An opinion piece, also known as an op-ed or think piece, is a short article in which you offer your personal interpretation and perspective on a subject. It is less structured than a research paper, but still expected to present insight and understanding without being preachy.

A good opinion piece draws the reader in, grabbing their attention in the first few paragraphs. This could be through a human case study or an evocative quote, but it is most often through your personal voice and your own perspective. Embrace your personal voice and don’t be afraid to make bold statements. Your opinion is your own, and your perspectives are informed by years of reading, researching and talking to people – you should be confident enough in it that you can take some risks!

The most effective opinion pieces are timely and connected to current news. Try to link your topic to a celebrity death, a world event or an anniversary (like Valentine’s Day or Christmas). This is what editors want, and what readers are expecting, and can make you stand out from other submissions.

If you are writing an op-ed for a newspaper, try to get your topic approved in advance by the editorial staff. Almost all newspapers have their own guidelines for opinion submissions – look on their website to find them, and follow them closely. Also, if you have a terrific illustration, photo or video asset that would accompany the article, offer it to the editor – they are often eager to use it.