Opinion Essays

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing. It requires your opinion on a topic, which
must be stated clearly, giving various viewpoints on the topic supported by reasons
and/or examples. You should also include the opposing viewpoint in another paragraph.
The basic five-paragraph essay structure, which you have probably used many times by this
point, works extremely well for an opinion essay. It’s a starting point, and when you get to
university your profs will expect a more complex approach to essay writing. If you feel confident
about your essay-writing skills, you can certainly branch out into longer and more complex
essays. But this basic five-paragraph outline is a good starting point, especially if you feel
uncertain of your ability.

An opinion essay exists to prove your main point – your thesis. This should be clearly stated in
your opening paragraph. Don’t leave the reader to guess what your position is on the issue –
make a clear stand!

Next, develop your argument in the body of your essay. Each paragraph should contain a
single, clear idea that support your point of view. You can use examples and illustration, cause-
and-effect reasoning, comparison/contrast or other methods of development to support your
argument.

Research: Any statements you make that would cause a reader to say, “Wait, how do you know
that’s true?” need to be backed up with documentation from outside sources (“I saw something
on TV about it one time” would not be considered adequate documentation). Refer to the
handout “What is Research?” for further details.

Remember that a paragraph is three to five sentences that develop a single, clear idea. A good
paragraph often begins with a topic sentence that sums up your main idea.

Paragraph One -- The introduction. Here you state the main idea of your entire essay --
the point you are trying to make or prove. This paragraph should include your thesis
statement plus three reasons why you believe this statement to be true.

Paragraphs Two, Three and Four. These are the body of your essay. Remember back
in Paragraph One, you gave three reasons for your opinion? Three reasons, three body
paragraphs. Each of the body paragraphs should take one of your reasons and explain it in
more detail, citing sources where necessary.

Paragraph Five -- The conclusion. Former Newfoundland premier Joey Smallwood once
said about giving speeches: "First I tell them what I'm going to tell them, then I tell them, then I
tell them what I told them." That's how you write an essay. In the conclusion, tell them what
you told them. Sum up your argument by restating your thesis statement and reminding the
reader what your three reasons were. In an argumentative essay, you can finish with a "call to
action" -- tell the reader what you would like them to do as a result.
Opinion piece
If you have something important to say on your blog on any hot or controversial topic, one of
the best ways to gain credible visibility and recognition for your ideas is to develop a strongly
focused opinion piece, known in the newspaper trade as an “op-ed”.
Easier said than done.
Your fiery opinion, supported by facts, can make your case. An op-ed is not an essay,
something that unrolls slowly like a carpet, building momentum to some point or conclusion. It is
the opposite.
In an op-ed for either your blog or as a guest editorial in a newspaper, the rules are the same:
You essentially state your conclusion first.
You make your strongest point up front, and then spend the rest of the op-ed making your
argument, back-filling with the facts.
Done right, it is persuasive writing at its best.
By tackling an important topic of the day, you will be reaching not only your regular readers but
also perhaps an elite audience of opinion-makers.
Here’s a checklist to keep your opinion piece on track:
Focus tightly on one issue or idea — in your first paragraph. Be brief.
Express your opinion, and then base it on factual, researched or first-hand information.
Be timely, controversial, but not outrageous. Be the voice of reason.
Be personal and conversational; it can help you make your point. No one likes a stuffed shirt.
Be humorous, provided that your topic lends itself to humor. Irony can also be effective.
Have a clear editorial viewpoint – come down hard on one side of the issue. Don’t equivocate.
Provide insight, understanding: educate your reader without being preachy.
Near the end, clearly re-state your position and issue a call to action. Don’t philosophize.
Have verve, and “fire in the gut” indignation to accompany your logical analysis.
Don’t ramble or let your op-ed unfold slowly, as in an essay.
Use clear, powerful, direct language.
Emphasize active verbs, forget adjectives and adverbs, which only weaken writing.
Avoid clichés and jargon.
Appeal to the average reader. Clarity is paramount.
Write 750 double-spaced words or less (fewer is always better) for newspapers, but your piece
can go longer for your blog. But remember, shorter is always better.
Include a brief bio, along with your phone number, email address, and mailing address at the
bottom if your article goes to a newspaper.