Op-Eds & Hypothes.is

What Is an Op-Ed?

An opinion editorial, abbreviated as “op-ed”, is a short commentary on an issue. Op-eds are written by weekly columnists whose job is to write one or two op-eds per week, or op-eds are written by experts on a particular issue. Op-eds are usually 800 words and are typically published in newspapers or online news platforms.

Reading with Hypothes.is

We are going to use the browser extension Hypothes.is to collaboratively read, annotate, and discuss four op-eds. We’re now going to install Hypothes.is as a class. If you prefer, you can also click here for instructions on installing the extension.

Reading Strategies

As you’ll find out below, we’re going to refine our reading strategies as well as engage with each op-ed. Take a look at the reading strategies below. Some of the strategies you probably already use; other strategies may be new to you. Keep these strategies in mind as you complete the annotations for your first readings of Op-Ed #1 and Op-Ed #2:

Annotating with Hypothes.is

Now you’re ready to begin reading and annotating with Hypothes.is. Watch the screencast below for instructions on how to join your group and annotate for reading strategies. **Please note: the screencast directs you to a Google doc to find the op-eds, but I've embedded the links and directions below the screencast, so please proceed accordingly.

Op-Ed 1

“Only Mass Deportation Can Save America”

Author: Bret Stephens

Publication: New York Times on June 6, 2017

First reading: Apply reading strategies. Identify at least three different strategies as you read. For each strategy, write 1-3 sentences about how you’re using the strategy. You can also use the commenting feature to leave a comment or question for your classmates on their reading strategies.

Second reading: Identify the author’s rhetorical strategies. Each group member will be assigned a rhetorical strategy. Your goal is to annotate any language or media, such as photographs, that demonstrate the author’s use of your assigned rhetorical strategy.

Op-Ed 2

“Fix Immigration. It’s What Voters Want.”

Author: Tom Cotton

Publication: New York Times on December 28, 2016

First reading: Apply reading strategies. Identify at least three different strategies as you read. For each strategy, write 1-3 sentences about how you’re using the strategy. You can also use the commenting feature to leave a comment or question for your classmates on their reading strategies.

Second reading: Identify the author’s rhetorical strategies. Each group member will be assigned a new rhetorical strategy. Your goal is to annotate any language or media, such as photographs, that demonstrate the author’s use of your assigned rhetorical strategy.

Op-Ed 3

“Get the Military Off of Main Street”

Authors: Elizabeth R. Beavers and Michael Shank

Publication: New York Times on August 14, 2014

First reading: Identify the author’s rhetorical strategies. Each group member will be assigned a new rhetorical strategy. Your goal is to annotate any language or media, such as photographs, that demonstrate the author’s use of your assigned rhetorical strategy.

Second reading: Make connections, raise objections, point out strengths and weaknesses, ask questions, and try to answer classmates’ questions.

Op-Ed 4

“I’m a cop. If you don’t want to get hurt, don’t challenge me.”

Author: Sunil Dutta

Publication: Washington Post on August 19, 2014

First reading: Identify author’s rhetorical strategies. For this reading, you must annotate at two examples of a rhetorical device.

Second reading: Make connections, raise objections, point out strengths and weaknesses, ask questions, and try to answer classmates’ questions.