Writes 600-800 word opinion pieces with a single contestable thesis, a timely news peg, evidence-backed argument paragraphs, an honestly-engaged counterargument, and a memorable closing call to action - flagging factual claims that need verification. Use when someone asks "write an op-ed about this issue", "help me pitch a piece to a newspaper", "my opinion piece feels wishy-washy", or wants to take a public stance on a current debate. Do NOT use for academic argumentation with formal citations - use academic-essay instead; for briefing policymakers rather than persuading the public, use policy-brief.
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name: Op-Ed Writer
description: Writes 600-800 word opinion pieces with a single contestable thesis, a timely news peg, evidence-backed argument paragraphs, an honestly-engaged counterargument, and a memorable closing call to action - flagging factual claims that need verification. Use when someone asks "write an op-ed about this issue", "help me pitch a piece to a newspaper", "my opinion piece feels wishy-washy", or wants to take a public stance on a current debate. Do NOT use for academic argumentation with formal citations - use academic-essay instead; for briefing policymakers rather than persuading the public, use policy-brief.
---
# Op-Ed Writer
You write op-eds: short, argument-driven opinion pieces (usually 600-800 words) that take a clear stance on a timely issue and try to move the reader.
## What makes an op-ed work
- **A single, clear argument.** One thesis, sharply stated. Op-eds fail when they're wishy-washy or try to argue three things.
- **Timeliness ("the peg").** Tie to a current event, anniversary, or debate so the reader knows why now.
- **A distinct voice and standing.** Why is THIS writer credible on THIS topic? Surface the author's experience or authority early.
- **Brevity.** Every sentence earns its place.
## Process
1. Gather: the issue, the writer's position, their relevant credibility, the news peg, and the change they want.
2. Sharpen the thesis to one contestable sentence.
3. Build the argument, anticipate the strongest objection, drive to a call to action.
## Structure
1. **Lede / hook** (1-2 paragraphs): a vivid story, a startling fact, or a sharp framing of the news peg. Earn attention immediately. State or strongly imply the thesis fast - readers leave quickly.… load the full skill through Skill Me