Each Op-Ed is as unique as the author, but that’s not a helpful insight when you’re starting out. This article provides an overview of a traditional Op-Ed structure. Once you’re familiar, read a few op-eds and try to identify each section. You’ll start to identify some variations and become a better editor. While you’re reading, think about the author’s intentions. What are they trying to communicate to the reader? This may not always be immediately obvious.
This structure is also a great place to start for other columns, such as personal essays. You’ll probably notice that it looks like any argumentative essay format from your high-school English class. Persuasive writing is a style, and styles often have rules of thumb and common patterns.
Opening (2-3 paragraphs)
Hook – Grab the reader’s attention. Why should they care? It is usually most effective to start with sensory information. Sensory meaning literally of the senses. Show the reader a moment, don’t tell them about it. Instead of “watching your father prepare breakfast,” describe the smells, sounds, or tastes. You must construct a ‘moment’ into which you invite your reader. If you’ve done well, they are interested in reading more, and the two of you are now sharing a starting point.
Setup – Transition from the ‘moment’ of your hook into the main thrust of your argument (nut graph). A strong setup frees you to make a more compelling hook by carrying the reader from the hook’s emotion into the nut graph’s logic. This may include an allusion to the main argument, but that is not the goal. Instead, the setup gives the reader the information and background they need to understand your perspective. It allows you to meet the reader where they are and guide them to your starting point.
Nut Graph – The nut graph is your piece’s main thrust or thesis. It focuses the reader on your point and keeps the piece organized and clear. It also serves as a litmus test for the clarity of your argument. Remember, columns are short, and you only have space to make one point well. If you can’t summarize your nut graph in one or two sentences, you are likely saying too much. When you hit this wall, and you will, it’s time to break the column up.
Diagnosis and Prescription (8-10 paragraphs)
Diagnosis – Now that you’ve grabbed the reader’s attention and presented your point, it’s time to persuade. The diagnosis section gives the reader information about the problem and its context. This section shows why it’s critical to target a publication before you write. Is your audience enlisted or officers? Are they active or reserve? Military or civilian? Young or old? Your diagnosis will differ depending on who you are trying to reach.
Prescription – Throughout this section, you’ll transition into your proposed solution to the problem. This is your opportunity to provide the evidence backing up your assertion. Why is your idea suited to the problem? How should your proposed change happen? Why should the reader be persuaded?
Concession (1-2 paragraphs)
The concession is critical to your credibility and the strength of your argument. This is where you address the other side of your argument. Remember, you’re short on space, so the concession doesn’t need to be lengthy. But it should be an earnest attempt to demonstrate your understanding of the opposing view. Of course, you can include why your view is correct, but neglecting the other side leaves you vulnerable to critics or others looking for an excuse to ignore what you have to say.
Closing (1 paragraph)
Closings can vary in length but typically contain at least a re-statement of the nut graph to guide the reader back to your central idea. Op-Ed conclusions often include a coda or “call to action.” Now that you have convinced your reader, what should they do? Finally, while not always necessary, better endings often call back to your hook.
Some more things worth checking out:
The Structure Section of “Op-Ed Writing: Tips and Tricks” – The Op-Ed Project
“How to Write an Op-Ed, Classic Op-Ed Structure” – The Harvard Kennedy School Communications Program
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