An opinion article must have the structure of a dissertation-argumentative text, that is, an introduction, development and conclusion, which must include:
- introduction - contextualization and its position on the topic;
- development - argumentation and counter-argumentation;
- conclusion - summary of ideas.
1. Introduction of opinion article
In the introduction, the author makes known to the reader not only the topic of his article, but what he thinks about it.
The first part of the text is used to explain what will be discussed and the reason for writing about this topic, which is usually controversial.
It is precisely the fact that it is controversial that attracts readers' curiosity to read it. That's because people seek to know different perspectives on controversial issues in order to form their own opinion.
After presenting the topic and its positioning, the following paragraphs will address your arguments.
Sample Opinion Article Introduction
"After the first weeks of social isolation (the concrete measure adopted by governments to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and its impacts by recommendation of national and international health authorities and scientists) a false contradiction between the economy and the life."
(Introduction of an opinion article signed by the economics professors of the Faculty of Administration, Accounting and Economics, FACE/UFG – Economics and life, March 30, 2020)
2. Opinion Article Development
Now that the reader is familiar with the topic of the article and knows what the author thinks about it, it is time to clarify your opinion.
In this way, the development presents arguments - what made the author think in a certain way about the topic addressed in his text?
As the opinion article aims to influence readers, it often presents a reflection on opposing arguments that could call into question what the author says. Anticipating this, the author presents counter arguments.
The exposure of different perspectives enriches a text. At the same time, substantiating ideas is also an essential resource to show that the author is knowledgeable about what he writes and that his opinions are not merely subjective.
Opinion Article Development Example
"The current pandemic, as well as other pandemics experienced in the past (ex. the Spanish flu in 1918, the H1N1 flu in 2009) and any crisis of a natural nature such as a drought or a period of excessive rain in a certain region, disrupts the economic system. However, it is necessary to remember that materially reproducing life is an essential condition of any economic system. People don't seem to realize that most of our productive efforts and most of the products that generate are not essential for our organic reproduction, even if they are for our social, cultural and financial. Most of the efforts are aimed at meeting needs that go beyond the basic supply of guarantee of life, which shows that we have plenty of capacity to overcome the current crisis by making an adjustment temporary. It all depends on our union and organization.."
(Excerpt from the development of an opinion article signed by economics professors at the Faculty of Administration, Accounting and Economic Sciences FACE/UFG – Economics and life, March 30, 2020)
3. Opinion article conclusion
In conclusion, the author gathers everything that was exposed and makes a summary for the reader to organize their ideas.
In this part, which closes the opinion article, the arguments presented and explained in the paragraphs of the development must be pointed out. Finally, the author clarifies that as a result of the above, this is his way of thinking.
Opinion Article Conclusion Example
"Fundamental is to organize the economy to provide basic supplies for all people: food, housing, sanitation, medicines, health services, communication, education, water and security. Several economic policies can be adopted to enable this survival module of the economy. Although the details of them can be discussed, there is no doubt that we can get through this moment with the exchange of ideas in a civilized way in the interest of all Humanity, without appealing to a false trade-off, already what the economy must be at the service of life and never the other way around."
(Conclusion of an opinion article signed by the economics professors of the Faculty of Administration, Accounting and Economics, FACE/UFG – Economics and life, March 30, 2020)
For you to understand better:
- Opinion article
- How to make an opinion piece
- the argument
- Counterargument in text production
- Dissertation-argumentative text
