Our op-eds will be a little longer, at 900 words. This does not include the Works Cited page, but does include titles, subtitles, and other formatting and style elements.

The author's argument is crystal clear. Words like "should" are strong indicators that the writer has taken a position, rather than simply stating a fact.

I would consider this the thesis statement. In a traditional essay, we typically find the thesis at the end of the introduction, which you can still adhere to in your op-ed if you wish.

The author could have presented this as a graphic within the text. Remember, you need at least one purposeful multimodal component in your op-ed (i.e. photo, chart, graph, table, map, etc.).

This is a potential counterargument--the author needs to refute it.

This would be an ideal place to include additional research. What does this "standardized manner" look like? What are the benefits? Since the author mentioned Germany and South Korea earlier, perhaps they could provide excerpt from one of their reports as an example.

What other places might the writer include more research? We don't need citations in excess, but there are bound to be places where a additional justification or clarification is needed.

The author could elaborate on this important "So what?" idea; why can't we afford to wait for new leadership? What are the implications?

This supports the thesis as well, as indicates that readers will see specifics in the sentences that follow. Illustration--or a developmental pattern that involves providing and explaining examples--is an effective method in persuasive writing.

This is another support point for the thesis.

Logos!

Ethos!

Strong example of pathos!

This is another support point for the thesis, located in a traditional topic sentence position, as you would see in a paragraph in an essay.

This is a support point for the thesis.

As in the NYT op-ed, the in-text citations come in the form of hyperlinks. Again, for our purposes, please use traditional MLA parenthetical documentation and include a Works Cited page at the end of the piece.

This is an elaboration on the thesis statement. It outlines what readers can expect in the body of the article.

Statistics make for powerful hooks at the start of an introduction.

The word "fight" exudes pathos. I don't love the wording "detailed view," but it definitely builds intrigue.

Identify ideas like this one that appear to have merit, but aren't directly supported with research.That doesn't mean you need an excess of citations, but consider which ideas might need more validation or justification. When I saw this, I wondered what packaged meals would look like--who will prepare them (the cafe workers or an outside company) and what will they cost compared to a traditional cafeteria buffet? Is there a school already implementing this strategy that others could look to for guidance or precedent?

See if you can identify other places where additional research would have offered more substance or clarification.

The title leaves no mystery about the content of the op-ed. There is some pathos here, but the title is a great place to include more of it (in fewer words).

This image is ok. It serves a purpose, but isn't especially compelling. Consider graphics that will really engage readers, while illustrating specific claims.

Important ethos here! As you cite experts/reputable organizations, you can include their ethos directly in the text.

Example: According to Ezekiel J. Emanuel, vice provost of global initiatives and professor of medical ethics and health policy at the University of Pennsylvania...

This is a supporting point for the thesis. Think of it as the topic sentence of a paragraph in a traditional essay; the components of an op-ed are very similar, but have a different layout and approach.

This conclusion effectively answers the "So what?" question and examines the bigger pictures. The authors acknowledge that the situation isn't ideal, but having something to hold on to is better than nothing at all.

This is another potential counterargument--that these measures are costly--and a great example of pathos.

This is the final supporting point for the thesis.

And this is another counterargument + refutation.

Here is another supporting point for the thesis.

Here, the author recognizes some potential counterarguments and refutes them.

This is another supporting point for the thesis.

In a real op-ed, citations take the form of hyperlinks. For our purposes, we will stick to MLA parenthetical documentation with a Works Cite page at the end of the article.

This is a great example of a purposeful multimodal component. Include at least one in your op-ed.

These are credible sources. Make sure to cite from a combination of reputable news sources and scholarly materials. You can also cite from organizations like these.

This supports the authors' notion that safely reopening schools is about more than just the classroom itself.

I would consider this the thesis statement.

This is another component of the argument and a continual point of debate. The authors' position is clear.

This is the authors' argument, in a nutshell.

"Intellectually honest" = back your claims with credible research!

The "entertainment" part of our op-eds depends on tone and voice. Remember, you can write conversationally in an op-ed, but still need to keep it professional. Engage readers.

You may find a classmate writing about the same current event you are--and expressing a completely different opinion!

Keyword: NEW. That's you!

As you learn about your current event, you will likely read through many news publications, some of which are strictly fact based, and others which are op-eds themselves. You are coming to the table with your own viewpoint, and you are prepared to defend it.

This is exactly what we are going for: engaging in a persuasive discussion of current events, where our analyses are supported with credible research.

This is crucial to persuading an audience! Yes, you will recognize the opposing viewpoint, but only in an effort to strengthen your own. You are absolutely taking one side in the argument around your current event.

This is a good habit to get into for any type of writing! Listen for areas that might be awkward, wordy, vague, confusing, repetitive, or aggressive.

You have some flexibility here, and aren't limited to third person point of view, as in other types of writing. This op-ed is still a formal piece, however, so use some of the adjectives below as a checklist to ensure a strong voice. :)

Remember, this is the "So what?" of the piece. Why does this topic matter? What is its overall impact?

Just like the essays we've written, your op-ed will have a hook to engage readers!

We started working on this earlier in the semester and will continue to refine our skills. You will consult a combination of reputable news sources and scholarly materials.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need help developing a survey, interview questions, etc.

This is an essential component of this final exam! You are required to cite from three credible sources (primary or secondary). Within your op-ed, you will include a total of five paraphrases, summaries, or direct quotes (or a combination of these).

In this case, we are focusing on current events--national or international--from the last year.

For our purposes, you are the writer, and you will be expressing your opinion on a current event.

This is reassuring, given that schooling for our seven-year-old has moved completely online.

I can use this to show students how to annotate an article on the web or in the library database.