Thursday, February 6, 2014

Op-Ed Examples, Tips, Tricks, and Features

Starter 19

  1. Draw a rough rough draft of a cartoon that expresses the same perspective that is expressed in your Op-Ed thesis statement.
  2. What do you think will be the hurdle to your success in the cartooning process?  How might you overcome this difficulty?
Follow the instructions in the document linked here:  Op-Ed Example Analysis, to analyze and identify key features of ONE of the Op-Ed Examples.

Op-Ed Key Features
  • Thesis can stand alone in its own paragraph
  • Thesis doesn't have to be in the first paragraph
  • Many short paragraphs, rather than a few long ones
  • Each paragraph has a single clear focus
  • Use transitions to link one paragraph to the next
  • Start and end your op-ed with emotion, to pull your reader in.  Use stories, anecdotes, vivid imagery.
  • Logic and evidence in the middle
  • Address and refute opposing argument
  • Use different types of evidence:  stories, quotes, statistics, experts, etc.
  • Use strong language in complex sentences
  • Have a recommendation for action, or a solution

What Can I Do In Body Paragraphs?
After you've written a catchy hook to get your reader emotionally invested, and presented your thesis, now what?  Here's a list of possible things you can do in your short and punchy body paragraphs!
  • Set context
  • Define key terms
  • Give concrete or real-world examples of abstract concepts or ideas
  • Address counter-arguments
  • Present evidence for your thesis, and explain that evidence
  • Define a problem
  • Propose or defend a solution or course of action

Op Ed Outline and Rough Draft Requirements:
  • Typed and PRINTED before class
  • 750-1000 words
  • Uses evidence
  • Has title, intro, and conclusion
  • Has a Works Cited section

HOMEWORK:  Rough Draft of your Op-Ed.  DUE:  Start of class, MONDAY.  Don't forget to PRINT!

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