Peel off the dry outer skin
Cut off the top end
Leave the root end attached
Slice the onion in half from top to root
Remove the papery layer if needed
Place one half flat-side down
Make vertical cuts toward the root, without cutting through it
Make horizontal cuts if you want smaller pieces
Slice across the onion to create chopped pieces
Repeat with the other half
Use a sharp knife and keep fingers tucked in