Reference no: EM133258741

Assignment - Immigration Essay

Description - You will select one of the prompts below and write a 600-700 word op-ed. An op-ed, or opinion editorial, is a narrative essay that presents the writer's opinion or thoughts about an issue. Op-eds can raise awareness about a particular topic or aim to persuade others. Op-eds are most commonly published in daily newspapers or online. I've included tips for writing and op-ed and the format for the op-ed below.

Prompts -

1. Are immigration quotas by country appropriate to ensure a diverse immigrant group? Note that this skews the process from 1st come 1st serve.

2. Should there be a physical border wall? Noting the deaths of folks crossing via the Rio Grande river, their prevalence in Europe for non-EU countries (Spain/Morocco has a comprehensive one), and their politicized nature

3. Should states have a greater say on how they deal with incoming illegal immigrants? Note the disproportionate burden on illegal immigration on Southern boarder states.

Any of these issues can be argued either way, but part of the learning process is to be able to engage with an idea you might out of hand dismiss. As you engage with this topics as yourself, "does it actually have merit?"

Tips for Writing an Op-Ed -

Start with a sentence. Try to sum up your opinion in a single sentence to begin, then think about facts and anecdotes to support your initial point.

Forget objectivity. An op-ed is about your opinion and perspective. Think of it like a legal brief; no need for objectivity. Put your argument forward in a persuasive, authoritative manner. Don't be afraid to be passionate in arguing your point.

Be informal. Write as if you are debating with a friend. Use simple, every day language that is easy to understand. Keep in mind you are writing for a general audience that may not be as familiar with your subject as you are.

Keep it short and simple. State your opinion clearly and quickly, back it up with facts and examples, then finish up. If your op-ed is longer than 700 words, editors likely will not consider using it. The News Office can help you revise, rewrite or edit your manuscript.

The Basic Op-Ed Format -

Lead paragraph: Try to grab readers right away with your first sentence; make them want to read more. Start with an interesting story or example that encapsulates your point.

Supporting paragraphs: Now that you've stated your point and grabbed readers' attention, build on your lead with facts, statistics and anecdotes.

Wrap it up: In the concluding paragraph, take your argument a step further and leave readers with information about what needs to be done next. If you're trying to move people to action, be sure to answer the question, "What can I do?" Make the final sentence as compelling as the first one. If you started with an example, bring the story full circle by referencing your original point.