Project 1: Resilience op-ed

Write an op-ed on why we need more resilient infrastructure. The specific topic should be pertinent to current events and also something you are interested in. Your arguments will be much more convincing if you truly care about the topic.

The purpose of an op-ed is to convince others of your opinion; however, it cannot be entirely opinion. Your argument must be supported by factual information.

Requirements:

Your op-ed should be no more than 750 words. Try to stick around 500-600 (this is very difficult to do).
Your writing must be below a 12th grade reading level.
Here is an additional resources for how to write an op-ed Download how to write an op-ed
and another Links to an external site.. You should also use the rubric below.

Rubric

Section

Description

Grading Criteria

Lead In

This is the introduction section of your op-ed.

9-10 points - Entices me to keep reading the full story. Answers who, what, when, where of your topic.

7-8 points - Somewhat enticing. Answers more than one but not all who, what, when, where of your topic.

< 6 points - Boring. Answers one who, what, when, where of your topic.

Conclusion

This is the “why care” part of your op-ed. Yes, its out of place based on other writing approaches.

9-10 points - The op-ed persuaded you to care more about the topic than before.

7-8 points - Persuasive but your are not completely sold on their view point. You still have questions.

<6 points - Not persuasive, lacks impact.

Evidence

Longest section of op-ed. Provides examples, expert statements, polices, etc..

9-10 points - Easy to understand (no jargon!). Provides supporting evidence with examples.

7-8 points - Somewhat complicated. Examples are provided.

<6 points - Confusing and lacks examples.

Walk-off

This is where you tell the reader where to go or what to do.

9-10 points - Offers an actionable solution to the problem address in the Lead in.

7-8 points - Offers a solution but not actionable and lacks clarity.

<6 points - No solution provided.