Op-ed draft
A persuasive 800-word argument with a sharp thesis and real evidence. Built for researchers and analysts who need a structured, sourced answer they can stand behind.
Key highlights
Hook to close
A current-event opening, thesis up front, and a forward-looking final line.
Evidence-backed
Three supports built on specific facts and citations, not just assertion.
Steelmanned, not strawmanned
The strongest counterargument stated fairly and answered — honestly persuasive.
Op-ed length
Around 800 words — tight enough to pitch, complete enough to run.
About this template
An op-ed has to persuade in about 800 words, and structure is what makes that possible. Give your argument and this template drafts one to form: a hook tied to a current event, the thesis up front, three evidence-backed supports with specific facts and citations, and a forward-looking close.
It argues honestly. Rather than knocking down a strawman, it steelmans the strongest counterargument and answers it — which is what makes a piece convincing to readers who don't already agree. Use it as a finished draft or a sharp skeleton to make your own.
Model Diplomat vs. generic AI
The same prompt in a general chatbot can produce something that reads right and isn't. Here's the difference.
| Aspect | This template | ChatGPT / generic AI |
|---|---|---|
| Sources | Primary documents, cited and openable | Often fabricated, or none at all |
| Format | Structured brief with a synthesis you can cite | An unstructured summary you have to organize |
| Verifiability | Every claim checkable against its source | No way to tell what's real |
| Built for the work | Tuned for diplomacy, politics, and law | General-purpose, not domain-aware |
| Cost | Free to start | — |
Who it's for
Policy analysts and researchers
Producing a op-ed draft they can cite and stand behind.
Students and pre-law readers
Getting a structured, sourced footing on an unfamiliar issue fast.
Journalists and writers
Grounding a piece in primary sources before deadline.
Briefers and chiefs of staff
Turning a tangle of facts into something a decision-maker can act on.
What you'll fill in
A preview of the one field you'll complete in the composer — the rest is written for you.
The prompt
This is what lands in your composer — edit the [blanks] and send.
Draft an ~800-word op-ed arguing: "[the argument you want to make]". Open with a hook tied to a current event, state the thesis in the first two paragraphs, build three evidence-backed supports with specific facts and citations, steelman and rebut the strongest counterargument, and close with a forward-looking line. Persuasive but honest — no strawmen.
Start from this template
Model Diplomat fills it in with answers grounded in primary sources — every claim comes with a citation you can check.
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