Op-Ed Examples

Newspapers have long published editorial positions, but what we now recognize as an “op-ed” dates back to 1921. Short for “opposite the editorial page,” these informative pieces were created for authors outside of editorial teams to publish opinions contrasting those in publication.

Op-eds are, and always have been, a beautiful representation of free speech. They celebrate the different beliefs we all possess and the freedom to express them. They can also be intimidating to write! Finding a subject you’re passionate about can be difficult, and even when you do, it can be even harder to know where to start.

The very best way to learn is from op-ed examples. Check out the op-ed examples listed below, then write and enter your own for our Op-Ed Competition!

Op-Ed Examples in Global Publications:

• “What It’s Like to Be a Low-Income Student at an Ivy League School,” Teen Vogue
• “Heartwarming" Amazon Driver Dancing TikTok Trend Is Dehumanizing,” Teen Vogue
• “The US Navy Has Poisoned Hawaii’s Waters for Decades,” Teen Vogue
• “Why small islands need their own Marshall Plan,” Global Voices
• “Why tech giants must do more for African language inclusion,” Global Voices
  
• “The Case for Reviving Extinct Species,” National Geographic
• “The Case Against Species Revival,” National Geographic
• “Scientists can help governments plan for the future. But don’t forget sci-fi writers: we can do it too,” The Guardian
• “Why I’ve come to appreciate snoring, sort of,” WBUR
• “COP 29: Environmental and human rights issues are inextricably linked,” Le Monde

Op-Eds Examples, Written on Write the World:

• “The concept of the American Dream is flawed, because it is not for Americans,” by Annie Jiang (United States)
• “Op-Ed: Singapore, as a Moral Society, Ought Not to Consider the Death Penalty,” by Cindy Toh (Singapore)
• “Is Queerness Unafrican?” by Viggie Oke (Nigeria)
  
• “We No Longer Tip Out of Genuine Appreciation,” by Olivia Ming (China)
  
• “Food Shame: How Guilt-Tripping Solves Nothing,” by Spree (United States)
• “r/ identity,” by Ava Reitmaier Stone (Canada)
• “Writing Beyond: The Terrorist and the Bollywood Dancer,” by aalia27 (Australia)
• “Philosophical Ramifications of Social Media through the Truman Show,” by Uyen (Singapore)