(750-word minimum)

Due:  4/1/24 on our OpenLab site (specific instructions to follow)

Assignment

During this portion of the semester, we have explored the genre of the op-ed (also referred to as an opinion essay in The New York Times) and considered how these authors persuasively present their opinions and arguments while backing up their points with evidence and credible sources.

For this assignment, you will write an op-ed for City Tech students that could appear in a student newspaper at our college. For your op-ed, you will choose and take a position on an issue that is relevant to your peers as students here at City Tech. As you write, be sure to think about audience, tone, diction, etc. 

Your op-ed/opinion essay will follow the conventions of the op-ed genre, including

  • writing approximately 750 words 
  • having a thesis
  • using properly cited and documented research from credible sources that is relevant to your topic and supports your position
  • quoting at least twice from your sources 
  • making reference to at least one counterargument you anticipate another side making 
  • using the appeals of logos, ethos, and pathos to develop a persuasive argument

In your op-ed/opinion essay, use MLA in-text citations OR linking (not both) and include an MLA Works Cited page (note: the Works Cited page is not part of the 750-word count minimum).

Here are the grading criteria for this project:

Your op-ed/opinion essay…

  • has a clear thesis. 
  • uses sources, evidence, and details to back up your thesis.
  • quotes directly from your sources at least twice, uses the “quote sandwich” or a similar technique to integrate your quotes, and uses MLA style in-text citations.
  • includes a reference to the counterargument.
  • has taken logos, ethos, and pathos (the three appeals) into consideration.
  • uses tone, language, grammar, and sentence structure appropriate for your genre, audience, and purpose.
  • has been carefully proofread.
  • meets the required word count: at least 750 words!
  • includes an MLA style Works Cited page.
  • has been submitted on time.