What is an opinion article?
The opinion article is, as its name suggests, it is a text in which the author person presents his point of view on a specific topic . opinion article
In other words: it is a text that uses argumentation as the main instrument to inform and persuade people who are reading it.
These are, after all, the main objectives of the opinion article: to present a topic and defend a point of view. Or, in other words, convince the people who are reading.
This is also why the opinion article is the most common textual genre in the media. Every day, on the radio, in newspapers, in magazines and on television, they publish this type of text.
Characteristics
The main features of the opinion article are:
- Use persuasion and argumentation as main tools;
- Use simple, objective and assertive language;
- Address relevant and current issues in society;
- Identification and signature of the author;
- Written in first and third person ( since the author gives his opinion on the subject );
- Texts published in relevant media such as radio, tv and television;
- Provocative titles. opinion article
How to make an opinion article?
Now that you know what it is and what the characteristics of an opinion article are, let’s get to work.
Here are 10 steps on how to write an opinion piece:
1. Read other opinion articles to accumulate references
Well, if you are not used to writing this type of text, it is important to accumulate some references.
One way to do this is to read other opinion pieces. From this, you will be able to differentiate what is good and what is bad to do in the text. opinion article
2. Choose the theme
After that, you need to choose the theme. As you already know, the opinion article must give an opinion on some subject.
It is for this reason that the topic must be very well defined.
3. Research a lot on the topic and build arguments
You already know that this type of text requires you to present in-depth information on the subject. Right?
To do this, do a lot of research on the topic. Seek enough knowledge to stay on top of the main facts and data on the subject.
However, knowing about the topic is not enough, you need to build arguments about it. Being a persuasive text, you need to support the point of view through your arguments. opinion article
4. Start with the structure of the opinion article
And structure is quite important for this type of text. This is because the elements of the structure build logical thinking. It is much simpler to write assertive and clear content from it.
At this point, it is essential to understand that each element has a specific function within the text structure.
So, more important than the delimitation of each element, is the distribution of information in them. I mean, the contents should be in their right places opinion article
In general, the structure of the opinion article is the same as the structure of the argumentative essay text .
Introduction
The introduction of the text must comprise two main parts: the first, with the presentation of the theme; and the second with the explanation of the point of view.
Also, it is important that the introduction arouse people’s interest to read the text. In this sense, it may contain:
- General information
- Historical and philosophical context
- Quote
- Comparison
- Relevant questions on the topic.
Development
After presenting the theme, it’s time to put the arguments into play.
Explore all your convictions and opinions and present information that substantiates them in detail. It is important that you bring true data and facts to base your opinion. opinion article
Conclusion
The conclusion of the text can be done in two ways: in the form of a synthesis or with a proposal for a solution.
In the case of synthesis, all arguments must be summarized and the opinion reaffirmed. The idea is to complete the reasoning that was built throughout the development.
If it is a proposal for a solution, the resolution of the central problems of the theme must be presented, based on your opinion and arguments.
5. Prioritize your arguments and build logical thinking
When studying on the topic, you will come to know several different arguments. But be careful: which of these arguments add relevant information to your text? opinion article
Prioritize writing about these arguments and build logical thinking from that.
6. Write clearly and assertively
I know you will need to respect a specific number of lines or pages. Try to write them from relevant arguments.
The main objective should be to write clearly and assertively, so that everyone understands what you have written. Try not to stuff sausage
7. Pay attention to the Portuguese language
It’s no use having relevant arguments, but making grotesque Portuguese mistakes.
Attention to grammar is essential for you to write a good text.
A tip is: if you have doubts about how to write a word, for example, and it is not possible to consult, don’t risk it. Think of synonyms that you are sure of the spelling. opinion article
8. Don’t forget the title of your text
Under no circumstances do you write to define a title for your text. It should be done last, but it’s critical that it be creative and objective.
It is quite common for opinion articles to have very flashy and provocative titles.
An opinion article without a good title is like a book without a cover.
9. Do a review
Proofreading is essential to correct Portuguese and typing errors.
But not only that. When you read the text a second time, it becomes easier to identify problems in structure and argument.
10. Beware of references
Be careful when using outdated or uncertain references . If you’re not sure, it’s best not to write the information in the text. .
Your text loses a lot of points when the references are not exact. After all, their arguments are based on references. opinion article
