Objective:
This assignment challenges you to write a persuasive Op-Ed piece that takes a clear stance on an
issue related to American culture. You will need to develop a well-structured argument that
incorporates concepts from our course and supports your stance with evidence from peer-
reviewed journal articles. This exercise is designed to enhance your persuasive writing skills and
your ability to construct logical, evidence-based arguments.
Understanding an Op-Ed:
An Op-Ed (Opinion Editorial) is a persuasive piece of writing that expresses your opinion on a
current issue, typically related to cultural or societal topics. Unlike a research paper, an Op-Ed is
meant to engage the public and encourage readers to consider your perspective. It combines
strong opinions with well-supported arguments.
Steps to Write an Effective Op-Ed:
1. Choose Your Issue:
a. Select a specific issue related to American culture that you feel strongly about.
Examples might include the impact of social media on youth, the necessity of
cultural preservation, or the role of technology in shaping cultural identity.
2. Take a Clear Stance:
a. Your Op-Ed should have a clear thesis or central argument. What are you
advocating for? Make sure your position is strong and unambiguous.
3. Structure Your Op-Ed:
a. Introduction: Start with a hook to grab your readers’ attention. Clearly state your
thesis and briefly outline the main points you’ll discuss.b. c. Body Paragraphs: Develop your argument using course concepts and evidence
from peer-reviewed journal articles. Each paragraph should focus on a single point
that supports your thesis. Use logical reasoning and concrete examples to
persuade your readers.
Conclusion: Summarize your argument and restate why your stance is significant.
End with a call to action or a thought-provoking statement to leave a lasting
impression.
4. Use Evidence Wisely:
a. Incorporate at least three peer-reviewed journal articles to support your
arguments. Cite these sources in APA format. Avoid overwhelming your readers
with too much data; instead, select the most relevant evidence to strengthen your
points.
5. Write with Persuasion in Mind:
a. Your goal is to convince your readers to consider your viewpoint. Use persuasive
language, but maintain a respectful tone. Avoid overly technical language; your
Op-Ed should be accessible to a general audience.
Formatting:
• Follow APA guidelines throughout your paper, including the title page, in-text citations,
and reference list. Ensure your paper is 3 pages long (not including the title page and
references), double-spaced, with Times New Roman 12-point font and 1-inch margins.
Revise and Edit:
• After drafting your Op-Ed, take the time to revise it. Ensure that your argument is clear,
your evidence is strong, and your writing is free of grammatical errors. A polished Op-Ed
will be more convincing and professional.
Sources:
• You are required to reference at least three peer-reviewed journal articles, in addition to
course concepts. All sources must be cited in APA format.
Submission:
Submit your completed assignment to Canvas by the due date listed in the course schedule.
Reminder: please review the course late-policy for more information on late submissions.
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Resources:
Here are some links to news outlets that publish Op-Ed pieces that focus on issues related to
American culture:1. NBC News THINK: This platform offers a range of Op-Eds covering cultural topics,
including the impact of social media, race, and the ongoing culture wars in America. You
can explore various perspectives on current cultural debates.
2. The Los Angeles Times: The LA Times features Op-Eds on a wide array of subjects relevant
to American culture, such as political issues, societal trends, and cultural movements.
https://www.latimes.com/opinion
3. The Washington Post: The Washington Post provides a mix of Op-Eds that touch on
national and cultural issues, including debates about American identity and cultural
preservation. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions
These sources will provide you with a variety of perspectives and topics that could inspire your
Op-Ed assignment.
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Grading Rubric (30 Points Total):
1. Thesis and Argumentation (10 points):
o Clear, concise thesis statement that presents a strong stance on the issue.
o Logical structure with well-developed arguments supporting the thesis.
o Persuasiveness of the argument and relevance to American culture.
2. Integration of Course Concepts (7.5 points):
o Effective incorporation of course concepts to strengthen the argument.
o Demonstrates a deep understanding of the course material and its application.
3. Use of Evidence (7.5 points):
o Incorporates at least three peer-reviewed journal articles.
o Evidence is relevant, well-explained, and supports the argument.
o Proper APA citation of all sources.
4. Writing Quality (3 points):
o Writing is clear, concise, and well-organized.
o Free of major grammatical errors and typos.
o Maintains an appropriate tone for an Op-Ed piece.5. Formatting and APA Adherence (2 points):
o Adheres to all formatting guidelines (Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch
margins).
o Correct APA format is used throughout, including title page, in-text citations, and
reference list.
This assignment involves writing an Op-Ed to persuade readers to agree with on a particular stance on an issue related to American culture (e.g., the impact of social media on youth, the necessity of cultural preservation, ).
The goal of the assignment is to help students develop persuasive writing skills and the ability to construct a logical argument.
You'll find complete assignment instructions in the module Assignment Prompts.
Rubric
Op-Ed assignment (1)
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis and ArgumentationClear, concise thesis statement Logical structure; well-developed arguments Persuasiveness of the argument and relevance. | 10 to >7.0 ptsVery Good7 to >4.0 ptsGood 4 to >3.0 ptsFair3 to >0 ptsDoes not meet criteria | 10 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntegration of Course ConceptsEffective incorporation of course concepts. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the course material. | 7.5 to >6.0 ptsVery Good6 to >5.0 ptsGood 5 to >3.0 ptsFair3 to >0 ptsDoes not meet Criteria | 7.5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUse of EvidenceIncorporates three peer-reviewed journal articles. Evidence is relevant, well-explained, supports argument. Proper APA citation of all sources. | 7.5 to >6.0 ptsVery Good6 to >5.0 ptsGood 5 to >3.0 ptsFair3 to >0 ptsDoes not meet criteria | 7.5 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting QualityWriting is clear, concise, and well-organized. Free of major grammatical errors and typos. Maintains an appropriate tone for an Op-Ed piece. | 3 ptsMeets all criteria2 ptsSomewhat meets criteria 1 ptsMore than acceptable criteria missing | 3 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting and APA AdherenceAdheres to all formatting guidelines (Times New Roman, 12-point font, 1-inch margins). Correct APA format is used throughout, including title page, in-text citations, and reference list. | 2 ptsMeets Formatting Criteria1 ptsMultiple Formatting Errors 0 ptsMore than acceptable Formatting Errors | 2 pts |
Total Points: 30