Using your research and analysis, develop an op-ed that advocates a position in favor of a
specific policy or intervention related to your topic. Writing an op-ed provides an
opportunity to develop and frame arguments about technical and scientific issues in
language that is appropriate to policy settings and public forums outside of academia (i.e.,
no jargon or acronyms allowed). As an op-ed writer you need to advance a compelling
argument and explain why a busy public and policy-makers should support your position.
(1) Clearly identify the broader issue and what’s at stake (e.g. species extinction,
resource access, economic loss, human health, etc.).
(2) Think about the stakeholders that you’ve identified and analyzed. What are their
points of view and how do you agree and disagree with them?
(3) Think about your audience and a venue. How do people who don’t share your
opinion think about this problem? What are the typical assumptions that need to be
addressed? Is there a particular group that already has power to make change? What
is a good venue to reach them.
(4) Think about why you care about this issue and what you think should be done about
it. Consider sharing personal point of view and reasons for caring about the
problem.
(5) Think about your stakeholders and audience and venue again! Remember that
they do not necessarily share your basic assumptions about what the core of the
problem is and how it needs to be solved.
Sample Solution