Opinion piece presents the viewpoint of an individual or organization on a current issue, engaging readers and sparking discussion. Many media outlets, both general and specialised, have dedicated sections for publishing opinion pieces.
To write a compelling opinion piece, start with a good angle and a clear understanding of your audience. Your piece must be able to resonate with the audience in a way that makes them want to read it, and be relevant to their life or work experience. A timely hook is helpful, such as a holiday, event, election, report or upcoming event that is causing concern. Alternatively, you could also use an existing news story as a peg for your article.
A strong opening line is essential to grab the reader’s attention, and a well-researched conclusion will help keep them on board. Avoid using emotional or shock-driven language. Instead, focus on writing an argument that is logical and persuasive. Your argument should make a case for why your audience should take action, or change their mind about the issue.
As with any piece of writing, revision is key to ensuring that it is as polished as possible. Before submitting your piece, give it a read out loud to check for errors in spelling or grammar. Reading it out loud can also help you understand how the article unfolds, and whether or not it is presenting an effective argument. Finally, ask yourself if the opinion you are writing is really worth sharing and whether or not it has a real impact.