IB English A Lang & Lit Topic What Is an Opinion…

What is an Opinion Column?

Definition

Opinion column

A text in which a named writer presents a personal argument on a current issue, using first person, rhetorical devices, and a distinctive voice to persuade or provoke the reader.

An opinion column is a persuasive or argumentative text published in a newspaper or magazine, written by a named columnist who presents a personal viewpoint on a current issue.
Unlike news articles, opinion columns are openly subjective: the writer takes a clear position and argues for it using evidence, reasoning, and rhetorical strategies.
Columns typically use a strong, distinctive voice: short punchy sentences, rhetorical questions, direct address to the reader, and sometimes humour or irony.
The columnist's credibility and persona are part of the text: their name, photograph, and reputation shape how readers receive the argument.
The key analytical challenge is examining how the writer constructs authority and persuades through tone, evidence selection, and rhetorical techniques rather than balanced reporting.

Interactive question

What makes an opinion column 'openly subjective'?

Markscheme

The writer takes a clear personal position on an issue and argues for it using evidence and rhetorical strategies, rather than aiming for balanced objectivity [1]

Active recall

How does an opinion column differ from a news article in purpose and style?
Why is the columnist's persona considered part of the text?

What is an Opinion Column?

Definition

Opinion column

A text in which a named writer presents a personal argument on a current issue, using first person, rhetorical devices, and a distinctive voice to persuade or provoke the reader.

An opinion column is a persuasive or argumentative text published in a newspaper or magazine, written by a named columnist who presents a personal viewpoint on a current issue.
Unlike news articles, opinion columns are openly subjective: the writer takes a clear position and argues for it using evidence, reasoning, and rhetorical strategies.
Columns typically use a strong, distinctive voice: short punchy sentences, rhetorical questions, direct address to the reader, and sometimes humour or irony.
The columnist's credibility and persona are part of the text: their name, photograph, and reputation shape how readers receive the argument.
The key analytical challenge is examining how the writer constructs authority and persuades through tone, evidence selection, and rhetorical techniques rather than balanced reporting.

Interactive question

What makes an opinion column 'openly subjective'?

Markscheme

The writer takes a clear personal position on an issue and argues for it using evidence and rhetorical strategies, rather than aiming for balanced objectivity [1]

Active recall

How does an opinion column differ from a news article in purpose and style?
Why is the columnist's persona considered part of the text?

IB English A Lang & Lit What Is an Opinion Column? Notes

IB English A Lang & Lit What Is an Opinion Column? Notes

What is an Opinion Column?

What is an Opinion Column?

Everything You Need to Know About Analysis

Paper 1 Lang & Lit

Paper 2 Lang & Lit

Individual Oral (IO)

Higher Level Essay

Text Types

Literary Forms

Everything You Need to Know About Analysis

Paper 1 Lang & Lit

Paper 2 Lang & Lit

Individual Oral (IO)

Higher Level Essay

Text Types

Literary Forms

IB English A Lang & Lit What Is an Opinion Column? Notes

IB English A Lang & Lit What Is an Opinion Column? Notes

What is an Opinion Column?

What is an Opinion Column?