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Basic Op-Ed Structure
For more information, join one of our public programs (open to all) in one of our major cities. (THIS IS NOT A RULE! – JUST ONE WAY OF APPROACHING IT.) Lede (Around a news hook) Thesis (Statement of argument – either explicit or implied) Argument: Based on evidence (such as stats, news, reports from credible organizations, expert quotes, scholarship, history, first-hand experience)
- 1st Point
- evidence
- evidence
- conclusion
- 2nd Point
- evidence
- evidence
- conclusion
- 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.
“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.)
Conclusion (often circling back to your lede)
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