How to write an Op-ed article.

Before writing an Op-ed article, it might be an idea to focus on the outline before getting started. It`s very important to remember that an Op-ed is not like an essay at all. The structure is in fact quite the opposite.
While in an essay you might start of with a topic, and then continuing by discussing and analyzing it. In the last paragraphs, you should have come to a conclusion.

This is not an essay though. An op-ed article is slightly different, and doesn`t allow you to spend so much time pondering and coming up with arguments for every aspect of the topic you are discussing.
Here is a short description of how to write and structure an article, which I will be using for my own op-ed article.

Opening: In the first paragraph of an op-ed article, you state your idea or conclusion. This is not the time to be circuitous or being deep. Be brief and get to the point at once!
An op-ed article is not like an essay. That is why you begin by stating your conclusion, which would usually be the way to end an essay. The explanation is simply because you are going to spend the rest of the article giving proof to support your statement.

Body: Trough out the article, you should stick with three key points, like in an essay. Keep it simple and organized, with short sentences and paragraphs. In addition, an op-ed article should not contain more than 750 words, so there is not exactly unlimited time to come up with arguments.

The people reading this will be the average population, and they require that the language is not filled with jargons, or slow paced and overly philosophic. The man on the street is most likely not familiar with medical terms, or dates of historical events. The language needs to catch their attention. So even if you are writing an article based on information and facts, use a strong voice. Clearly state “I believe that…..” instead of “It could be assumed that……” which makes the article look weak and careful.

Important things to remember:

-Educate your reader. If you know what you write is not common knowledge, apply it.
-Don`t base everything on research. You are allowed to add stories you have heard if they are related to the topic. Readers tend to remember more fun and colorful details. You could also write something we all can relate to.
-If you can relate what you are writing about to something that was recently in the media, then do so!  Timing is important, and these articles draw more attention.
-Avoid clichés or using to much time being philosophic.
-Use humor if the topic allows it. Even though this is an article, you are allowed to be personal and “get dirty”. It can help you make a point.
-Do NOT ramble. Remember the limit of 750 words.
-Express your opinion. And then support it with sources and facts.

Ending: The ending should be the most memorable part of the article. A reader will often skim trough the content of the text and read only the opening and the final paragraph. One very useful technique that is popular among writers is to clearly repeat something they said in the opening. All in all, it should be a summary of the statements and points you made trough out the whole article, and you should re-state your position.