''Opinion writing is a form of writing where the author expresses their personal viewpoint or stance on a particular topic or issue. The goal of opinion writing is to persuade the audience to adopt or agree with the author’s perspective. It is a genre that allows individuals to articulate their thoughts, beliefs, and judgments on various subjects. ''
'In my opinion' example
'In my opinion writing is an excellent medium in which to convey political, social and cultural opinions. This workshop enables and encourages students to explore and challenge their beliefs, and those of others, while employing a variety of writing forms ranging from poetry and songs to letters and article writing.'
This is an extract of an example of an opinion piece, that displays key writing tools and techniques - (More Below).
To cover and explore the different ways of expressing your opinion
To look at the language used to express strong opinions and views or persuade and make others listen.
To uncover some of the rules to opinion pieces
To explore and recognise some of the language techniques used by writers in their opinion writing, eg. alliteration, rule of three, humour, quotes, facts, repetition, imagery, metaphor, etc.
To practice and develop analysis skills
To practice and develop evaluation skills
To share a selection of different types of opinions and voices in various mediums and forms and decipher why the writer has chosen particular platforms and how effective these are with regards to expressing points and reaching their audiences.
To write a selection of your own opinion pieces trying different forms of writing.
Writing tools, techniques and rules
Make an initial list and see what tools you identify, discover, the use later in your own work
We are going to look at a range of different types, styles, forms and mediums
Rules for writing opinion pieces
Be timely or early
Be very opinionated
Convey a strong link to your subject and themes
Add unknown facts
Don't share the obvious slant/angle
Try and nurture several different voices/style and tones
Pick a topic you are passionate about
Know your audience (Be aware)
Hook the readers attention from the beginning (Good opening)
Research both sides and ask rhetorical questions
Repeat yourself (Strategic repetition)
In an opinion piece, I would expect to see an informed opinion about a specific, possibly niche topic. I think it might include a strong glimpse into an individuals perspective about a certain issue, that comes across more personal and less like an essay. Additionally, I think this kind of writing would have a balance between data and facts, emotion and possibly humour, depending on the subject. An opinion piece would probably have a natural bias and an attempt to convince readers to see something from a particular point of view. As for language tools and devices, I think you could expect to see a range of persuasive language techniques to get the point across, including rhetorical questions, bold and emotive language, repetition and personal pronouns. I think that the use of direct language would also be important as it feels more personal and would entice the reader into understanding the key points that the writer is trying to make. Additionally, devices such as imagery, metaphors, hyperboles and similes would further emphasise and improve an opinion piece as a whole by spiking their target audiences interest and keeping them interested throughout.
A Matter of Opinion
When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion.
- Dale Carnegie How to win Friends and Influence People.
Write and complete the following sentence:
I have very strong feelings and opinions regarding…
Now, free write for 5 minutes, using you completed sentence as a prompt.
I have very strong feelings regarding the importance of feminism being taught in schools, especially to young women and girls. I strongly believe that in an age riddled with unprovoked misogyny and discrimination, women's rights and feminism is something that should be taken seriously, and studied at the same level as basic numeracy and literacy. Understanding a range of opinions on sex and gender roles, as it can often be perceived differently depending on a person's upbringing. How would you define 'feminism'? Women and men alike incorrectly believe that feminism’s primary aim is to reduce mens’ rights or put women in a position superior to men. This could not be further from the truth, and is a harmful mindset to have as one goes through life. A young person having the ability to articulate their understanding of feminism from a young age is extremely beneficial, not only to understand themselves, but also the people around them and is a stepping stone to learn basic respect.
Persuasive Writing Tools
The language and tone in persuasive writing tend to be more conversational, a tactic of persuasive speech intended to build a more personal and intimate relationship between the author and reader. 🔻
Examples of Opinion Pieces 🔗
Analysing Opinion Pieces - What kind of tone?
What kind of tone do you think each piece has? How does the language choices, the crafting help get the opinion across. What words and language techniques do you recognise that helps you…?
Why have they chosen their specific platform/medium/form?
Would the message work in other mediums etc?
After reading this poem, I think that the main tone being conveyed is that of confidence, assertiveness and being triumphant. The poem exudes a sense of resilience and defiance in the face of oppression and adversity. Angelou's repeated affirmations of strength and dignity convey empowerment, while the use of rich imagery and rhythmic phrasing enhances the uplifting quality. Overall, the tone is one of unwavering hope and determination, celebrating the ability to rise above challenges and injustices. The language choices and crafting effectively convey themes of resilience and empowerment. The use of repetition, particularly the phrase "I rise," reinforces the message of unwavering strength and defiance against oppression. Vivid imagery and metaphors evoke a sense of dignity and pride, while the rhythmic structure adds a musical quality that enhances the poem's uplifting tone. This combination of elements creates a powerful affirmation of self-worth and the ability to overcome adversity, making the message resonate deeply with readers.
🔺Attached above is a more in depth annotation of the poem, including pinpoints of important literary and poetic devices, and brief analysis of certain lines that I thought were important. I decided to go slightly more in-depth with this particular resource, as it stood out to me as a powerful piece of opinion literature and I found it helped me to understand the essence of an opinion piece.
The author chose written commentary to engage readers. This format allows for detailed analysis and reflection on her polarizing leadership, encouraging thoughtful discourse.
The tone of this piece is critical and reflective. The author presents a nuanced examination of Margaret Thatcher’s legacy, highlighting the polarizing views surrounding her leadership. Phrases like “strident,” “authoritarian,” and “snobbish” convey a sense of disapproval, while the acknowledgment of differing perspectives adds complexity to the critique. The author expresses a strong sense of disconnection between Thatcher’s policies and the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing the negative impact of her leadership on communities. Overall, the tone combines skepticism with a personal reflection on the lasting effects of her policies, conveying a deep sense of critique without outright condemnation.
I personally think that this piece works best in the medium of an article, as it encourages the comedic, mocking tone that is so prevelant throughout this piece, and this is why the author has chosen this medium.
The tone of the article is sarcastic, critical, and humorous. The author employs witty observations and colorful language to mock the participants of "Geordie Shore" and their exaggerated behaviors. This tone conveys a sense of disbelief and disdain for the show's content and its portrayal of reality, while also reflecting on broader societal trends regarding fame and public perception. The use of hyperbole and vivid imagery enhances the comedic effect, allowing the author to critique the absurdity of reality television and the cultural fixation on such figures. Overall, the tone combines humour with a sharp critique of contemporary society, using these people as objects of disdain and reflection upon society.
This medium works because it combines vivid imagery, rhythmic repetition, and contrasting ideas to effectively convey complex emotions and societal divisions. The evocative language engages readers, encouraging them to reflect on the nuances of conflict and connection.
The tone of this piece is complex and evocative, combining elements of tension and duality. The phrases "misery and rejoicing" and the imagery of an "electric wire" suggest chaos and volatility, while the repeated references to division—"fence," "wall," "line drawn"—convey a sense of conflict and polarization. The use of contrasting ideas, such as right versus wrong and beauty versus battle, enhances the tone of uncertainty and complexity. Overall, it captures a moment of societal change, reflecting both emotional turmoil and a deep sense of division among people. The piece uses vivid imagery and repetition to highlight societal division, contrasting emotions, and symbolic lines, engaging readers and prompting reflection on complex human experiences.
This song works in the form of a song, as it allows it to carry a lot of emotion, however the message could also still be effective as a spoken work performance , as it could emphasise the lyrical content and allow a more intimate exploration of the themes.
The lyrics of "System" by Enter Shikari convey a tone that is urgent, confrontational, and rebellious. They express a pressing need for change and frustration with societal norms, challenging systemic problems with a sense of defiance. This tone is infused with anger yet also carries an empowering message, motivating listeners to resist conformity and take action against oppressive systems. Overall, the lyrics blend urgency and hope, driving home a powerful call for resistance and empowerment. They use direct address and colloquial language to engage listeners and create a sense of urgency. Repetition of key phrases emphasizes the call for change, while vivid imagery illustrates frustrations with societal systems. Metaphors and symbolism add depth to the critique, encouraging critical thinking.
🔗 Academy of American Poets (2019). The Unknown Citizen by W. H. Auden - Poems | Academy of American Poets. [online] Poets.org. Available at: https://poets.org/poem/unknown-citizen.
"The Unknown Citizen" by W.H. Auden has an ironic and satirical tone. It critiques modern society's focus on conformity and the dehumanization of individuals through a detached, bureaucratic perspective, highlighting the absurdity of valuing statistics over personal identity. Auden's language in "The Unknown Citizen" critiques society's focus on conformity and dehumanization. The formal, bureaucratic tone reduces individuals to statistics, while irony highlights the lack of personal identity behind societal praise. Repetition and stark imagery emphasize the emptiness of lives lived for external approval, powerfully conveying the loss of individuality. After reading this poem, I have recognised a range of language techniques, for example, the use of formal tone - the bureaucratic language mimics official reports, reinforcing the theme of dehumanization. Personally I think that the message could still work in other mediums, especially in a graphic novel, as it could combine visuals and text to explore the citizen's life, using imagery to highlight the absurdity of his existence and the societal norms that govern it
Tasks - Analysing and answering questions about the pieces above, and writing our own opinion pieces
What social views are expressed in Enter Shikari song?
In "System" by Enter Shikari, the lyrics express a strong critique of societal norms and established structures, emphasizing a desire for change and questioning the status quo. The song conveys anti-consumerist sentiments, highlighting the disillusionment that can arise from a culture fixated on materialism. It carries a political awareness, addressing systemic oppression and calling for heightened awareness and action against injustices. Additionally, the message promotes unity and resistance, encouraging collective action among individuals to confront societal challenges. Themes of mental health are also present, reflecting the struggles many face within an overwhelming system. Overall, "System" serves as both a critique and a rallying cry for those feeling marginalized or disillusioned in contemporary society.
Discuss the use of imagery in the song and other pieces.
In "System" by Enter Shikari, powerful imagery effectively conveys the song's themes. The lyrics contrast bleak urban landscapes with nature, highlighting a desire to escape from a harsh, industrialized world. Nature imagery, such as references to the sky, juxtaposes with elements like "machines," emphasizing the conflict between the organic and the artificial. Metaphors of struggle, like "fighting" against the system, evoke urgency and resistance, while descriptions of feelings of entrapment resonate with listeners, fostering a sense of solidarity. Overall, this vivid imagery deepens engagement with the song, illustrating themes of disillusionment, resistance, and the search for authenticity.
Additionally, in "Still I Rise," Maya Angelou employs powerful imagery to convey resilience and defiance in the face of oppression. The poem is rich with visual metaphors, such as "dust rising," symbolizing strength and the indomitable spirit of marginalized individuals. Angelou uses references to wealth and nature, like "gold mines" and "ocean tides," to emphasize the richness of her heritage and the inevitability of her rise. The imagery of a "black ocean" signifies depth and power, while phrases that evoke overcoming adversity, like "I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide," reinforce the message of unwavering strength. Overall, the vivid imagery in the poem powerfully encapsulates themes of empowerment, resilience, and unyielding confidence.
In "The Unknown Citizen," W.H. Auden uses imagery to critique modern society's dehumanization and conformity. The poem presents a stark portrayal of a man who is defined solely by statistics and societal expectations, with phrases like "the state" and "the man" emphasizing his anonymity. Imagery related to bureaucracy, such as "records" and "reports," highlights the cold, impersonal nature of modern life, reducing the individual to mere data points. The references to compliance—like "he was found by the Bureau of Statistics"—illustrate how society values conformity over individuality. Overall, Auden’s imagery underscores the loss of personal identity in a mechanized world, raising questions about what it means to truly live and be recognized as a person.
Compare and contrast the lyrical qualities and technical elements of the song and Angelou’s poem.
Comparison:
Themes of Resistance: Both works address themes of resistance—Angelou through personal resilience and empowerment, and Enter Shikari through societal critique.
Tone: Angelou's tone is more hopeful and affirming, while Enter Shikari’s is urgent and confrontational.
Imagery: Both use vivid imagery but for different purposes: Angelou to inspire and uplift, Enter Shikari to provoke thought and critique.
Contrast:
Formality vs. Informality: Angelou's poem is more formal and structured, while Enter Shikari’s lyrics reflect a casual, conversational style with a punk influence.
Delivery: Angelou’s work is typically read aloud with a rhythm that lends itself to spoken word, whereas Enter Shikari’s song combines musical elements with vocal intensity.
In summary, both "Still I Rise" and "System" explore themes of empowerment and critique through distinct lyrical qualities and technical elements, each resonating within their respective contexts and genres.
Have your say!
' Try taking one of the issues discussed and writing your own piece/response to the concerns/subject matter: this can be a piece of prose, or a newspaper article, in which characters display a strong response and reaction to an important moment in history.
Continue to write about something that you have strong feelings and opinions about or a comment on a current cultural/political/social event/situation: positive or negative.'
The 2024 Reading Festival: A Hilarious Odyssey of Mud, Music, and Mild Regret
Ah, the Reading Festival—a glorious annual pilgrimage where the gods of rock and roll gather, and thousands of brave souls don their most fashionable festival attire (Overpriced bucket hats, oversized band tees, and enough glitter to blind a small animal). For those who haven’t braved the muddy fields of the UK, let me paint a picture: imagine a scene where the air is thick with the scent of questionable food choices and the sweet, sweet sound of your favourite band… followed swiftly by the realization that you’ve just stepped into a puddle of something best left unidentified.
This year’s lineup promises an eclectic mix of artists, from nostalgia-inducing rock legends such as Liam Gallagher, to the latest TikTok sensations. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see a band named “Barry can't Swim'' perform right before a DJ who samples the sound of a cat sneezing? Only at Reading can you immerse yourself in the profound experience of feeling both incredibly alive and deeply confused in the span of just two songs.
Let’s talk about the festival fashion. You’ll see it all: the avid festival-goer trying to channel their inner rock star, complete with a faux leather jacket and combat boots, while simultaneously sporting a backpack that looks suspiciously like it has been to every festival since the dawn of time. And then there are the brave souls who decide that wellies are too mainstream and opt for flip-flops. Hey, nothing says “I love music” like frostbite!
As the day unfolds, it becomes clear that hydration is key. However, the festival’s hydration stations are strategically placed near the food stalls—those same stalls serving up gourmet “treats” that have more ingredients than your average chemistry set. Who wouldn’t want to wash down their deep-fried avocado bites with a lukewarm gulp of vodka strategically decanted into a water bottle? It’s like a culinary dare, and I’m here for it!
Now, let’s not forget about the legendary portaloos. Ah yes, the true test of any festival-goer’s spirit. They stand like beacons of hope, albeit ones that smell like a mixture of regret and last night’s Pot Noodle. You’ll find yourself in a queue that feels like it stretches back to the Stone Age, contemplating your life choices and whether staying up until six in the morning next to strangers blasting 'The Prodigy' was really worth it. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
As the sun sets and the main acts take the stage, the crowd transforms. You’ll hear the unmistakable roar of thousands of teenagers screaming 'ALAN!!', for some odd reason that dates back to years of festival lore. It’s the kind of collective energy that makes you question your own sanity while simultaneously feeling incredibly alive.
And then, there’s the inevitable post-festival crash. After three days of relentless fun, you’ll find yourself back home, scrolling through your camera roll, which is mostly blurry photos of your friends’ faces, random strangers who looked interesting, and a few snaps of your collapsed, rain-soaked tent. You’ll reminisce about the memories made, the friendships forged, and the vague sense of accomplishment that comes from surviving another year of Reading.
In conclusion, the 2024 Reading Festival promises another delightful mix of music, madness, and memories that may or may not be slightly hazy. So grab your wellies, embrace the mud, and prepare for a weekend of laughter, live music, and just enough regrettable decisions to keep the stories flowing for years to come. After all, who needs a spa day when you can have a festival weekend? Cheers to that!
Reflection on the writing
Which writing techniques did you utilise to ensure different responses and reactions?
In my opinion piece, I utilised several different techniques. For example I have used humour in order to make the piece more engaging to readers, and hyperbole to exaggerate the festival’s absurdities. I have also used vivid imagery to paint a chaotic scene, and a conversational tone that engages readers like friends, and makes the tone come across as more personal. Additionally, I have used juxtaposition to highlight the contrast between the excitement of live music and the discomfort of portaloos, while satire pokes fun at festival culture.
What influenced your choice of format?
The format that I chose was inspired by our analysis of the 'Geordie Shore' article. I liked that the writer included a mix of criticism and humour alongside an honest and raw opinion of something he is very passionate about. This is something that I wanted ton try and replicate as I found it engaging and very funny.
hore Would another format have been suitable or even preferable?
Although I think the format I have chosen works well, and I prefer it, I think that a personal narrative format would be another engaging choice, I could recount the experience and take the reader through an experience of the memorable day, detailing the excitement of arriving, the chaos of navigating muddy fields, and the hilarity of mishaps.
Evaluation
This week's lectures have been impactful to my understanding of the importance of opinion pieces, and how learning how to write our own can cover and explore the different ways of expressing your opinion. Another activity that I found important is practicing and developing analysis skills and reading like a writer to evaluate professional opinion pieces. This particular task helped me to understand the main components of an opinion piece, and how they can differ in different styles of writing, forms and language. When it came to writing my own piece, I did initially struggle with coming up with ideas and deciding what kind of format I wanted to use. I overcame this issue by choosing the topic I wanted to write about and going over the lecture notes and analysis, which then helped me to pinpoint what kind of format would support my themes most efficiently. Overall, this week has been an interesting introduction to a genre that I was not originally familiar with and explore and recognise some of the language techniques used by writers in their opinion writing, e.g. alliteration, rule of three, humour, quotes, facts, repetition, imagery, metaphor, etc.
Tutor Feedback
Greg's feedback
Outstanding analysis of the published texts we explored. You have demonstrated and strong knowledge of the tools we researched and how they are deployed by the writers. Great work.
Your own piece about feminism is effectively written and worth exploring/developing further.
Look forward to reading the rest.
A Hilarious Odyssey of Mud, Music, and Mild Regret
Wonderful piece of opinion writing: full of humour, anecdotes and hyperbole with some effective use of other literary tools thrown in including great imagery - some laugh out loud lines - this would sit well in a music magazine or the cultural pages of a national l newspaper. Clearly used the research - Brookner - to impact on your own ideas and take them to form your own style and voice - more please!!
Evaluation
e.g. alliteration, rule of three, humour, quotes, facts, repetition, imagery, metaphor, etc.
And which did you try and use in your writing > how successful were you with each device? Would you do the same again?
