An opinion piece is an essay that clearly articulates your own position on a topic. It is more personal than research or persuasive essays, and it allows you to express your ideas through logic and anecdotal evidence. You should still cite your sources as though you were writing a research paper, but the citation requirements are less strict for an opinion piece.
Opinion pieces are important for scientists because they can help you reach a wider audience and broaden your influence. They can demystify scientific research that is seen as complex by the public, or they can democratize expert perspectives on issues shaking society. They can even be a way to get your name out as a trusted source of information for journalists or political leaders.
The key to writing a successful opinion piece is to keep it timely. Find an angle that connects your argument to something going on in the news – be it a war, a stock market panic, or even controversy on a reality TV show. This is what readers and op-ed editors are looking for, and it will make your article more likely to get published.
Once you’ve settled on a topic, start gathering research to support your thesis statement. Be sure to look for counterarguments as well as alternative perspectives. Then, write a draft of your essay. Try to stick with the five-paragraph essay structure, but let it flow naturally. Avoid using jargon, and use active voice whenever possible. Link paragraphs so the end of one paragraph leads directly into the start of the next, and always include a call to action or thought-provoking statement.