OSSLT Writing an Opinion Piece 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A student is given the prompt: 'Should students be allowed to choose their own courses in Grade 9?' Which thesis statement is STRONGEST?
- 'There are many opinions about whether students should choose their courses.'
- 'Students should be allowed to choose their own Grade 9 courses because it promotes engagement and personal responsibility.' (Correct answer)
- 'I will write about whether students should choose courses.'
- 'Course selection is an important topic that affects many students.'
Correct answer: 'Students should be allowed to choose their own Grade 9 courses because it promotes engagement and personal responsibility.'
The strongest thesis states a clear position AND provides the main reasons that will be developed in the body.
Question 2: On the OSSLT, the opinion writing prompt always provides a stated topic. A student should BEGIN by:
- Writing the conclusion so they know where to end up
- Identifying their position and jotting down two or three supporting reasons (Correct answer)
- Listing every possible argument for both sides
- Copying the prompt word-for-word as their introduction
Correct answer: Identifying their position and jotting down two or three supporting reasons
Planning your position and key reasons before writing ensures a focused, organized response.
Question 3: Which sentence uses an appeal to logic (logos) to support an opinion about reducing screen time?
- 'Doctors everywhere feel strongly that screens are harmful.'
- 'Imagine how much better your life would be without constant notifications.'
- 'Studies show that adolescents who sleep with devices nearby get an average of 1.5 fewer hours of sleep per night.' (Correct answer)
- 'Screen time feels wrong and most people can sense this.'
Correct answer: 'Studies show that adolescents who sleep with devices nearby get an average of 1.5 fewer hours of sleep per night.'
A logical appeal uses specific, verifiable data and reasoning rather than emotion or vague authority.
Question 4: A student writes two body paragraphs but both make the same point about cost. What organizational error has occurred?
- The paragraphs are too short
- The student has repeated an idea instead of developing a second distinct reason (Correct answer)
- The paragraphs need stronger topic sentences
- The student has not included a counterargument
Correct answer: The student has repeated an idea instead of developing a second distinct reason
Each body paragraph should develop a separate, distinct supporting reason to avoid redundancy and maximize argument strength.
Question 5: Which revision of this topic sentence is BEST? Original: 'My second point is about the environment.'
- 'The environment is also a reason.'
- 'Secondly, reducing plastic waste benefits the environment.' (Correct answer)
- 'Another thing to think about is the environment too.'
- 'The environment, which is my second point, matters.'
Correct answer: 'Secondly, reducing plastic waste benefits the environment.'
A strong topic sentence identifies the specific argument of the paragraph, not just the general subject.
Question 6: Why should a writer AVOID using first-person phrases like 'I think' or 'I believe' excessively in a formal opinion piece?
- Because the OSSLT prohibits first-person writing entirely
- Because overusing them weakens the argument by highlighting that it is only a personal view (Correct answer)
- Because they make the piece too long and difficult to read
- Because the marking rubric penalizes any use of first-person pronouns
Correct answer: Because overusing them weakens the argument by highlighting that it is only a personal view
Stating facts and evidence directly is more persuasive than repeatedly qualifying claims as personal opinion.
Question 7: An OSSLT opinion piece that scores high on 'organization' would MOST likely feature:
- Long, unbroken paragraphs with all ideas grouped together
- A clear introduction, logically sequenced body paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties ideas together (Correct answer)
- Bullet points listing all supporting reasons without explanation
- An introduction only, since the marking focuses on the opening
Correct answer: A clear introduction, logically sequenced body paragraphs, and a conclusion that ties ideas together
High organization scores require a clear three-part structure with logical sequencing and effective transitions throughout.
OSSLT Writing an Opinion Piece 4
A student is given the prompt: 'Should students be allowed to choose their own courses in Grade 9?' Which thesis statement is STRONGEST?