We want to hear what you think matters. Write a column of up to 500 words (that’s about 1 page of A4) and remember:
1. Be passionate and opinionated
Choose a subject you feel strongly about, and then work on communicating that passion to your readers.
2. Start with what you know
You will probably write a stronger piece if you have some expertise in or experience of your subject.
3. Choose your topic wisely
Examples could include: What can children do to make real change in their own community? What are you most afraid of and why? What do you think you can learn from the older generations? What does your family do that all families should do? What is tolerance to you, and why is it important?
4. Do your research
Remember that while a strong argument is important, so are facts - the WHO?, WHAT?, WHEN?, WHERE? HOW?, and WHY?. Your task is to persuade others, so you need to make the strongest possible case for your opinion – strong enough to persuade your opponents. The best pieces consider the opposite position's best argument, then knock it down with an even better argument. That takes work.
5. Show your workings
Some of what you write will be your opinion. The internet is awash with rumours, gossip and inaccuracies, which makes credibility all the more important to readers. If you are claiming something as fact or quoting someone else, show us how you found it out. Writing about a government report? Link to it. Quoting the prime minister? Link to the source. Referring to old news stories? Find the link. The more you can show the workings of your research, the better.
1. Be passionate and opinionated
Choose a subject you feel strongly about, and then work on communicating that passion to your readers.
2. Start with what you know
You will probably write a stronger piece if you have some expertise in or experience of your subject.
3. Choose your topic wisely
Examples could include: What can children do to make real change in their own community? What are you most afraid of and why? What do you think you can learn from the older generations? What does your family do that all families should do? What is tolerance to you, and why is it important?
4. Do your research
Remember that while a strong argument is important, so are facts - the WHO?, WHAT?, WHEN?, WHERE? HOW?, and WHY?. Your task is to persuade others, so you need to make the strongest possible case for your opinion – strong enough to persuade your opponents. The best pieces consider the opposite position's best argument, then knock it down with an even better argument. That takes work.
5. Show your workings
Some of what you write will be your opinion. The internet is awash with rumours, gossip and inaccuracies, which makes credibility all the more important to readers. If you are claiming something as fact or quoting someone else, show us how you found it out. Writing about a government report? Link to it. Quoting the prime minister? Link to the source. Referring to old news stories? Find the link. The more you can show the workings of your research, the better.
