evidence, such as statistics and expert opinions, to strengthen your argument.
• Engage with your audience by tailoring your writing style to resonate with them and using rhetorical questions or personal anecdotes.
• Edit and revise your work to ensure clarity of ideas, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.
• Submit your opinion piece or editorial to appropriate platforms, such as newspapers, magazines, or personal blogs, to reach a wider audience.

To further enhance your writing skills and gain valuable insights into the world of modern journalism, consider enrolling in the NYU | Modern Journalism online course and certificate program offered by Yellowbrick. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of journalism.

Remember, writing opinion pieces and editorials is not only about expressing your own views but also about engaging with your readers and influencing public discourse. With practice and dedication, you can become a persuasive and impactful writer in the world of journalism.

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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Write an Opinion Essay + Examples

A personal opinion essay is an essential part of an educational process. Wherever you study, you will surely come across this kind of work. And if you’re stuck with finding ideas, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will learn all the intricacies of writing and get some good opinion essay topics.

Let’s start!

🤔 What Is an Opinion Essay?

🖊️ how to write an opinion essay.

• 🔗 Linkers and Transition Words

💡 Opinion Essay Ideas

👨‍🎓 opinion essay examples.

An opinion essay is a type of work that involves the expression of one’s own opinion, which has become the product of processing facts and arguments. However, this does not mean there should be no argumentation in the essay. It will be a big plus if you have a couple of examples from your own life or the lives of historical figures, illustrating some facts in your stock. Writing an opinion essay requires the author to clearly state his thoughts on any occasion, without excessive water and long reasoning.

Among other things, it should be remembered that, technically, an opinion essay is a formal type of work that many graduates write at the end of their studies. And this means it has its structure and specific writing rules that must be adhered to. To fully understand the meaning of this type of work, try reading a couple of our free essay samples .

🎯 The Purpose of an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay is an excellent tool for teaching students how to express their position correctly. And also to test the depth of their knowledge and thinking. An opinion essay can help you to boost your skills:

• Ability to convey your thoughts . Regardless of the topic of the essay, the teacher wants to see that his wards, leaving the educational institution, will be independent individuals. Therefore, the student needs to show the ability to convey their thoughts on any occasion.
• Competent writing skills . Even in the modern world, writing skills do not lose their relevance. This type of work allows you to form it as efficiently as possible. So if you want to impress your boss, remember to pay attention to grammar and punctuation.
• Topic knowledge . Unfortunately, there is no error-free way to test a student’s ability. However, opinion essays allow the teacher to examine everyone and ensure that the topic has been mastered. This is especially true for subjects such as history and literature.

And, of course, you should understand that the purpose of any text is to be read. So just be creative, and you will have a fantastic essay!

🗝️ Key Features of an Opinion Essay

Like any other type of writing, an opinion essay has characteristics that make it unique. And, of course, to compose a competent text, you need to know about them.

• Focus on the author’s clear and well-reasoned subjective opinion . All proofs, as well as the conclusion, are based on it.
• Logical-based structure . Moreover, it entirely depends on the intentions of the writer.
• Examples and arguments come primarily from personal experience . However, an author may use history and social life quotes and examples of literary heroes to prove their position.
• Speech instruments used . As an author, you will benefit significantly from using a variety of speech constructs . They can help you influence other people. Connecting constructs and clear speech will keep the reader interested and get the most out of the reader.

You just need to get used to all the features to get a little practice. You will succeed!

⚖️ Argumentative, Opinion or Persuasive Essay: the Difference

Before proceeding directly to writing the text, it is worth learning one more important thing. Even towards the end of high school, many people confuse opinion and persuasive essays. These papers look similar.

To help you distinguish the argumentative, opinion, and persuasive essays, we prepare a table of comparisons where you can easily indicate the difference between these papers:

Now let’s move on to which sections the essay consists of and how it should be written. You can safely use this information as a synopsis when completing the assignment.

So, the first one!

📃 Opinion Essay Format

As mentioned earlier, a specific opinion essay structure must be followed. Therefore, before you prepare writing, make up a small outline, which will contain all the components of the text and your ideas for their content. So, how to start an opinion essay?

Opinion Essay Introduction

Of course, any text starts with a short opening. This section should summarize the essence of the problem you are writing about. The main task of the introduction is to entice the audience and familiarize them with the paper’s main topic. Therefore, by the first paragraph, a person will build an impression of your talents.

Moreover, remember that the introduction should be catchy. How to write a hook for an opinion essay? In simple words, this is a proposal that should interest the reader and draw his attention. It should be subject-related and relatively accurate. All you have to do is show the reader that the topic of the essay will be critical and even touch it.

Let’s take a look at some opinion essay introduction examples from our authors, in which you can see all the listed components:

• As Ronald Reagan said in one of his speeches, everyone who advocates abortion has been born. The topic of abortion is very controversial, and people still cannot come to a standard solution. That is why, in this abortion opinion essay, I will try to sort out my thoughts and answer whether abortion is a panacea or a hidden evil.
• Global warming is a global problem. As Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez aptly put it, we cannot sit back while our planet is on fire. But can one person influence the fate of all humanity? I think so, and in this essay, I will try to explain my position

Of course, these examples are conditional, and you can change them as you need to achieve a quality result.

Opinion Essay: Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the final sentence of an introduction . It is an integral part of the entire text. And if your essay will be evaluated, then the absence of the thesis will significantly underestimate the point. So how do you write the last sentence competently so that the reader will like it?

At its core, in the thesis, you should summarize everything that you indicated in the introduction and, in a nutshell, make it clear what will be discussed. You are expected to state your position on the issue clearly. And then, the entire text should be directed precisely to reinforce your words.

For example, take this essay topic: “ Is globalization a positive phenomenon? ” In this case, a good thesis would be “ In my opinion, globalization has many more advantages than disadvantages. ”

See how one small phrase can dramatically improve your overall performance score. Therefore, pay due attention to it!

Opinion Essay: Body Paragraphs

Finally, you come to the main body of your essay, namely the argumentation. The body paragraphs of an opinion essay are aimed at correctly explaining the author’s position to the audience. Here you are expected to have good arguments and examples that will become your assistants in proving your case.

Body paragraphs have two parts: an argument and an example supporting what you said. For example, you might say that the lack of responsibility for actions leads to the corruption of the mind and soul. And as an explanation to these words, briefly support your statement with the story of the protagonist of the novel by Jack London, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

Moreover, no one limits the number of these same arguments, and often it depends on the maximum volume of the text itself. The standard case is two good arguments, supported by examples from life or literature. Then you can be sure that the reader will correctly understand your idea.

🔗 Linkers and Transitional Words for Opinion Essay

Connecting structures are an invisible companion for the reader throughout the entire essay. They are also called linkers or transitional words . At their core, these two concepts mean the exact phrases. Their task is to make the text more readable and smoothly translate the reader from one idea to another. Moreover, all these constructions are divided into subgroups depending on their purpose. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples of good transition words for an opinion essay:

• In my opinion…
• It is clear that…, etc.
• It is widely known that…
• It is a well-known fact that…
• Research has shown that…
• There are definitely…
• It is a fact that…, etc.

There are also brilliant linkers for opinion essays on these themes:

• In spite of…
• However, etc.
• To conclude…
• In conclusion…, etc.

Using these constructions, you will significantly increase the consistency of your text and help the reader to perceive it better.

Now that you have a basic understanding of writing an essay, let’s look at some good opinion essay topics. Feel free to use them for your creative work and get good points.

💡 30 Opinion Essay Prompts

So, our team has selected 30 excellent opinion essay topics for you. Look for what resonates in your soul and get to work!

• Opinion essay: success in life depends on being successful at school. Many of us were assured that it is impossible to reach heights without a good performance at school. What do you think about it?
• Mobile phone addiction is the scourge of the 21st century. Give arguments from your life and tell about personal experiences.
• Opinion essay about GMO : pros and cons. For many, this topic remains a secret. It’s time to dispel all inaccuracies and find out the whole truth.
• Should university study be free? What is your position?
• Opinion essay about technologies in our life . What impact do they have?
• Compulsory vaccination : pros and cons. If you have any personal experience with this topic, feel free to share it.
• Opinion on abortion essay: do people have the right to choose?
• US neutrality in World War II : what would have gone differently?
• Opinion essay about video games . Is it an addiction or just leisure ? What do you think?
• Does the motivation from famous people have an effect, or is it a dummy? Do you have an opinion on this matter?
• Essay opinion on junk food : how dangerous it is. Everyone was warned that junk food and junk food kill the body, but maybe it’s all about the quantity?
• Parenting is the foundation of a child’s success. Do you think that the parents are responsible for the future education and work of their child?
• Opinion essay: buy nothing day or Black Friday sales. What do you choose and why?
• The advantages of living in a metropolis and a small town . Which would you choose?
• Essay: opinion about global warming . Do you think this is a real threat, or is it just a panic among people?
• Homemade food or dining out in restaurants? What do you and your family prefer?
• Social media impact opinion essay. Billions of people spend their time on social media . What consequences can this have for humanity?
• Consequences of increasing the budget for road construction. How will this affect our cities?
• Opinion essay: television promotes violence through broadcasting abusive behavior. Do you agree with this thesis?
• Humanity is destroying the ecosystem and making the earth uninhabitable. What arguments can be for and against?
• Opinion essay about homework : is this system outdated? How do you feel about this from a student’s point of view?
• Artists and internet bloggers make vast amounts of money. Do you support this?
• Opinion essay about racism in modern life. What are the dangers of this behavior? Tell us about your personal experience or give an example from the community’s life.
• Some people dream of changing their place of residence. Do you think that moving to another country will help you in self-realization?
• The best profession to choose opinion essay. What are your thoughts? Where would you like to be after finishing your studies?
• People prefer online communication over live communication. How do you feel about this trend?
• Opinion essay about same-sex marriages. For some people, this is unacceptable. What do you think about it?
• How can movies and television affect human behavior ? Do you think certain viewing films should be limited for people with a weak mentality?
• Opinion essay about immigration . Should the state provide maximum assistance to everyone who wants to get into it?
• Should people be allowed to carry weapons with them? What restrictions can be used, in your opinion?

These themes are ideal for getting good results.

Now let’s look at some small sample essays from our authors. You can see all the listed components and highlight some interesting ideas for yourself!

Climate change opinion essay, truth or fiction? (250 words)

Climate change has been heading the news for decades. Almost everyone is puzzled by this problem in the modern world, but is there any reason to believe that this is just exaggerated media panic? I think not, and in this essay, I will try to explain my position. The first thing worth paying attention to is the changes that we can see every day. But nature is changing, and this is noticeable with the naked eye. For example, you can look at how the temperature regime has changed over the past decades. In my region, real winter began in the last days of November. Then the temperature dropped to zero, and there was already snow outside the window. However, I would be thrilled to see snowfall this year, at least at Christmas. This raises questions about the veracity of statements from the media and various organizations. You should also look at the publicly available facts. International organizations conduct ongoing research, which clearly shows that the climate is changing, and it is difficult to fix it. One of the most respected teams, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), regularly issues climate change reports. And in them, you can see what reasons for this and what it can lead to. This is excellent and detailed work that deserves everyone’s attention. In summary, we can say that climate change can be seen with the naked eye. This problem affects all people on the planet, and to ignore it is to expose yourself to great danger. Humanity is destroying our world, and can we deny it?

Opinion on death penalty essay, is it moral? (300 words)

Many international treaties have long banned the death penalty, but this does not prevent several countries from regularly using it against criminals. I think this is a terrible practice that has no place in our civilized world. The argument for this may be the simple idea that every creature has a right to life. And this right cannot be taken away under any condition because you can take a dangerous path by creating an incident. One Russian scientist Andrei Sakharov spoke very accurately about this: “The existence of the institution of the death penalty dehumanizes society. I spoke out and am opposed to the death penalty also because this punishment provides for the presence of a constantly terrible apparatus of executors, the whole institution of the death penalty ”. I fully support his words because there is no reason not to kill the second after killing once. It should also be understood that people sentenced to death are not always, in fact, guilty. There is a miscarriage of justice, and no one can be insured against it. The most resonant was the story from 1949. Timothy Evans was hanged on charges of murdering his pregnant wife and two-year-old daughter. Four years later, it wasn’t until serial killer John Christie, who had testified in court against Evans, confessed to the murder. He was hanged, and Timothy Evans was posthumously rehabilitated. The Timothy Evans case is one of the most remarkable stories in the death penalty dispute. To summarize, I can say that there are many reasons for the absolute ban on the death penalty in the world. This is not only inhuman but can lead to unnecessary deaths. Fighting crime in this way, the people who defend the law themselves break it.

Opinion essay on smoking: should the state intervene? (300 words)

Smoking is a global problem. Experts predict that in the coming decades, the number of smokers will reach one billion people worldwide. In my opinion, governments should take strict measures to limit nicotine use among the population. Firstly, smoking poses enormous hardships for addicts. All this can increase the number of cancer patients and people suffering from heart and lung diseases. At the same time, it can be tough to give up cigarettes on your own. We all understand that nicotine in quantities that a person receives from cigarettes is not characteristic of the body. Therefore, our body can react in an extraordinary way to its appearance. An example may well be my family, suffering from heart problems for several generations. All men, from my great-grandfather to my father, visit doctors all the time. And they all have one reason – excessive smoking. At the same time, they cannot quit smoking on their own due to a banal addiction. Secondly, smokers can damage the health of other people nearby. It is a well-known fact that secondhand smoke is no less harmful than the regular use of nicotine. And unfortunately, non-smokers, in most cases, have no choice. You can see it yourself in everyday life. People who are forced to breathe smoke while sitting at bus stops or in public places simply cannot do anything about it. The only way to help them is to introduce more and more restrictions from the state. So, in conclusion, we can say that smoking is not only a problem for the person addicted to cigarettes. Everyone suffers from this, from his family to strangers around him. Unfortunately, these difficulties cannot be resolved on their own. But is the state and society doing enough to help people with addiction?

❓ What Are the Characteristics of an Opinion?

The opinion is an entirely subjective position formed due to the influence of certain factors on the mind. It can be characterized as a personal judgment, point of view, and not an exact fact. However, an opinion can be valid only if it is supported by actual knowledge. Otherwise, it can be called more of a guess.

❓ How Many Paragraphs is an Opinion Essay?

The standard structure consists of four main parts: an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Nevertheless, if it is not specified in the assignment, it can deviate slightly from such a system. It is pretty standard practice to write three or more body paragraphs. Conversely, if one section fully covers the topic, then the need for other explanations may disappear.

❓ What Is the Structure of an Opinion Essay?

An essay structure is a precise sequence of your thoughts, which will help the reader to understand the topic better. The standard system consists of an introduction, two arguments, and a conclusion. In addition, there are less visible components like a hook, thesis statement, and linkers words. You can expand the structure by adding more argument parts. However, the sequence must remain the same.

❓ What Is a Supported Opinion Essay?

An essay based on a person’s personal opinion implies a clear statement of the author’s thoughts on a specific topic. However, to show understanding of the problem, one should rely on facts, research, or examples from life. A supported opinion essay is precisely when the author’s opinion is based on objective factors.

📎 References

• Basic Essay Structure. Port. Ac
• An opinion essay. British Council
• How to Write an Opinion Based Essay. UCT Language Centre
• Recognizing Transitions. MPC.Edu
• Writing Your Paper: Transitions. EWU.Edu
• Transition Sentences. The College of Saint Rose
• Writing Effective Conclusions. Richmond University
• Conclusion – How to write an essay. University of Newcastle
• Writing a thesis statement. IELTS Buddy
• CCSS Argument versus Opinion Writing
• Essay Structure. Harvard College Writing Centre
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Ten simple rules for writing scientific op-ed articles

Hoe-han goh.

1 Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Philip Bourne

2 School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America

Introduction

Op-eds, or opinionated editorial essays, are opinion pieces typically written for newspapers or magazines and intended for a wide audience. There are op-ed writers who specialize in writing broadly, and there are subject matter experts that focus on specific topics. Apart from other means of online outreach [ 1 ], an op-ed is an effective way to express a widely disseminated opinion about a topic. As a scientist, you get the prestige and satisfaction of expressing your point of view in a competitive, most-read section of a major publication. In the best case, it could influence decision-making and make a difference [ 2 ]. Op-eds are not like writing a scientific article nor is the process to publication the same. We offer ten simple rules as guidance, based on our experiences as op-ed writers and columnists.

Rule 1: Be timely or timeless

The timing of an op-ed submission is an important determinant of its acceptance. Timeliness is fast-changing and can be seasonal or based on current hot topics, incidents, occasions, or events. For example, environmental issues, natural disasters, new technology launches, or breakthroughs in scientific discovery. The op-ed should be timely and predictive as to what comes next. Focus on a topic that is gaining interest and relevant to the current issues. It is an opportunity to be speculative in a way not possible with a research article.

Alternatively, be timeless. Address a subject that has yet to be adequately addressed but for which you have new opinions and ideas. Lack of diversity in science, the importance of studying both the humanities and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, the peer review process, and research ethics are timeless examples that come to mind.

Rule 2: Write with passion

Writing anything takes time. Why do it when it likely does not count towards your H-index or indeed promotion? The main motivation must be passion, not your scientific reputation, although well-stated opinions can help your reputation [ 3 ]. What stirs that passion? It could be a eureka moment, the desire to debunk myths, refute fake news, or a myriad of other reasons.

You are not writing a scientific paper that calls for a certain tone and relaying of the facts and conclusions in a dry and passionless way. You are stating an opinion. If you are not passionate about that opinion, don’t write it. If you are, write it in a style that reflects that passion, resonates with the reader, and has them thinking about it afterwards. That may not be easy and may take a number of iterations.

Rule 3: Write with authority

Focus on topics in your areas of expertise that convey a strong link to your subject area. Op-ed articles should focus on one topic, so be specific. Good op-eds are based on solid research; thus, you can only write authoritatively in your own research area. You can emphasize your authority with a first-person voice based on your personal experiences so that it relates better to the readers. Op-eds are considered personal opinions of the authors; thus, editors will prefer writers with the appropriate credentials based on affiliations or knowledge of the topics.

Rule 4: Write with persuasion

An op-ed is commonly an opinionated, one-sided argument rather than a diplomatic discussion. You need to make your arguments persuasive by supporting them with data and/or facts. Write without anger or rudeness and avoid being over-opinionated. There should be a balance between opinion and truth. Recognizable truths will improve confidence in what you have written. Previously unknown facts will add values to your writing: they may even be the reason for the op-ed in the first place. Whatever the balance, readers will be more convinced if you can relate to them using easy to understand examples or analogies.

Rule 5: Write with insight

Your expert opinions count, so be critical and insightful in your analysis of the topic. Avoid superficial statements. Propose unusual points of view that most people have overlooked in the subject matter. Provide sound advice and propose practical actions to be taken for the general public, but do not lecture your readers. Give constructive arguments or suggestions for the stakeholders or policymakers. Conclude with a key take-home message that resonates and will be remembered (see Rule 7).

Rule 6: Write for a general audience

The first requirement of an op-ed is that it must be readily understandable. Imagine that you are in a conversation with the general public of different ages and backgrounds. Use active voice frequently. Avoid scientific jargon if you can replace it with an everyday equivalent. Assume no a priori specialized knowledge and think from the readers’ point of view. Assuming an audience’s level of understanding helps you to identify the basic background information needed in making your arguments clear. Writing an op-ed is good training for scientists in improving their communication skills. Asking nonscientist friends to read it before submission will help you achieve readability.

Rule 7: Write succinctly and end where you began

It should be clear what you are writing about in the first couple of sentences: the hook. You then need to end where you started, either answering the question you raised, proposing next steps, or just stating the issue(s) that remain open: the line and sinker. A good op-ed will invoke goose bumps or some other reactions at the end. Beyond the beginning and the end, it is important to keep your writing concise. Avoid obscure or flowery language, unnecessary words, and lengthy sentences. Less is more. Keep the thesis statements loud and clear for the readers. You can start the first draft by including all the details before trimming out some of the obvious statements or clichés. The quality of the final version will depend on your ability to synthesize key messages into the briefest of sentences with a logical flow. Clear writing reflects clarity of thought. Hence, think about what you want to convey and write it as simply as possible using short words. Brevity is key.

Rule 8: Write creatively

Your piece will get extra attention from the editor if it is engaging and has an unusual point of view. The use of catchy titles, phrases, or quotes will enhance your piece. This is very different from the journal articles, which are generally matter-of-fact. Op-ed articles require creative writing techniques and narrative skills. Some figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes, can enrich language and aid understanding when applied accordingly. You can also play the devil’s advocate in arguing the rarer points or presenting your unique perspective. As a scientist, you could also be an academician, a manager, a parent, etc., with a certain origin, ethnicity, and faith. Hence, your op-ed should not be restricted to just the role of a researcher. Be flexible and creative with your different identities and various perspectives.

Rule 9: Learn from others

Most reputable newspapers have excellent op-ed columnists. Wikipedia can help here with their list of newspaper columnists form different countries [ 4 ]. Read their work with these rules in mind. Closer to home you cannot go past the work of Sydney Brenner with his Loose Ends (later renamed False Starts) published in a scientific journal [ 5 ]. Quite simply, each one is a masterpiece that has you reading them one after another as you would a thrilling novel. As for lay publications, readers can refer to a few sources of superb op-eds [ 6 – 7 ] authored by some of the most followed scientists on Twitter [ 8 ].

Rule 10: Be patient and persistent

Be aware of the lead times and be considerate of the editors’ response time. It might take a while for the editors who receive hundreds or thousands of daily submissions to respond. Or, more likely, they will not respond at all. Even if it is accepted, you might not get any reply from the paper editors. Sometimes, you only realize when it appears copyedited or published. Understand the conditions of publication, including things like liability. A shorter alternative to an op-ed is a letter to the editor with many of the same rules applied, which can also be very influential. The editors might keep the article for days or even months before publication to garner the greatest readers’ interest. It is a frustrating process, so patience is required, as is persistence. No response to multiple submissions? Keep trying and just share your output that is not published through blogs or tweets. If your opinion is a good one and valued, social media will be your friend.

Concluding remarks

The writing of these guidelines is inspired by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the black lives matter groundswell, and the general poor state of world politics. Never has it been a better time to write a scientific op-ed.

HHG has experience in contributing op-ed articles and as a columnist for mainstream newspapers in Malaysia.

PEB was the Founding Editor-in-Chief of this journal and, for a number of years, wrote editorials that expressed opinions relevant to this readership. He also maintains a blog, [ 9 ] where this tradition continues.

Funding Statement

The authors received no specific funding for this work.

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Writing an opinion piece

Page contents

What is an opinion piece?

An opinion piece is an article, usually around 800-900 words, that presents an opinion and builds an argument for something to be done.

It is NOT a report about research, but an informed opinion about the implications of research for action .

Opinion piece articles are sometimes called Op-ed articles. This means ‘ Op posite the Ed itorial page’ – where opinion pieces usually placed in broadsheet newspapers.

The articles published by The Conversation and Croakey are generally opinion pieces.

Why write an opinion piece article?

Opinion pieces are a good way of getting exposure when your research may not warrant a journalist’s attention as a news story.  

They position you as the expert – with an opinion backed by your research.

They are useful for advocacy and to disseminate research to a broad audience.

Finding your argument

Think about the context.

While opinion pieces are not news, they are generally newsworthy. That is, they respond to or comment on something that is of general interest at the time.

Before you write:

• Read up on how this issue has been covered in the media recently.
• Think about who you will pitch to – is this the kind of story they cover? Would it work for their audience?
• Do a quick keyword search of their website to see what they have run on this issue before.
• Ask yourself what is new or interesting about what you’re going to write. What will you say that no-one else has said before? What insights might be interesting to the public?
• Ask yourself whether this article matters to a wider audience – and why now ?

Work out your key messages

Based on your research and your expertise, what do you believe about this issue? Is there something you want to advocate for? Or an angle on a topic that you would like to impart?

Think about the one thing that this article is trying to say. If someone asked you ‘so what’ – how would you answer in one sentence?

Then think about how you will make that argument. Write down each point, making sure you cover the who, how, why, when and what. Stick to a single theme or argument.

Order the points logically.

Opinion piece structure

First sentence or paragraph.

The purpose of the first sentence/paragraph is to grab the reader’s attention and compel them to read more.

Good opinion pieces often start with a short, sharp statement. Sometimes they might start with a story or human case study. Or they might start with something that is new, relevant or surprising. You can use your own experiences if you like.

Be as compelling as possible. Would you click?

“I remember the first time I turned up to a parkrun in Sydney in 2014, with butterflies in my stomach. A colleague had persuaded me to go along to one of the weekly 5km community runs in open, green spaces – but, even as a regular jogger, I was nervous I would come last.” (From the Prevention Centre ).

“The empty shelves in the supermarkets are a stark reminder of the potential of climate change to impact our food supply.” (From Croakey )

“In politics, as in life, there are always colliding truths.

There is no legal reason or historical precedent for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum to be a detailed proposal. The reverse is true. Referendums pose simple questions and parliaments take care of the detail.” (From smh.com.au )

Body of the article

Once you have grabbed the reader’s attention, explain the context. What is this article adding to the debate, and why should readers continue?

Now elaborate on your dot points. Use examples and description to bring colour and interest to what you write.

Put in plenty of statistics and references to research (hyperlinked rather than endnotes) to back up your argument.

Put the most important information higher up as people often don’t finish the whole article.

Make sure there is a call to action – what you would like people to do, how they should act or what should they change as a result of your argument?

Try to link paragraphs (the end of one paragraph leads into the start of the next) so the article reads as a coherent argument.

Final paragraph

The final paragraph is often a call to action, above.

Or it could be a conclusion that provides a summary – referencing the issue you began with – and paints a positive picture of how the world would improve if your advice were followed.

The aim is to leave the reader satisfied that you have answered the issue, and that they know what to do with this information.

“Indeed, maternal obesity is a societal issue that we must all tackle with a shared vision to protect women’s health during pregnancy and the health of their children, our next generation.” (From MJA Insight+ )

“We all deserve to live and work in places that intrinsically support, rather than detract from, healthy choices and behaviours, and therefore our health itself.” (From The Conversation )

“These measures to provide sustainable and attractive career opportunities will ensure a pipeline of trained public health researchers – and the prioritisation of public health for the good of all in Australia.” (From Croakey )

Write how you speak. The more conversational, the better.

Use plain English – do not use jargon . Try and simplify every word you use. The Conversation asks authors to write as if speaking to an educated 16 year-old. For other media, that should be a 12 year-old.

Explain complex ideas as you would in a conversation with a non-expert.

Pitching to media

Different media outlets have different requirements for pitches. In general, in your pitch you should:

Sum up what the article is about in one sentence

Flesh out your argument in no more than 200 words, make sure you explain why this is different and interesting, let them know why you are an expert in this area, include photos, videos, audio, tables or graphs in your pitch, examples of opinion pieces.

Here are some opinion piece examples for students, researchers and health system professionals who are writing for a policy audience.

• Articles published by The Conversation and Croakey are generally opinion pieces
• A Centre for Disease Prevention and Control – let’s work together to be clear on the problems it must solve , Intouch
• Creating systems of leadership in prevention research , Intouch Public Health
• Systemic approaches needed to address wide-ranging inequities affecting women’s health , Croakey
• What if we had a health star rating to protect the planet? , Croakey
• As symposium spotlights public health workforce concerns, young researchers call for action , Croakey
• Language matters: pregnancy and overweight or obesity , InSight
• Detail isn’t needed to vote on the Voice, but explaining these four things wouldn’t hurt , The Sydney Morning Herald
• Are you living in a food desert? These maps suggest it can make a big difference to your health , The Conversation

Further reading

• How to pitch to The Conversation
• Guidelines and advice for Croakey contributors

More from the CERI User Guide

This chapter of the User Guide is one in a series available from The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre website . It was prepared by members of the Collaboration for Enhanced Research Impact (CERI) Coordinating Group to provide practical tips on knowledge mobilisation and science communication for researchers working in the prevention of chronic disease.

The Collaboration for Enhanced Research Impact ( CERI ) is a joint initiative between the Prevention Centre and several NHMRC Centres of Research Excellence, established in June 2020 to enhance the profile and impact of chronic disease prevention in Australia. We are working together to find alignment in the policy and practice implications of our work and to develop shared communications across our various projects and participating centres .

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Lisa Angelettie

Bestselling amazon author, writing opinion articles in 5 easy steps.

December 10, 2009 By Lisa Angelettie 15 Comments

I highly recommend to my community that when you run out of article ideas, you can always fall back on a tried and true article format – writing opinion articles . For us business owners, writing opinion articles can be a little difficult to attempt, because we don’t want to alienate our market or we want to make sure we know what we are talking about before we put it out there in the world.

I’m here to tell you though that those hesitations are unfounded, because a true way you can step up in your niche and become visible is to write a thought-provoking opinion article on a relevant issue in your niche. You will be noticed. Your articles will be emailed to others. People will be compelled to leave comments. And your credibility your rise.

So you ready to take that leap into the world of opinion article magic? Let’s go! Here are five easy steps to writing opinion articles in your niche on the fly…

Step 1 Do your research. I don’t mean in-depth, hours online research. I just mean for you to quickly find out what is going on in your niche. What are the hot topics. New products. New laws or changes in the marketplace. Get an idea of what people are talking about. Check high-profile websites in your niche. Check forums. Social media sites.

Step 2 Choose a position . What makes an opinion article unique is when you choose a position on an issue. You begin to grow your voice and that is what will resonate with readers. Don’t be wishy-washy. Make a choice. Either you like it or you don’t. Either it won’t work or it will. Either it’s relevant or it isn’t.

Step 3 Write in the first person. I have read countless opinion articles by folks who weren’t comfortable with step 2, and so they hide a little bit by writing in the third person. While writing in the first person is used mainly in fiction, by using it, you are firmly saying “In my opinion”, “I believe”, “I think”. This makes it clear on exactly where you stand, and presents you as an authority on the topic which you are discussing.

Step 4 Include supporting facts and/or examples. When you are writing an opinion article , you don’t necessarily have to do this, but I find that it makes your article stand out as an opinion from a “credible expert”. That is to include examples, facts, statistics, quotes or whatever you have that can support your position and your opinion on what you are writing.

Step 5 Don’t overanalyze the article. Just write it and put it out there. Let it do what it’s going to do. Bring you wanted attention and traffic:)

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December 11, 2009 at 3:46 pm

Your writing tips are fairly comprehensive for the new writers. These are not only thought provoking but also adding deal of pleasure for me. Thanks.

December 11, 2009 at 11:46 am

November 2, 2010 at 12:25 pm

your article is really intelligent…

August 18, 2011 at 5:34 am

thanks !very helpful steps

November 21, 2011 at 6:59 pm

Thank you so much! I am writing an article for the school newspaper and my mind has tons of things going on so I am so happy that you kept it simple, (how my article should be). I was so glad when I saw this: 5 Steps Thank you sooo much! You saved my life! Bye!!! p.s. wish me luck I am now typing at 238 words per minute I am fast!!!

November 23, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Your so welcome:)

April 6, 2012 at 6:25 am

I wish to thank you for the tips, they very useful to improve writing skills!.

April 6, 2012 at 11:35 am

You’re very welcome:)

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How to Write an Opinion Essay: Examples, Structure, & Tips

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which presents the author’s point of view on a particular subject supported by reasoning and examples . The opposing viewpoint is also suggested, but it is followed by arguments that show its inconsistency. Take a look at the guide prepared by Custom-writing experts to learn how to write a perfect opinion essay!

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

• 📑 Essay Outline
• 🏇 Introduction & Conclusion
• 💬 30 Basic Expressions
• ✅ Dos and Don’ts
• 👌 Essay Examples

🏁 Concluding Remarks

🔗 references, 🔤 writing an opinion essay: basics.

You may be wondering: How do I write an opinion essay? How is it different from a persuasive, an argumentative, or a pros and cons essay ?

It’s simple: When you write an argumentative or persuasive essay , you should provide counterpoints and describe the essay topic from different perspectives. In an opinion paper, you don’t have to focus on the advantages and disadvantages in comparison. Instead, focus only on your opinion about the issue .

You may say: “I’m afraid to take a stand,” or “I don’t know what to say.” Relax. There’s nothing to worry about if your arguments are based on well-researched data. Speaking about opinion essay topics, some students find it difficult enough to choose the perfect one. But it’s not so hard: Think about something that engages you and that you feel strongly about.

Do you still have no clues about what to write? Check our 100 free ideas for an argumentative or persuasive essay and choose the topic that you have a strong opinion on. Then pick up a few reasons supporting your point of view and gather the facts that you’ll use as evidence.

📑 Opinion Essay Outline

The next step is to write an opinion essay outline . First of all, it will help you to overcome the fear of the blank page. Second, you’ll have a broken-down list of ideas and an organized place for your random thoughts. This will help you write an assignment faster.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Here’s an example of an opinion paper outline:

• An introduction . Write a thesis statement and the reasons that support your opinion. Give your readers a hook to engage them with the topic
• The main body . Break it into several paragraphs where you provide arguments and supporting examples, statements, and facts.
• A conclusion . When ending a paper, restate the main thesis and summarize the central points of the essay.

Develop an outline while you’re researching the topic and place the pieces of evidence where they make the most sense. You don’t have to write the whole assignment at a time. Just put stand-alone examples and facts in the places where they should go.

A well-prepared outline for an opinion essay is almost 70 percent of the work. All you’ll need to do is simply join your arguments by bridging the language.

🏇 Opinion Essay Format: Introduction & Conclusion

After you’ve finished the outline, you will have all of your facts organized. But how do you start an opinion essay? It’s time you learn how to develop an introduction.

The introduction paragraph is a kind of roadmap describing the path your paper will take. Its primary goal is to prepare your readers to dip into the text. An opinion essay introduction secret is to give your readers a hook, grab their attention, and make the rest of the writing irresistible. After hooking your audience, introduce the topic and briefly describe supporting reasons to expand on in body paragraphs.

Receive a plagiarism-free paper tailored to your instructions. Cut 20% off your first order!

The opinion essay conclusion wraps up your paper. It’s a summary that broadly covers your ideas and allows your readers to understand your arguments.

Apply the following techniques to start and finish your opinion paper:

• Address the reader directly
• Start with a quote
• Use thought-provoking or rhetorical questions
• Refer to a striking or unusual fact, idea, or situation

💬 30 Sentence Starters for Your Opinion Essay

When it comes to opinion writing, a lot of students can’t explain their point of view. This shows a lack of critical thinking skills and leads to low grades. Even the perfect opinion essay format won’t save the situation in this case.

If you need a quick fix for your assignment, check our list of transition words and phrases to help you start putting your opinions:

• As far as I am concerned, …
• I am (not) convinced that …
• In my opinion/view …
• My opinion is that …
• I (firmly)believe that …
• I (definitely) feel/think that …
• I am inclined to believe that …
• Personally, I believe that…
• It is clear that…
• It seems to me that…
• In my mind…
• As I see it…
• My principal reason is…
• Another reason is…
• It is widely known that…
• It could be argued that…
• The well-known fact is…
• Research has shown that…
• For instance/for example…
• This suggests that…
• It would seem that…
• This proves that…
• This supports the …
• Even though / Although…
• In contrast…
• Despite the fact that…
• In spite of…
• In order to…
• In conclusion…

And don’t forget to use nouns, adjectives, and adverbs, or make your own phrases.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

✅ Dos and Don’ts of Opinion Writing

Do you need more expert advice on how to write a great essay?

Keep reading!

Basic Dos in Writing an Opinion Essay

• Use formal style . Write your assignment as if you are giving an important speech.
• Avoid slang and jargon .
• Introduce the topic clearly . Avoid unnecessary phrases and useless facts that do not relate directly to the topic.
• Outline the main ideas . Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence.
• Use generalizations .
• Use the present tense when writing an opinion article.
• Properly cite your sources .
• Stay brief . Especially when writing conclusions. If you don’t feel like a professsional summary typer , use specialized tools.
• Be logical . Make sure that there is a logical sequence that allows your readers easy to follow.

Basic Don’ts in Writing an Opinion Essay

• Don’t use colloquial expressions . Even though the slang language is expressive and vivid, jargon words come and go quickly.
• Don’t use short forms . Replace the contractions with the non-contracted versions of the words.
• Don’t use over-generalizations . Stay very precise.
• Don’t use statistics without proper referencing .
• Don’t give personal examples . Stick to a formal writing style and mood.
• Don’t repeat arguments . If you have a few similar facts, group them as a single argument.
• Avoid unnecessary abbreviations . Your reader should understand what you’re writing about.
• Don’t overuse short and straightforward sentences . They are not typical for academic writing.
• Don’t use an imperative voice .
• Avoid exclamation marks, parentheses, dashes . Try to be discreet.
• Don’t address your readers as “you” .
• Don’t use emotive vocabulary .

👌 Opinion Essay Examples

Do you want to better understand what an opinion essay is? You are welcome to use our opinion essay examples! Reading them will help you gain an insight into this form of academic writing.

Opinion Essay Example #1

The USA is a multinational and multicultural country that is advanced in many areas, including healthcare, medicine, and science in general. However, some of the experiments, such as the syphilis studies discussed in this paper, show that the country is still in the process of overcoming intolerance, racial segregation, and social inequality. Talking about these studies aloud brings the question of research ethics to the forefront. In particular, people who participated in those scientific experiments were misled and misinformed about their health. The research group observed how the participants suffered from the disease’s symptoms until death (Brandt, 24). There are a number of diseases and conditions that have not been researched enough. The experience gained during the studies in Tuskegee and Guatemala should be used to eliminate the possibility of unethical conduct and ensure transparency in all the activities.

Opinion Essay Example #2

To confront cyberbullying effectively, it is vital to know how to identify what it is and spread this awareness among the children who may unwarily become participants. The tendency to raise this issue in the scientific and public spheres has positive dynamics. As there is legal protection for cyberbullying victims in the USA, it is vital to detect harassment cases. For this purpose, parents and teachers should cooperate to create trustworthy relationships so the child can ask for help from adults. That is why a high level of emotional support from parents and peers is necessary to combat bullying before it has occurred.

Opinion Essay Topics

• Your personal view on money and expenditures.  
• Analyze your attitude towards obesity as a public health problem. 
• Give your opinion on the importance of container deposit legislation.   
• What do you think of different belief systems?  
• Discuss your point of view on The Scream by Edvard Munch. 
• Describe your opinion on the climate change issue.  
• What do you think of the media’s influence on people’s views ?  
• Your opinion on the film Argo directed by Affleck .  
• Express your opinion on diets and weight loss programs.  
• Analyze the impact of war on society and present your opinion.  
• Present your opinion on the question of gay marriage .  
• Describe your attitude towards gender stereotypes .  
• Do you support the Biblical point of view on divorce ?  
• Explain what you think about racism in employment . 
• Discuss your attitude to photography.  
• Describe what love is , in your opinion.  
• Give your opinion on genetic engineering .  
• Analyze the necessity of vaccination for public school students and present your opinion. 
• Express your views on the death penalty .  
• Discuss your views on aging changes .  
• Do you like the music of a Classical Era?  
• Is it ethical to use animals in research , in your opinion?  
• Do you think the government should increase the minimum wage ?  
• Explain whether you agree that soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world.  
• Do you think the Internet plays an important role in your life?  
• Describe your point of view on the controversial topic of human cloning .  
• Present your opinion on tattoo s as a form of art.  
• What does the ideal social meeting place look like?  
• How do you think bullies should be punished?  
• Do you support the opinion that celebrities should be positive role models ?  
• Is remote work more convenient than working in an office?  
• Describe your attitude towards social networks .  
• What is justice , in your opinion?  
• Give your opinion on American football .  
• What do you think about classical music?  
• Is the government monitoring its citizens justified by safety concerns?  
• Explain what you think about steroid use in competitive sports.  
• Discuss the necessity to ban violent computer games .  
• Your personal opinion on using cell phones while driving .  
• Do you think the government should interfere with the contents of TV shows ?  
• Express your opinion on net neutrality .  
• Describe your views on online dating .  
• Is protectionism necessary for saving a country’s economy?  
• What do you think of a vegan lifestyle ?  
• Present your attitude towards physician-assisted suicide .  
• Do you support the opinion that college athletes should be paid ? 
• Your point of view on cigarette smoking and suggestion to ban it.    
• Explain whether you think that public colleges and universities should be tuition-free . 
• How do you understand responsibility?  
• Express your opinion on canceling grades at schools .   

Thank you for reading! Our free tips will help you get through any kind of essay. Still, if you’re stuck with your essay, you can always count on professional writers’ tips and recommendations!

With the help of the tips above, you’ll be able to create the most unbelievable papers in a blink of an eye. Now that you know the secrets of professional writers, try writing your opinion essay!

The final piece of advice : Don’t forget to proofread your paper. Revise your content, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, etc. Make sure that your essay answers the main question. Check if the evidence you provided is accurate and up-to-date.

✏️ Opinion Essay FAQ

An opinion essay, sometimes called “argumentative,” or “persuasive,” presents the author’s perception of a subject as well as supporting arguments. It is written in a standard essay format. In such essays, authors usually try to persuade the readers that their opinion is the correct one.

Just like any other paper, an opinion essay starts with an introduction, has several points in the body part, and concludes with a high-level overview of the presented ideas. There are countless topics for opinion essays, and many examples available online as a source of inspiration.

This type of essay presents your personal ideas on a given subject. However, students often try to start their essays without using “I.” Try to compose an introduction that gives a high-level overview of the topic. Just state the problem you are going to write about later on.

It is advisable to state your opinion without using “I.” In a persuasive essay, you run the risk of overusing “I” as you describe your own viewpoint. Thus, adapt a seemingly more objective approach. For ideas of appropriate constructions, check exam preparation books (e.g., IELTS).

• Essay Structure | – Harvard College Writing Center
• An opinion essay | Writing – Advanced C1 | British Council
• 5 Tips for Writing an Opinion Essay – ThoughtCo
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How to Write an Article: A Proven Step-by-Step Guide

Are you dreaming of becoming a notable writer or looking to enhance your content writing skills? Whatever your reasons for stepping into the writing world, crafting compelling articles can open numerous opportunities. Writing, when viewed as a skill rather than an innate talent, is something anyone can master with persistence, practice, and the proper guidance.

That’s precisely why I’ve created this comprehensive guide on ‘how to write an article.’ Whether you’re pursuing writing as a hobby or eyeing it as a potential career path, understanding the basics will lead you to higher levels of expertise. This step-by-step guide has been painstakingly designed based on my content creation experience. Let’s embark on this captivating journey toward becoming an accomplished article writer!

What is an Article?

An article is more than words stitched together cohesively; it’s a carefully crafted medium expressing thoughts, presenting facts, sharing knowledge, or narrating stories. Essentially encapsulating any topic under the sun (or beyond!), an article is a versatile format meant to inform, entertain, or persuade readers.

Articles are ubiquitous; they grace your morning newspaper (or digital equivalents), illuminate blogs across various platforms, inhabit scholarly journals, and embellish magazines. Irrespective of their varying lengths and formats, which range from news reports and features to opinion pieces and how-to guides, all articles share some common objectives. Learning how to write this type of content involves mastering the ability to meet these underlying goals effectively.

Objectives of Article Writing

The primary goal behind learning how to write an article is not merely putting words on paper. Instead, you’re trying to communicate ideas effectively. Each piece of writing carries unique objectives intricately tailored according to the creator’s intent and the target audience’s interests. Generally speaking, when you immerse yourself in writing an article, you should aim to achieve several fundamental goals.

First, deliver value to your readers. An engaging and informative article provides insightful information or tackles a problem your audience faces. You’re not merely filling up pages; you must offer solutions, present new perspectives, or provide educational material.

Next comes advancing knowledge within a specific field or subject matter. Especially relevant for academic or industry-focused writings, articles are often used to spread original research findings and innovative concepts that strengthen our collective understanding and drive progress.

Another vital objective for those mastering how to write an article is persuasion. This can come in various forms: convincing people about a particular viewpoint or motivating them to make a specific choice. Articles don’t always have to be neutral; they can be powerful tools for shifting public opinion.

Finally, let’s not forget entertainment – because who said only fictional work can entertain? Articles can stir our emotions or pique our interest with captivating storytelling techniques. It bridges the gap between reader and writer using shared experiences or universal truths.

Remember that high-quality content remains common across all boundaries despite these distinct objectives. No matter what type of writer you aspire to become—informative, persuasive, educational, or entertaining—strive for clarity, accuracy, and stimulation in every sentence you craft.

What is the Format of an Article?

When considering how to write an article, understanding its foundation – in this case, the format – should be at the top of your list. A proper structure is like a blueprint, providing a direction for your creative construction.

First and foremost, let’s clarify one essential point: articles aren’t just homogenous chunks of text. A well-crafted article embodies different elements that merge to form an engaging, informative body of work. Here are those elements in order:

• The Intriguing Title

At the top sits the title or heading; it’s your first chance to engage with a reader. This element requires serious consideration since it can determine whether someone will continue reading your material.

• Engaging Introduction

Next comes the introduction, where you set expectations and hint at what’s to come. An artfully written introduction generates intrigue and gives readers a compelling reason to stick around.

• Informative Body

The main body entails a detailed exploration of your topic, often broken down into subtopics or points for more manageable consumption and better flow of information.

• Impactful Conclusion

Lastly, you have the conclusion, where you tie everything neatly together by revisiting key points and offering final thoughts.

While these components might appear straightforward on paper, mastering them requires practice, experimentation with writing styles, and a good understanding of your target audience. 

By putting in the work to familiarize yourself with how to create articles and how they’re structured, you’ll soon discover new ways to develop engaging content each time you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!). Translating complex concepts into digestible content doesn’t need to feel daunting anymore! Now that we’ve tackled the format, our focus can shift to what should be included in an article.

What Should Be in an Article?

Understanding that specific items should be featured in your writing is crucial. A well-crafted article resembles a neatly packed suitcase – everything has its place and purpose.

Key Information

First and foremost, you need essential information. Start by presenting the topic plainly so readers can grasp its relevance immediately. This sets the tone of why you are writing the article. The degree of depth at this point will depend on your audience; be mindful not to overwhelm beginners with too much jargon or over-simplify things for experts.

Introduction

Secondly, every article must have an engaging introduction—this acts as the hook that reels your audience. Think of it as a movie trailer—it offers a taste of what’s to come without giving away all the details.

Third is the body, wherein you get into the crux of your argument or discussion. This is the point at which you present your ideas sequentially, along with supporting evidence or examples. Depending on the nature of your topic and personal style, this may vary from storytelling forms to more analytical breakdowns.

Lastly, you’ll need a fitting conclusion that wraps up all previously discussed points, effectively tying together every loose thread at the end. This helps cement your main ideas within the reader’s mind even after they’ve finished reading.

To summarize:  

• Critical Information: Provides context for understanding
• Introduction: Sheds further light on what will follow while piquing interest  
• Body: Discusses topic intricacies using narratives or case studies
• Conclusion: Ties up loose ends and reemphasizes important takeaways

In my experience writing articles for beginners and experts alike, I found these elements indispensable when conveying complex topics articulately and professionally. Always keep them at hand when looking to produce written material.

How should you structure an article?

Crafting a well-structured article is akin to assembling a puzzle – every piece has its place and purpose. Let’s look at how to create the perfect skeleton for your content.

The introduction is your article’s welcome mat. It should be inviting and informative, briefly outlining what a reader can expect from your writing. Additionally, it must instantly grab the readers’ attention so they feel compelled to continue reading. To master the art of creating effective introductions, remember these key points:

• Keep it short and precise.
• Use compelling hooks like quotes or intriguing facts.
• State clearly what the article will cover without revealing everything upfront.

Moving on, you encounter the body of your piece. This segment expands on the ideas outlined in the introduction while presenting fresh subtopics related to your core story. If we compare article writing to crossing a bridge, each paragraph represents a step toward the other side (the conclusion). Here are some tips for maintaining orderliness within your body:

• Stick closely to one idea per paragraph as it enhances readability.
• Ensure paragraphs flow logically by utilizing transitional words or sentences.
• Offer evidence or examples supporting your claims and reinforce credibility.

As you approach the far side of our imaginary bridge, we reach an equally essential section of the article known as the conclusion. At this point, you should be looking to wrap your message up neatly while delivering on what was initially promised during the introduction. This section summarizes the main points, providing closure and ensuring readers feel satisfied.

Remember this golden rule when writing the conclusion: follow the  “Describe what you’re going to tell them (Introduction), tell them (Body), and then summarize what you told them (Conclusion).”  It’s a proven formula for delivering informative, engaging, and well-structured articles. 

One final tip before moving on: maintaining an active voice significantly enhances clarity for your readers. It makes them feel like they’re participating actively in the story unfolding within your article. In addition, it helps ensure easy readability, which is vital for keeping your audience engaged.

Tips for Writing a Good Article

A persuasive, engaging, and insightful article requires careful thought and planning. Half the battle won is by knowing how to start writing and make content captivating. Below are vital tips that can enhance your article writing skills.

Heading or Title

An audience’s first impression hinges on the quality of your title. A good heading should be clear, attention-grabbing, and give an accurate snapshot of what’s contained in the piece’s body. Here are a few guidelines on how to create an impactful title:

• Make it Compelling: Your title needs to spark interest and motivate readers to delve further into your work.
• Keep it concise: You want to have a manageable heading. Aim for brevity yet inclusiveness.
• Optimize with keywords: To boost search engine visibility, sprinkle relevant keywords naturally throughout your title.

By applying these techniques, you can increase reader engagement right from the get-go.

Body of the Article

After winning over potential readers with your catchy title, it’s time to provide substantial content in the form of the body text. Here’s how articles are typically structured:

Introduction:  Begin by providing an appealing overview that hooks your audience and baits them to read more. You can ask poignant questions or share interesting facts about your topic here.

Main Content:  Build on the groundwork set by your introduction. Lay out detailed information in a logical sequence with clear articulation.

Conclusion:  This reemphasizes the critical points discussed in the body while delivering a lasting impression of why those points matter.

Remember that clarity is critical when drafting each part because our objective here is to share information and communicate effectively. Properly understanding this approach ensures that the writing experience becomes creative and productive.

Step By Step Guide for Article Writing

How do you write an article that engages your readers from the first line until the last? That’s what most writers, whether beginners or seasoned pros are trying to achieve. I’ll describe a step-by-step process for crafting such gripping articles in this guide.

Step 1: Find Your Target Audience

First and foremost, identify your target readers. Speaking directly to a specific group improves engagement and helps you craft messages that resonate deeply. To pinpoint your audience:

• Take note of demographic attributes like age, gender, and profession.
• Consider their preferences and needs.
• Look into how much knowledge they are likely to possess concerning your topic.

Knowing this will help you decide what tone, language, and style best suits your readers. Remember, by understanding your audience better, you make it much easier to provide them with engaging content.

Step 2: Select a Topic and an Attractive Heading

Having understood your audience, select a relevant topic based on their interests and questions. Be sure it’s one you can competently discuss. When deciding how to start writing an article, ensure it begins with a captivating title.

A title should hint at what readers will gain from the article without revealing everything. Maintain some element of intrigue or provocation. For example, ‘6 Essentials You Probably Don’t Know About Gardening’ instead of just ‘Gardening Tips’.

Step 3: Research is Key

Good research is crucial to building credibility for beginners and experts alike. It prevents errors that could tarnish your piece immensely.

Thoroughly explore relevant books, scholarly articles, or reputable online resources. Find facts that build authenticity while debunking misconceptions that relate to your topic. Take notes on critical points discovered during this process—it’ll save you time when creating your first draft.

Step 4: Write a Comprehensive Brief

Having done your research, it’s time to write an outline or a brief—a roadmap for your article. This conveys how articles are written systematically without losing track of the main points.

Begin by starting the introduction with a punchy opener that draws readers in and a summary of what they’ll glean from reading. Section out specific points and ideas as separate headings and bullet points under each section to form the body. A conclusion rounds things up by restating key takeaways.

Step 5: Write and Proofread

Now comes the bulk of the work—writing. Respect the brief created earlier to ensure consistency and structure while drafting content. Use short, clear sentences while largely avoiding jargon unless absolutely necessary.

Post-writing, proofread ardently to check for typographical errors, inconsistent tenses, and poor sentence structures—and don’t forget factual correctness! It helps to read aloud, which can reveal awkward phrases that slipped through initial edits.

Step 6: Add Images and Infographics

To break text monotony and increase comprehension, introduce visuals such as images, infographics, or videos into your piece. They provide aesthetic relief while supporting the main ideas, increasing overall engagement.

Remember to source royalty-free images or get permission for copyrighted ones—you don’t want legal battles later!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing

Regarding article writing, a few pitfalls can compromise the quality of your content. Knowing these and how to avoid them will enhance your work’s clarity, depth, and impact.

The first mistake often made is skimping on research. An article without solid underpinnings won’t merely be bland – it might mislead readers. Therefore, prioritize comprehensive investigation before penning down anything. Understanding common misconceptions or misinterpretations about your topic will strengthen your case. 

Next, sidestep unnecessary jargon or excessively complex language. While showcasing an impressive vocabulary might seem appealing, remember that your primary objective is imparting information efficiently and effectively.

Moreover, failing to structure articles effectively represents another standard error. A structured piece aids in delivering complex ideas coherently. Maintaining a logical sequence facilitates reader comprehension, whether explaining a detailed concept or narrating an incident.

A piece lacking aesthetic allure can fail its purpose regardless of the value of its text. That’s where images come into play. Neglecting them is an all-too-common mistake among beginners. Relevant pictures inserted at appropriate junctures serve as visual breaks from texts and stimulate interest among readers.

Lastly, proofreading is vital in determining whether you can deliver a well-written article. Typos and grammatical errors can significantly undermine professional credibility while disrupting a smooth reading experience.

So, when pondering how articles are written, avoiding these mistakes goes a long way toward producing high-quality content that embodies both substance and style. Remember: practice is paramount when learning how to write excellent material!

How to Write an Article with SEOwind AI Writer?

Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence has been a major step in many industries. One such significant tool is SEOwind AI Writer , which is critical for those curious about how to write an article leveraging AI. In this section, I’ll cover how you can effectively use SEOwind AI writer to create compelling articles.

Step 1: Create a Brief and Outline

The first step in writing an article revolves around understanding your audience’s interests and then articulating them in a comprehensive brief that outlines the content’s framework.

• Decide on the topic: What ideas will you share via your article?
• Define your audience: Knowing who will read your text significantly influences your tone, style, and content depth.
• Establish main points: Highlight the key points or arguments you wish to exhibit in your drafted piece. This helps create a skeleton for your work and maintain a logical flow of information.

With SEOwind:

• you get all the content and keyword research for top-performing content in one place,
• you can generate a comprehensive AI outline with one click,
• users can quickly create a title, description, and keywords that match the topic you’re writing about.

As insightful as it might seem, having a roadmap doubles as a guide throughout the creative process. SEOwind offers a user-friendly interface that allows the easy input of essential elements like keywords, title suggestions, content length, etc. These provide an insightful outline, saving time with an indispensable tool that demonstrates the practicality of article writing.

Step 2: Write an AI Article using SEOwind

Once you have a brief ready, you can write an AI article with a single click. It will consider all the data you provided and much more, such as copywriting and SEO best practices , to deliver content that ranks.

Step 3: Give it a Human Touch

Finally, SEOwind’s intuitive platform delivers impeccably constructed content to dispel any confusion about writing an article. The result is inevitably exceptional, with well-structured sentences and logically sequenced sections that meet your demands.

However, artificial intelligence can sometimes miss the unique personal touch that enhances relatability in communication—making articles more compelling. Let’s master adding individualistic charm to personalize articles so that they resonate with audiences.

Tailoring the AI-generated piece with personal anecdotes or custom inputs helps to break the monotony and bolster engagement rates. Always remember to tweak essential SEO elements like meta descriptions and relevant backlinks.

So, whether it’s enhancing casual language flow or eliminating robotic consistency, the slightest modifications can breathe life into the text and transform your article into a harmonious man-machine effort. Remember – it’s not just about technology making life easy but also how effectively we utilize this emerging trend!

Common Questions on how to write an article

Delving into the writing world, especially regarding articles, can often lead to a swarm of questions. Let’s tackle some common queries that newbies and seasoned writers frequently stumble upon to make your journey more comfortable and rewarding.

What is the easiest way to write an article?

The easiest way to write an article begins with a clear structure. Here are five simple steps you can follow:

• Identify your audience: The first thing you should consider while planning your article is who will read it? Identifying your target audience helps shape the article’s content, style, and purpose.
• Decide on a topic and outline: Determining what to write about can sometimes be a formidable task. Try to ensure you cover a topic you can cover effectively or for which you feel great passion. Next, outline the main points you want to present throughout your piece.
• Do the research: Dig deep into resources for pertinent information regarding your topic and gather as much knowledge as possible. An informed writer paves the way for a knowledgeable reader.
• Drafting phase: Begin with an engaging introduction followed by systematically fleshing out each point from your outline in body paragraphs before ending with conclusive remarks tying together all the earlier arguments.
• Fine-tune through editing and proofreading: Errors happen no matter how qualified or experienced a writer may be! So make sure to edit and proofread before publishing.

Keep these keys in mind and remain patient and persistent. There’s no easier alternative for writing an article.

How can I write an article without knowing about the topic?

We sometimes need to write about less familiar subjects – but do not fret! Here’s my approach:

• First off, start by thoroughly researching subject-centric reliable sources. The more information you have, the better poised you are to write confidently about it.
• While researching, take notes and highlight the most essential points.
• Create an outline by organizing these points logically – this essentially becomes your article’s backbone.
• Start writing based on your research and outlined structure. If certain aspects remain unclear, keep investigating until clarity prevails.

Getting outside your comfort zone can be daunting, but is also a thrilling chance to expand your horizons.

What is your process for writing an article quickly?

In terms of speed versus quality in writing an article – strikingly enough, they aren’t mutually exclusive. To produce a high-quality piece swiftly, adhere to the following steps:

• Establish purpose and audience: Before cogs start turning on phrase-spinning, be clear on why you’re writing and who will likely read it.
• Brainstorm broadly, then refine: Cast a wide net initially regarding ideas around your topic. Then, narrow down those areas that amplify your core message or meet objectives.
• Create a robust outline: A detailed roadmap prevents meandering during actual writing and saves time!
• Ignore perfection in the first draft: Speed up initial drafting by prioritizing getting your thoughts on paper over perfect grammar or sentence compositions.
• Be disciplined with edits and revisions: Try adopting a cut, shorten, and replace mantra while trimming fluff without mercy!

Writing quickly requires practice and strategic planning – but rest assured, it’s entirely possible!

Seasoned SaaS and agency growth expert with deep expertise in AI, content marketing, and SEO. With SEOwind, he crafts AI-powered content that tops Google searches and magnetizes clicks. With a track record of rocketing startups to global reach and coaching teams to smash growth, Tom's all about sharing his rich arsenal of strategies through engaging podcasts and webinars. He's your go-to guy for transforming organic traffic, supercharging content creation, and driving sales through the roof.

Table of Contents

• 1 What is an Article?
• 2 Objectives of Article Writing
• 3 What is the Format of an Article?
• 4 What Should Be in an Article?
• 5 How should you structure an article?
• 6 Tips for Writing a Good Article
• 7 Step By Step Guide for Article Writing
• 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Article Writing
• 9 How to Write an Article with SEOwind AI Writer?
• 10 Common Questions on how to write an article

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One year ago, Pope Francis disavowed the ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ – but Indigenous Catholics’ work for respect and recognition goes back decades

Assistant Professor of History, Alfred University

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Eben Levey received funding from a Fulbright Fellowship and from the University of Maryland, College Park for his dissertation research.

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It has been more than 500 years since Vatican decrees gave European colonizers permission to carve up the “New World ” – and just one since Pope Francis disavowed them.

On March 30, 2023, Francis repudiated the “Doctrine of Discovery ”: a set of ideas the Spanish and Portuguese, in particular, used to justify seizing land they had “discovered” and colonizing Indigenous people in the land they came to call the Americas. The Vatican’s statement not only rejected the doctrine, but also apologized for historical atrocities carried out by Christians and affirmed the rights and cultural values of Indigenous peoples.

The repudiation can hardly undo centuries of oppressing Indigenous people and stealing their lands. Yet the statement is monumental in ways that signal cultural and political shifts within the Catholic Church. It recognized decades of work by Indigenous Catholics to demand that their very own church respect their history, culture and faith – a focus of my work as a historian of Mexico and religion .

‘New World,’ new owners

The Doctrine of Discovery has its roots in 15th century papal documents, called “papal bulls,” which were issued amid Spain’s and Portugal’s colonial expansion in Africa and the recently “discovered” Americas.

“ Inter Caetera ,” for example, which was issued in 1493, drew a line 100 leagues, or around 350 miles, to the west of the Azores and Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean. The document declared that all lands west of that line were free to be discovered, colonized and Christianized by the Kingdoms of Castile and León – modern-day Spain.

In other words, the Catholic Church gave Spain a monopoly on the New World, on the condition that the natives be converted to Christianity. Soon after, however, Spain and Portugal negotiated the Treaty of Tordesillas , settling Portuguese claims over modern-day Brazil.

More broadly, the Doctrine of Discovery shaped European kingdoms’ approach to colonizing the Americas, Asia and Africa. It was, simply put, the legal foundation of their claims over non-Christian peoples and territories.

Three centuries later, the Supreme Court of the newly independent United States cited the doctrine in a significant decision, Johnson v. McIntosh . According to this 1823 ruling, Indigenous peoples had no permanent right to the territory they lived on.

Seeds of change

Despite forced Christianization, church leaders repeatedly despaired that Indigenous Latin Americans had not fully become Catholic . The Spanish reluctantly tolerated Indigenous Catholic practices, such as worshipping the Virgin of Guadalupe , an apparition of Mary in Mexico, and associating her with the Nahuátl mother goddess, Tonantzin. They reasoned that the Indigenous were novice Christians who would learn in time – an attitude that persisted for centuries.

The Catholic Church addressed multicultural questions in the 1960s, during the Second Vatican Council . Over four years, in thousands of hours of meetings and consultations, the church embarked on its first major reforms in centuries.

The council approved using vernacular languages in Mass instead of Latin, promoted cooperation with other faiths and signaled a shift toward tolerating the diverse ways Catholics expressed their faith around the world. One of the resulting documents, “ Ad gentes ,” promoted missionary activity among unconverted peoples. However, it recognized that all cultures contained “seeds” of Christianity and that cultural diversity in the church would strengthen the body of the Catholic Church as a whole.

Building a movement

Almost immediately, Indigenous Catholics throughout Latin America began organizing to make these possibilities real.

In Mexico, a group of young priests and seminarians organized the Movement of Indigenous Priests . Spearheaded by a young Indigenous priest, Eleazar López Hernández, they pushed back against the notion that men entering the priesthood had to choose between their Indigenous and priestly identities.

At the core of their demands was the insistence that multiple Catholicisms could exist within the same Catholic Church. For instance, in 1971, López Hernández testified about the importance of having Indigenous priests in Indigenous communities. These Catholics, he argued, deserved clergy who spoke their language, could participate meaningfully in traditional rituals, understood their roots, and who could honor Indigenous spirituality in addition to Catholicism’s message of salvation.

Their demands inspired new Catholic institutions. In 1969, several dioceses founded the Regional Seminary of the Southeast, called SERESURE. The seminary’s explicit mission was to train priests to work in poor Indigenous areas, and it became a hub for Indigenous Catholicism. SERESURE developed an innovative structure that drew on Indigenous traditions of governing their communities by assembly , challenging strictly hierarchical church practices.

Yet SERESURE was shuttered in 1989 over allegations of incorrect doctrine , Marxism and supporting armed revolutionary movements . There was some truth to the first two allegations, but the third had little basis in truth.

It spoke, however, to the types of work some church agents were doing with Indigenous people in the region. Young priests, religious sisters and lay Catholics were fanning out to work with communities living in desperate poverty, trying to both provide economic opportunity and preserve local cultures and languages. This poverty had given birth to armed movements in Mexico , Guatemala and beyond during the Cold War.

For many of these Catholics, salvation did not only mean going to heaven, but building a more just world.

Steps forward – and back

By the early 1990s, conflicts between the Vatican and Indigenous peoples had bled into the public sphere.

John Paul II increased attention to Indigenous Catholics with his visits to southern Mexico . During his papacy, however, the Vatican celebrated 1992 as the 500th anniversary of bringing Christianity to the New World.

Indigenous movements across the Americas rejected such a rosy depiction of colonization, enslavement and forced conversion . Instead, they organized protests under the banner of “500 Years of Resistance,” celebrating Indigenous resilience, culture, language and spirituality. In Tehuacán, Mexico, Indigenous Catholic priests led a march of nearly 20,000 Nahua people that culminated in an open-air Mass conducted in Nahuátl – the language of the Mexica, or Aztecs.

It was not until 2013, after Francis’ election as pope, that the Vatican approved Nahuátl as an official language of the Catholic Church – meaning it can be used to conduct Mass inside churches. In addition, the Vatican ordered Mexican bishops to translate Catholic liturgy and texts into Nahuátl.

This was a large first step in recognizing the decades of work of Indigenous Catholics to insist that multiple Catholicisms can and should exist side by side.

Since 2015, the Mexican Catholic Church has hosted an annual Nahuátl Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Mass opened with traditional rural Indigenous music, and the offerings and decorations evoked the sights, sounds and smells of an Indigenous community parish – an open embrace of Indigenous Catholicisms.

Across the Catholic world, the Vatican has been opening to multicultural Catholicisms in recent years. The Nahuátl Mass is but one example, as is the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery.

Francis’ statement was important as an institutional recognition of historical atrocities. More profoundly, it was a validation of Indigenous Catholic activists’ demands for inclusion on their terms , even while disputes over multiculturalism continue.

• Colonialism
• Catholicism
• Latin America
• Pope Francis
• Doctrine of Discovery
• Religion and society
• Indigenous spirituality
• Global Catholicism

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Maine and tribes should keep taking steps forward together

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The amended version of LD 2007  is not the same sweeping tribal rights bill that was originally proposed. Negotiations between the Wabanaki tribes, the offices of the governor and attorney general, and lawmakers yielded a modest but necessary agreement  based around tribal court authority.

This updated bill should become law, and it should become another building block on which to base continued engagement and action. The Maine House took an initial step Tuesday by voting to pass the amended bill .

Incremental progress can often feel insufficient. And it often is insufficient, especially on matters of civil rights and equality.

When a group of people have experienced generational injustice, as the Wabanaki tribes have in Maine, anything except comprehensive change can seem to fall short.

To say we live in an imperfect world would be a massive understatement. But within that imperfect world, and the imperfect systems and political realities therein, taking small steps forward together is almost always better than inaction.

“I hope that you can appreciate that work and also know that is not the end of the conversation, that we will continue to discuss these pieces and really get to the place where the restoration of sovereignty is a reality in the state of Maine,” Maine House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, the bill sponsor, told fellow lawmakers about the amendment at a March hearing, as Maine Public reported in March . “But please know that this is not easy but people put a lot of work into reaching this agreement.”

We appreciate that work, and we hope that all parties involved recognize that much more collaborative work is both needed and possible.

“We definitely, I think, have a lot more work to do but I appreciate where we have been able to come this far,” said Clarissa Sabattis, chief of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.

“Today was a big win but a small step moving forward so a big thanks and appreciation goes out to all that supported us on both sides of the aisle. We still have so much work to do and education to accomplish. LD 2007 is a step in that direction,” Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative Aaron Dana said in a Tuesday press release from the Wabanaki Alliance. “Maybe one day the Wabanaki Nations can reclaim their inherent right to self-governance and be allowed their ability to succeed or fail on their own terms. We are a very proud Wabanaki Confederacy, and we will always move forward in a good way. We will always look to our ancestral teachings and be the warriors our ancestors fought on behalf of and prayed so hard for us to be!”

Dana and four other tribal leaders wrote a column  last week calling for passage of LD 2007 as amended. That column was part of an ongoing effort with the Wabanaki Alliance to share tribal perspectives in the Bangor Daily News opinion pages.

“LD 2007 as amended will create safer tribal communities, help us combat the raging opioid epidemic and give us more capacity to protect and provide for the health and well-being of tribal communities. We urge the Legislature to enact this bill quickly,” Dana wrote along with Houlton Band of Maliseets Tribal Ambassador Osihkiyol Crofton-Macdonald, Penobscot Nation Tribal Ambassador Maulian Bryant, Sipayik citizen Rena Newell and Mi’kmaq Vice Chief Richard Silliboy.

We agree with their call for speedy enactment of this compromise legislation. Lawmakers should pass this amended bill, and critically, all policymakers in Augusta should remember that this is but one incremental step in the ongoing work to rebalance the tribal-state relationship.

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The Bangor Daily News editorial board members are Publisher Richard J. Warren, Opinion Editor Susan Young, Deputy Opinion Editor Matt Junker and BDN President Todd Benoit. Young has worked for the BDN... More by The BDN Editorial Board

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How Many Steps Do You Really Need? That’s the Wrong Question.

Walking is important, but challenging yourself to go faster and higher can improve your health even more.

By Christine Peterson

We love counting steps. Maybe it’s because we like goals or else the constant reminder on our wrists of how far we’ve gone and need to go to hit a daily target. Or it could also be that study after study says walking is one of the most attainable ways to increase longevity.

So we ask ourselves: How many steps are enough? Are more steps better? A paper published recently in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that as few as 2,200 steps could help fight diseases exacerbated by a sedentary lifestyle like heart disease and diabetes, though walking up to 9,000 steps was more effective.

But focusing purely on the number of steps misses the whole picture. Researchers now say that after a certain point, what kind of steps you’re taking is just as important as the amount.

So whether you’re hitting that bare minimum target of 2,200 steps or you’re consistently logging 10,000, here are a few tactics to make more of your daily walk.

Begin walking.

The first step for anyone who has fallen out of the habit of walking is to just start, said Amanda Paluch, a kinesiology professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Walk around the block or make loops through your house. See if you can walk 2,000 steps, roughly one mile, then increase from there.

If you’re older or have a chronic condition that makes it harder to get up and move, walking at any speed is helpful for your health, she said.

Walk faster.

It’s often helpful to count your steps at the beginning, but once you consistently reach about 6,000 or 8,000 per day, start focusing more on pace.

Walking causes your muscles to contract, squeezing blood from your legs to your heart, which over time makes your heart stronger and more efficient. But benefits taper off once your heart gets to a certain “stimulus,” said Keith Baar, a professor of molecular exercise physiology at the University of California, Davis, meaning the same number of steps at the same pace each day.

“To have more of an effect,” he said, “you’re going to need a bigger stimulus.”

Push yourself by walking faster and breathing harder, he said. Building intensity into walking isn’t about burning more calories, it’s about strengthening your cardiovascular system. A 2022 paper in the journal Nature showed that walking faster led to lower rates of sleep apnea, acid reflux , diabetes and hypertension.

Begin by walking faster for 30 seconds or one minute at a time. Increase the frequency and length of those bursts as you are able.

Try walking outdoors.

Whether walking outside in itself improves your physical health is still up for debate, according to one 2023 meta-analysis . Dr. Baar, however, argues that we use more energy walking on soft surfaces like sand, gravel or dirt, because our tendons help us walk more efficiently on hard surfaces.

Regardless of whether it’s more difficult, he encourages people to walk on trails because spending time in nature has proven mental health benefits , and because trails tend to have more hills than neighborhood streets.

Walk uphill.

After speeding up, consider heading up. Finding hills to walk up is a good way to boost your fitness in a world where time is limited, said Dr. Sadiya Khan, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine and a volunteer for the American Heart Association.

Most studies, including the recent British one, show diminishing returns on step counts over about five miles. So instead of walking 12,000 or 15,000 steps to push your workout, walk uphill to keep your heart rate up. You can also walk uphill backward to make it even harder and target different muscles. The goal is to incorporate vigorous activity into your walking instead of staying at a moderate pace.

Dr. Paluch suggests the singing test: Go hard enough you can speak short sentences but can’t sing a song.

“If you’re comfortably speaking while doing the activities,” said Dr. Khan, “it’s probably a little too leisurely to count as vigorous activity.”

Carry weight.

Consider putting weight in your backpack to boost the intensity of your walk even more. Rucking, as it’s called , helps with strength training while increasing your heart rate, said Dr. Khan.

But Dr. Paluch cautioned anyone interested in rucking to ease into the practice. Weight can cause you to change your gait or how you carry yourself, potentially leading to an injury.

Try jogging.

People often ask Dr. Khan if it’s better to walk or run around a track. While the distance is technically the same, she said your long-term health will benefit more from running.

Just as when you started walking faster, begin running for 30 seconds or even a minute, then slowly increase those intervals. And whether or not you decide to run, Dr. Khan said, the best kind of daily steps are the ones you will take while working just a little harder.

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