How to Write a successful Op-Ed?

Wow, my first question relating to homework!

I’m in an English class called “Writing about Values.” For our final, we are asked to choose any socio, political, environmental, or economic topic we wished and write an essay on it.

I was wondering if you had any tips or ticks you’d care to share about making your writing strong and effective in an Op-Ed.

Oh, and I chose to write about war profiteering. Namely Halliburton’s role in the current War on Iraq.

/ Longest description ever