Kinds of story

Op-ed

Also: opinion piece

A signed opinion article, traditionally printed opposite the editorial page, arguing a personal viewpoint on an issue.

Op-ed is short for "opposite the editorial", the page where outside writers and named columnists make an argument. Unlike a news story it is openly subjective, but it still rests on facts and fair reasoning. A good op-ed has one clear contention and builds a case for it. It is signed, so the opinion belongs to the writer, not the paper.

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