Essential Elements of a Classic Newspaper Op-ed Format

Classic newspaper op-eds help shape public opinion and allow prominent

journalists and thinkers to present their views on a variety of current issues.

Unlike other sections of the newspaper, which simply report facts, the op-ed

section attempts to persuade readers to take a specific side on a key issue. As a

result, nearly all op-ed articles follow a standard op-ed format:

First-person Narrative An op-ed describes a single person's opinion. While other journalistic articles

eliminate pronouns or write from a third-person perspective, write your op-ed in

first-person narrative to help readers understand that the editorial represents your

personal opinion on the issue. Use "I," "me" and "my" to describe your opinions,

and use second-person pronouns like "you" and "your" to draw your readers into

the editorial.

Specific Point of View Many newspaper articles strive to be objective, meaning the articles present facts

without siding to any single point of view. However, the op-ed format must

include a specific point of view: You must either be for or against a particular

candidate, policy or political situation. Unless you state a point of view and

effectively describe your opinion on the issue, the article is not an op-ed piece.

Anecdotes and Stories Op-ed articles nearly always include at least one anecdote or story to illustrate

the author's point. Unlike other newspaper articles, which focus mainly on

numbers and impersonal data, the op-ed article weaves in the personal story (i.e.

describing a family struggling with a tax increase or the workers who lost their

jobs during budget cuts). Using an anecdote or story that reflects your opinion

also increases the validity of your editorial. If you state that a policy is wrong

without including an explanation, your op-ed is not effective.

Humor While humor is inappropriate in many other areas of the newspaper, the op-ed

page is a place to illustrate your point of view with quips, puns and humorous

anecdotes. It is no coincidence that a newspaper's op-ed page often includes

editorial cartoons alongside its editorial articles; by using humor, you help

convert readers to your point of view. Make sure your humor is appropriate to the

situation by staying family-friendly and avoiding jokes that are likely to offend

readers.

In writing an op-ed article, follow the submission guidelines for your local

newspaper or favorite online publication; even major newspapers like The New

York Times accept editorial submissions from readers. Once your op-ed appears

in a local or major newspaper, others have the chance to read your opinions and

use your article to shape opinions of their own.