O opinion article is a genre that serves to express a point of view about a certain subject that is taking place at the time of writing the text. This genre has the type argumentative, therefore needs proof and justification for all exposed information. Its structure is divided into:
- introduction (presentation of the problem);
- development (problem analysis);
- conclusion (suggestion of solutions to the problem).
Read too: What are argumentative operators?
Opinion Article Features
The opinion article is a textual genreused to express a positioning on some topic of the moment. This text is used to express indignation, criticism and also suggestions regarding a problem. Because of this defense of opinion, this text is called argumentative.
The argumentative text tries to convince the reader of the defended point of view. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to argue the statements made, that is, to justify everything that is said, with scientific, theoretical, artistic, and other proofs.
In the case of the opinion article, it usually refers to some recent problem.. Thus, the author points to this problem and takes a stand indicating its possible causes and consequences, as well as other information that proves his indignation. In addition, in the end, it also suggests improvements and solutions.
Opinion Article Structure
The opinion piece is divided into four parts:
- Title: is a short sentence (which can be a single word) that names the text. This name needs to give hints about the message that will be conveyed and can be creative, thought-provoking, to attract the reader.
- Introduction: can be the first or the first paragraphs text. It should present the topic addressed, so, in the case of the opinion article, it is important to present the problem that will be discussed. In this presentation, it is important not only to say what the text is about, but to explain the context in the which it is inserted, in addition to presenting known information, so that the reader can be located in the subject matter.
- Development: part that deepens the discussion about the problem. It is the space to prove the statements made, bring examples, make comparisons, show research and data, and anything else that is relevant to prove your point of view. This is usually the largest part of the text, as this is where the textual body is formed.
- Conclusion: it is the conclusion of the text, the moment in which the outcome for the previous discussions is presented, and, in the opinion article, it is also the moment to propose solutions or palliative measures for the problem. Just as the argument needs to be well founded, to prove the point of view, the conclusion must indicate that the author has suggestions to alleviate the problem, even if they are suggestions directed to public bodies or institutions of power, making them responsible for the solution.
See too: Five common Portuguese mistakes and how to avoid them in writing
Step by step to make an opinion article
The opinion article must be done at the time any collective order problem (It could be about economics, religion, education, technology, work, etc.) occurs and you want to take a stand. After this motivation, it is necessary to analyze the problem more critically, even without being an expert.
Is important do research on the subject, seek sources, references, comparisons and any other data that is relevant to prove or justify the arguments. It is also relevant already think of possible solutions for the question, possible measures to actually occur, without magical or unrealistic solutions.
In sequence, it's important develop a text construction strategy. Select the information that will be presented in the introduction, those that are already better known and that contextualize the problem, that inform what it is, where it is, how it affects it; then present your statement, that is, your point of view.
For the development, select new information — that will deepen the discussed subject —, the comparisons pertinent examples, examples that prove the problem, expert reading on the subject, and other relevant data. For the conclusion, think about possible solutions.
After all the organization of the structure of your text, you can dedicate yourself to writing. Try to use a formal, objective and argumentative language. All pertinent justifications can serve to reinforce your opinion.
Sample Opinion Article
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Health should be a common good for all living beings, that is, everyone's right. In this logic, no one should take anyone's life, as this is an irrecoverable asset. However, what we see today is a true inversion of the basic values of a society. Health has become a commodity, and life has lost its value. In a scenario like the current one, of the COVID-19 pandemic, health becomes the main victim, and, in Brazil, a large part of the population depends solely on the public system. With all this scenario, the lack of a practical plan by the federal government to fight the virus is a shame, as it shows a real disregard for life. The numbers haven't dropped, we've been locked up for months, and uncertainty and chaos continue to reign in every city. In the midst of this, a Brazilian state suffers a blackout. How to conceive of what is happening? Where do all the taxes paid that should be invested in health go? The federal government needs to present concrete and effective measures for our country. The SUS needs to be defended and maintained if we don't want to suffer a collective collapse. Life must become a priority again. |
In the example, you can see that the author takes a stand on a recent subject, the pandemic of COVID-19. Talking about this, he initially presents an explanation about life and the importance of health in collective life. Based on this, it will deepening and bringing questions and criticisms to the subject, stating that there is a negligence of the federal government with the problem, adding, still, other information (such as the blackout in Amapá), and, finally, it suggests that effective measures be taken to problem.
