OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Writing an Opinion Piece Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student writes an opinion piece about school cafeteria food. Which is the strongest thesis statement?
- School cafeterias have food.
- Some people like healthy food and some don't.
- School cafeterias should exclusively offer nutritious meals because student health directly impacts academic performance and long-term well-being. (Correct answer)
- I think maybe schools could try having healthier food sometimes.
Correct answer: School cafeterias should exclusively offer nutritious meals because student health directly impacts academic performance and long-term well-being.
This thesis clearly states the opinion and provides two reasons.
An effective thesis clearly states the position and previews supporting arguments.
Question 2: A student writes: 'Everyone knows that longer school days are better.' Why is this problematic?
- It is too short
- It uses a hasty generalization and states opinion as fact (Correct answer)
- It mentions school hours, which is off-topic
- The grammar is incorrect
Correct answer: It uses a hasty generalization and states opinion as fact
'Everyone knows' is a hasty generalization that presents opinion as universal truth.
The phrase 'everyone knows' is a logical fallacy that claims universal agreement where none exists.
Question 3: Which best demonstrates addressing a counterargument?
- People who disagree are wrong.
- Some argue uniforms limit self-expression; however, reduced bullying and increased unity outweigh this concern. (Correct answer)
- I don't need to address other opinions.
- There are no valid arguments against my position.
Correct answer: Some argue uniforms limit self-expression; however, reduced bullying and increased unity outweigh this concern.
This acknowledges the opposing view fairly, then refutes it with specific reasons.
Effective opinion writing acknowledges counterarguments and then refutes them with evidence.
Question 4: A student's opinion piece cites: 'Studies show community gardens reduce neighbourhood crime by up to 15%.' What role does this play?
- It serves as the thesis
- It is an emotional appeal
- It provides evidence-based support (Correct answer)
- It introduces an unrelated topic
Correct answer: It provides evidence-based support
Citing studies with specific data provides evidence-based support.
Evidence-based support with specific statistics strengthens the argument.
Question 5: Which concluding sentence is most effective for an opinion piece about second-language education?
- In conclusion, that's what I think about languages.
- Languages are interesting.
- By embracing second-language education, Ontario can prepare its young people for success in a multilingual world. (Correct answer)
- Some people agree with me and some don't.
Correct answer: By embracing second-language education, Ontario can prepare its young people for success in a multilingual world.
This conclusion restates the argument and provides a compelling final thought.
An effective conclusion reinforces the position and leaves the reader with a strong final impression.
Question 6: A student uses the phrase 'Obviously, everyone agrees that screens are destroying our youth.' What TWO problems does this have?
- Too long and difficult vocabulary
- Uses false consensus ('everyone agrees') and loaded language ('destroying our youth') (Correct answer)
- Grammatically incorrect and poorly punctuated
- Too formal for an opinion piece
Correct answer: Uses false consensus ('everyone agrees') and loaded language ('destroying our youth')
It assumes false consensus and uses emotionally loaded language instead of measured claims.
Two problems: false consensus ('everyone agrees') and loaded, hyperbolic language ('destroying our youth').
OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Writing an Opinion Piece Questions and Answers 2
A student writes an opinion piece about school cafeteria food.
Which is the strongest thesis statement?