An “op-ed” (“opposite the editorial page”) is a piece of writing that expresses the author’s personal opinion on a current issue.
In exploring the genre of researched op-eds, I learned how opinion writing can be both persuasive and grounded in credible research. A researched op-ed is not just about sharing a personal viewpoint—it’s about engaging with real-world issues through a combination of lived experience, critical thinking, and factual evidence.
What makes this form so powerful is its ability to connect with readers emotionally while also informing them intellectually. It allows the writer to take a clear stance on an issue, support that stance with reliable sources, and invite others to consider a new perspective or take action—unlike traditional news reports, which prioritize objectivity. It also contains more generalized and less formal writing, without losing the high credibility of the sources used, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
The impact of this genre of writing is not just theoretical. A 2018 Yale University study found that reading well-argued op-eds significantly influenced readers’ views, and those effects often lasted beyond the initial reading. That kind of persuasive power underscores why learning to write a researched op-ed matters, not just for academic growth, but for contributing meaningfully to public conversations.
Understanding how to write a researched op-ed has helped me see the value of balancing voice and evidence—not just for academic growth, but for contributing meaningfully to public conversations.
