Writing an Op-Ed Piece
Students practice writing short, persuasive opinion pieces for a public audience, focusing on clear argumentation.
Key Questions
- Construct an op-ed that effectively persuades a general audience on a contemporary issue.
- Justify the stylistic choices made to engage and influence readers.
- Evaluate the constraints and opportunities of writing for a specific publication.
Common Core State Standards
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
Planning templates for English Language Arts
ELA
An English Language Arts template structured around reading, writing, speaking, and language skills, with sections for text selection, close reading, discussion, and written response.
unit plannerThematic Unit
Organize a multi-week unit around a central theme or essential question that cuts across topics, texts, and disciplines, helping students see connections and build deeper understanding.
rubricSingle-Point Rubric
Build a single-point rubric that defines only the "meets standard" level, leaving space for teachers to document what exceeded and what fell short. Simple to create, easy for students to understand.
More in The Art of Argumentation
Rhetorical Appeals and Logic
Deconstructing historical speeches to identify the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in high stakes communication.
2 methodologies
Identifying Logical Fallacies
Students learn to recognize and analyze common logical fallacies in arguments, from ad hominem to straw man.
2 methodologies
Foundational Documents and Dissent
Analyzing the Declaration of Independence and subsequent responses to evaluate how rhetoric shapes national identity.
2 methodologies
Analyzing Seminal US Speeches
Deconstruct the rhetorical strategies in key American speeches (e.g., Lincoln, MLK Jr.) to understand their historical impact.
2 methodologies
Propaganda and Media Manipulation
Examining how modern media uses rhetorical techniques to influence public opinion and political behavior.
2 methodologies