Op-Ed Instructor Examples
Annotations by Robbie Stewart and Patrick White from the Nuclear Science and Engineering Communication Lab.
The false promise of nuclear power (PDF). An Op-Ed from the Boston Globe, annotated to show which parts constitute the lede, nut graf, argument, and call to action.
How to meet Massachusetts’ energy needs (PDF). Another annotated Op-Ed from the Globe.
Outline of the Op-Ed “How to meet Massachusetts’ energy needs” (PDF). The same annotated Op-Ed with an outline of its key points.
California’s San Onofre nuclear plant is a Chernobyl waiting to happen (PDF). An Op-Ed from the Los Angeles Times on dry casks. (Dry casks are cylindrical containers made of steel and concrete, each storing a few dozen elements of spent fuel from a nuclear reactor.)
Dry casks rebuttal (PDF). A rebuttal to the argument in the Times Op-Ed above, in the form of a letter to the editor.
Dry casks technical note (PDF). A technical note outlining scientific arguments that the Times Op-Ed is inaccurate.
Op-Ed Student Examples
Students received training on how to write a traditional Op-Ed piece (~750 words) of the kind seen in newspapers. After choosing a topic related to nuclear science and engineering, they prepared a well-researched, one-page technical note (~850 words), and then transformed this technical note into an Op-Ed.
Nuclear Energy’s Role in Decarbonization (PDF)
To X-ray or Not to X-ray? That is the Question (PDF)
Nuclear Energy: A Solution to the Biggest Problems (PDF)
The Pros and Cons of Thorium as a Nuclear Fuel (PDF)
Nuclear Matters: And in the Context of the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election… (PDF)
