The opinion piece (or op-ed) is a variant of the research article, which seeks to share one author’s perspective on a contemporary issue. The key difference is that an opinion piece does not necessarily advance the state of knowledge on a particular topic, and should instead clearly articulate the opinions of its authors, with clear references to existing literature where appropriate.
The audience for an opinion piece is typically much wider than the readership of a research paper, and should include not only REES students but also general readers. For this reason, an opinion piece can be more personal and conversational in tone and style, though it should still provide insight and understanding to its audience.
A good opinion piece demonstrates the passion that the author has for the subject, and it should engage its reader, leaving them thinking about it after reading. It is therefore important to practise explaining your position in a conversation with someone who does not know the subject area to help order and structure your thoughts, and to highlight terms or concepts that might need further explanation. It is fine to go out on a limb and make bold statements, but remember that this is supposed to be your opinion, not your research!
Writing an opinion piece, or op-ed, is a great way to get your research noticed by politicians and policy makers, the media, and the general public. However, it is essential to write in a way that will make the editor want to publish your piece! This means using short sentences and paragraphs, avoiding technical jargon or acronyms and cutting long paragraphs into two or more shorter ones. You should also try to link paragraphs (the end of one paragraph leads into the start of the next) so that your argument flows well.
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