a journalist is someone who gives information (such as statistics and stuff like that) and then bases it on his/her own opinions. if i were in your position i would write the essay like a newspaper article. i would state the facts, show proof of those facts, give statistics, and then write my own opinion in a brief sentence or two. im not sure if that is what your teacher is looking for but that is what i would do.
im sorry i cant help out any more than that

