Write better opinion pieces with AI

Get opinion piece ideas from AI

Getting started is often the hardest part about writing. When starting on an opinion piece, identify a topic that you feel strongly about. Once you’ve figured that out, narrow your focus to a specific argument within that topic. Perhaps you feel that animal shelters should receive more funding, but your focus is on no-kill shelters. Take time to really understand what you feel strongly about.

Turn to AI for help choosing a topic if you feel stuck. Try these example prompts or create your own to get started:

• Create a list of controversial topics for an opinion piece.
• Suggest ideas for an op-ed related to education.
• What are trending topics in American politics?

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Define your stance and gather research

Once you’ve figured out your topic, it’s time to clearly state your main opinion, or thesis. Ideally, this should only be one sentence. Use an AI writing assistant and phrase your opinion strongly and clearly with these example prompts:

• I’m writing about student loan debt forgiveness. Help me clarify the attached thoughts and provide a thesis that encompasses all of them.
• Prove three examples of a thesis statement that’s in favor of student loan forgiveness for those who have over $100,000 in debt.

With a clear thesis, begin to research and gather information in favor of your argument. List a handful of key arguments that support your original point. Each argument should be backed up with stats and research to give weight to your thesis. Find evidence that supports your argument and summarize dense research articles with these AI prompts:

• What are common arguments against [thesis statement] and how can I respond to them?
• Provide links to research, important studies, and cases that support [thesis statement]. Summarize each link provided.
• Summarize the attached article and list the key facts and takeaways that support [thesis].

Write an opinion piece outline and draft the essay

After you’ve defined your thesis and gathered supporting documentation, create an outline of your opinion piece. Ensure your outline builds a convincing argument with these example AI prompts:

• Create a basic outline for an opinion piece about [thesis].
• Structure an opinion piece with three to five points in support of [thesis].
• Give me an outline with a hook and a three-paragraph body that supports [thesis].

Write once, edit twice

Once you’ve finished the first draft of your opinion piece, it’s time to start editing. Ask a friend or colleague to give it a once over and take their comments to heart. Try these prompts to make edits to tone or reach a specific audience with AI:

• Adapt the attached opinion piece to appeal to high school students.
• Rewrite the attached paragraph to sound more passionate.
• Improve the flow and clarity of the attached opinion piece.

Make your opinions known by creating a thoughtful op-ed that’s well organized and researched. Use AI for other writing like press releases and product descriptions!