labour market

What is an op-ed? Like an editorial, staff column or letter to the editor, an op-ed is an opinion column that presents a knowledgable argument on a current topic. It literally means “opposite editor” and is usually written by a member of the community with special interest or authority on a topic, recognized by the newspaper byline “guest columnist”. The opinion is expressed in language that the common educated non-specialist can understand. It often uses humour and witty personal anecdotes and observations.

For the assignment, your topic must be relevant and current. Express your point clearly, logically, and persuasively. Offer a novel way to analyze the topic from your unique perspective. Persuade the reader to believe you with good examples and well-researched and substantiated arguments. Acknowledge all references using APA 7 style. a. Examples:

COVID-19 Programs – Business Opinion, Toronto Star, May, 2020: Pierre Poilievre
Fostering Canadian Innovation (Links to an external site.) – NP Comment, National Post, November, 2020 (Archive version: https://archive.vn/Tdv0w (Links to an external site.))
Biden Administration Stimulus Overheat (Links to an external site.) – Economic View, NYT, February, 2021 (Archive version: https://archive.vn/sChbp (Links to an external site.))
China Starts to Unwind Stimulus (Links to an external site.) – Finance and Economics, The Economist, March, 2021 (Archive version: https://archive.vn/dpbZa (Links to an external site.))
Invest in Bitcoin? – Business Opinion, Toronto Star, March, 2021
Vaccine Shortage and Price Regulation (Links to an external site.) – FP Comment, Financial Post, March, 2021 (Archive version: https://archive.vn/IpdXN (Links to an external site.))
Vaccines and Canadian Summer – Business Opinion, Toronto Star, March, 2021
Follow op-eds on economics and business from various sources in the news media. Here are some widely-read sources and their editorial bias for your reference:

Finance and Economics section in the The Economist – one of the world’s leading economics magazines (centre)
Economics section in the National Post – a major Canadian newspaper (centre-right)
Business Commentary in The Globe and Mail – a major Canadian newspaper (centre-left)
Business Opinion in the Toronto Star – Canada’s largest daily newspaper (centre-left)
FP Comment in the Financial Post – an English Canadian business newspaper (centre-right)
Economic View in the New York Times – “A column that explores life through an economic lens with leading economists and writers” (centre-left)
Project Syndicate – a resource for leading economists’ op-eds (centre-left)
Vox – a resource for “research-based policy analysis and commentary by leading economists” (left)
For information on using newspaper articles and newspapers, please consult the guide provided by SFU Library:

https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/research-assistance/format-type/news#newspapers

In addition, the SFU page on developing op-edsLinks to an external site. is very instructive. For more in-depth information on writing op-eds writing consider the page on writing op-eds in Sepideh’s resources:

Op-Ed Project (Links to an external site.)
Duke University (Links to an external site.)
Columbia Climate SchoolOp-ed Rubric
Op-ed Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic Selection and Presentation
2 to >1.5 pts
Meets Expectations
A catchy title and opening hook interests the general reader or layperson looking for economics information. The topic is current, relevant and related to class content. The lede paragraph identifies the key claim with a high level of interest.
1.5 to >1.0 pts
Approaches Expectations
1 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeArgument Organization and Structure
3 to >2.5 pts
Meets Expectations
A lede paragraph introduces your topic and key claim or opinion and includes a clear thesis statement. Following paragraphs support your thesis and informed opinion with logical evidence based on personal experience, background economics knowledge, statistics, expert opinion and counterargument. There is a concluding statement of your position that leaves a definite impression.
2.5 to >1.5 pts
Approaches Expectations
1.5 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
3 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity and Tone
2 to >1.5 pts
Meets Expectations
The tone is conversationally persuasive, coherent and comprehensible to the general reader. The reader is drawn into looking at the topic in a new way. The main claim and stance is consistently stated with smooth logical transitions throughout. Expression is concise and economical, without any wordiness.
1.5 to >1.0 pts
Approaches Expectations
1 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
2 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAccuracy and Range
3 to >2.5 pts
Meets Expectations
A range of sentence structure and vocabulary is used with accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation. Sources are referenced using APA 7 format. The final draft improves on the first, incorporating feedback and showing evidence of self-editing and initiative.
2.5 to >1.5 pts
Approaches Expectations
1.5 to >0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
3 pts
Total Points: 10

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