Writing Assignment #4: OP ED on social host liability
First draft due, Tuesday, March 6; Final draft due, March 8, 2007

For this assignment, you will write an OP-ED (“OPinion-EDitorial”) piece on the subject of social host liability.

OP-ED pieces run opposite the editorial page of a newspaper or magazine. Unlike editorials, they are signed and usually are written by someone who is not on the newspaper’s staff. OP-ED pieces take a position on a specific (and usually controversial) issue.

Your piece should be about two pages long. For this assignment, you will decide the newspaper for which you are writing. This is important because it will determine who your audience is. For instance, you might write a different kind of piece for the Collegian than you would for the Boston Globe or your hometown newspaper. Please specify the paper. At the top of the first page, put your name in the upper right hand corner. Then, make up a catchy title and state who your audience is.

“Don’t Let Your Guests Drive Drunk!”
An OP-ED for the Boston Globe

You may write about anything related to the case you have read or issues we have discussed in class pertaining to social host liability for drunk driving.

Feel free to approach the topic from any angle you want: serious, funny, wise, ironic, critical, supportive, etc. Even if the tone of your piece is very informal, your writing must be grammatically correct. Avoid using slang and swear words; do not insult your reader.

The following is a good format to use:

1. State your position on the topic clearly in the first paragraph. The reader should have no question what the debate is about and which side you are on.

2. In the next paragraphs, develop your reasoning to support your position. A strong OP-ED will present well developed arguments to back up your position. Feel free to do more research if you think it would strengthen your OP-ED. If you use any statistics or outside information, you must indicate where you got it from.

3. After you have given reasons supporting your argument, a strong OP-ED will anticipate the opposing argument and counter it. This is the part where students usually have the hardest time.

4. Conclude your essay by restating your position.