PLEASE READ THIS GUIDANCE AND LISTEN TO THE ASSESSMENT ONE LECTURE, AVAILABLE THROUGH MINERVA
WHY AN OP-ED?
As you may have noticed, the OpEd replaces what was previously a group presentation in the criminal law module. We changed the method of assessment from 2019 onwards because:
• Students had limited opportunities to produce and practice writing in a summative context;
• A short OpEd allows students to concentrate on constructing a persuasive argument in a concise manner, a skill which is central to good academic writing and which will be necessary when you leave us and embark upon your career (whichever area that is in).
WHAT IS AN OP-ED?
An Op-Ed is a newspaper column that represents the strong, informed, and focused opinion of the writer on an issue of relevance to a targeted audience.
GETTING STARTED
Once you have decided which topic you wish to write about, consider the following:
• Which materials will you draw upon in researching for your Op-Ed?
• Do you need to do more research and reading prior to starting your writing?
• Do you have a workplan which is realistic and includes time for reflection, peer feedback and proof-reading and rest?
Remember that a good Op-Ed shares many commonalities with academic writing but is much less formal.
