For my school newspaper, I need some ideas for the opinions section. What are some ideas for this area that are interesting to the reader, that an author can form an opinion about and support why they maintain that opinion? My ideas so far are just
Are movies running out of ideas?
My opinion? Yes...
Please help me! Thanks so much!
Responses
Jacqui, 9/18/2005, 1:08:01 AM
gay marriage, abortion, the war in Iraq (all of which are overdone) but here are some newer ideas: your school's drug/alcohol policy, the summer reading list (good or bad), assisted suicide, the right to free speech (flag burning or the pledge of allegiance), the polarization of political parties in America, the Gaza strip . . . I hope these help.
Christine, 9/25/2005, 8:19:09 PM
I'm not sure if your assignment must cover a "controversial" subject, but good opinions articles don't always have to be about hot topics. Try to think of things you care about and of things you appreciate, and how that applies to the rest of your school community. I'm sure there are lots of ideas out there. We're teenagers, and it's in our natures to complain. But at the same time, it's also in our natures to love. Happy brainstorming :)
Mrs. Gehlhoff, 2/24/2006, 2:49:05 PM
Whatever you decide, make sure to cover both sides of the argument, no matter what your personal opinion. Be sure to combat the side of the debate you disagree with so as not to sound ignorant, or leave something out. Keep it from being biased by presenting facts. I like my journalism students to write about topics like capital punishment, teen pregnancy/obesity/addictions and ways to get over these epidemics, reviews of recent entertainment events, and especially environmental issues, which there are tons of stats to help you decide which side you are affiliated with. Factory farming, genetically modified foods, bird flu - invasive species. You will have to do some research, but it is available. Thanks. KG
km, 2/26/2006, 4:07:30 PM
I have to say I DO want the opinion pieces to be biased and to attack the opposing viewpoint with logical arguments as to why the author thinks the other side is wrong.
Do not be wishy washy and argue for both sides unless the editorial board agrees there is no right or wrong side to the controversy.
Also, consider face-offs where one student takes one side to an issue and another takes the opposite.
Be sure to be attending your school board meetings to see what is happening in your district. Here are a few of the things our board has covered that students have also had opinions on--school closures--which ones to close and why; moving 6th graders back to the elementary schools, requiring all freshmen students to take a reading class (to raise test scores for No Child Left Behind); requiring Saturday school for students who are failing classes; using a 5.0 instead of 4.0 grading scale for a.p. and honors classes; dress code changes; changes in fines for smoking and parking violations; kicking students who are at parties with alcohol off athletic teams and prohibit them from all extra-curriculur activites for a month (even if the student him/herself is not drinking); random searches of lockers and backpacks using drug-sniffing dogs; not allowing cheerleading uniforms that have straps narrower than three inches.
I am sure your district is considering similar issues. Go to a board meeting and find out.
