Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Directions: Enter the information for your upcoming op-ed in the format below. Include full sentences where marked (*).
From the Op-Ed Project: http://www.theopedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=68&Itemid=80
Lede (http://www.theopedproject.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69&Itemid=8 1) Context* What is the present issue that has inspired your opinion? Thesis* (Statement of argument look to the 3 types of claims included in the assignment) Argument: Based on evidence (a discussion of appropriate evidence is in the assignment)
1st Point*
o o o
2nd Point*
o o o
3rd Point*
o o o
Note: In a simple, declarative op-ed (policy X is bad; heres why) , this may be straightforward. In a more complex commentary, the 3rd point may expand on the bigger picturehistorical 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) Here is an example using America the Clueless: Lede: We have talked Obamacare to death. But, according to a recent poll, roughly 40% of Americans dont even know that its a law on the books. Thesis (the thesis in this op-ed is implied, rather than explicit) Americans are largely unwitting and this condition is dangerous, especially in connection with sweeping reform like Obamacare. Argument:
Roswell Yetis
Conclusion: This isnt anything new, but it is contrary to the general commentary.
Transition: The electorate is out to lunch. (less general ignorance and a shift to specifically political ignorance, which connects more to Obamacare)
o
Couldnt name the vice president Couldnt assign the proper century to the American revolution Couldnt circle Independence Day on a calendar
Only 16 percent could name the what accounted for the majority of state spending
o o
Concession: Some facts can be picked up in a peripheral fashion. Evidence: Tea Party Rally
Couple who were seemingly political but who did not know that actual candidates in a publicized senate race.
o o
Concession: Perhaps, voters are confused by respondent messages. Conclusion: Evidence shows a pattern that is not mere confusion and the future does not look any brighter. Americans are woefully ignorant about politics and it is getting worse.
To Be Sure: These are included in the text rather than in a separate paragraph Conclusion: Obamacare is something that will have a huge impact on the electorate. But the voting public seems largely incapable of grappling with even the simplest aspects of politics, let alone something so sweeping, and things do not show that such a state of ignorance is likely to change.