6th Grade Creative Writing: Op-Ed

STRUCTURE

1. LEDE (AROUND A NEWS HOOK)

A lede is what sets the scene and grabs your reader’s attention – it is your introduction. A news hook is what makes your piece timely, and often is part of the lede. More Information on ledes and news hooks is below.

2. THESIS

Statement of argument – either explicit or implied

3. ARGUMENT

Based on evidence (such as stats, news, reports from credible organizations, expert quotes, scholarship, history, first-hand experience)

4. 1ST POINT

• evidence
• evidence
• conclusion

4. 2ND POINT

• evidence
• evidence
• conclusion

5. 3RD POINT

• evidence
• evidence
• conclusion

Note: In a simple, declarative op-ed (“policy X is bad; here’s why”) , this may be straightforward. In a more complex commentary, the 3rd point may expand on the bigger picture—historical context, global/geographic picture, mythological underpinnings, etc.—or may offer an explanation for a mystery that underpins the argument– eg., why a bad policy continues, in spite of its failures.

6. “TO BE SURE” PARAGRAPH

In which you pre-empt your potential critics by acknowledging any flaws in your argument, and address any obvious counter-arguments.

7. CONCLUSION (OFTEN CIRCLING BACK TO YOUR LEDE)

This information has been taken directly from The OpEd Project.

• New York Times Opinion Page

• Washington Post Opinion Page

• Washington Times Opinion Page

• Chicago Tribune

• LA Times Opinion Page