VEPT Summary and Opinion Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When summarizing a passage, which element is LEAST important to include?
- The author's main argument
- Supporting evidence for the main point
- The author's word-for-word phrasing (Correct answer)
- The conclusion or outcome
Correct answer: The author's word-for-word phrasing
A summary should paraphrase the source in your own words, not reproduce the author's exact phrasing.
Question 2: Which sentence best introduces an opinion in an academic writing context?
- Everyone knows that renewable energy is better.
- I think renewable energy is good.
- Evidence suggests that renewable energy offers significant long-term benefits. (Correct answer)
- Renewable energy is obviously the right choice.
Correct answer: Evidence suggests that renewable energy offers significant long-term benefits.
Academic opinion writing uses evidence-based language rather than vague assertions or overly personal phrasing.
Question 3: A reader says a summary is 'too detailed.' What is the most likely problem?
- The summary omits the main idea
- The summary includes minor examples and supporting details instead of focusing on key points (Correct answer)
- The summary is written in first person
- The summary uses transition words
Correct answer: The summary includes minor examples and supporting details instead of focusing on key points
Over-detailed summaries fail to distinguish between major ideas and minor supporting details.
Question 4: In opinion writing, a 'counterargument' serves what purpose?
- It weakens your overall argument
- It acknowledges opposing views before refuting them, strengthening your credibility (Correct answer)
- It replaces your thesis statement
- It summarizes the source text
Correct answer: It acknowledges opposing views before refuting them, strengthening your credibility
Addressing counterarguments shows critical thinking and makes your own argument more persuasive.
Question 5: Which word or phrase signals that a writer is about to state their opinion?
- For example
- In contrast
- In my view (Correct answer)
- As a result
Correct answer: In my view
'In my view' is an opinion marker, while the others signal examples, contrast, or cause-effect relationships.
Question 6: What is the ideal length ratio of a summary compared to the original text?
- The same length
- Roughly one-third or less of the original (Correct answer)
- At least twice as long
- Exactly half the original
Correct answer: Roughly one-third or less of the original
Summaries are typically condensed to about one-third or less of the original while preserving core meaning.
Question 7: Which revision makes this opinion statement stronger: 'I feel we should reduce screen time for kids.'
- I strongly feel we should reduce screen time for kids.
- Research links excessive screen time in children to sleep disruption and reduced attention spans, making limits necessary. (Correct answer)
- Everybody agrees that kids spend too much time on screens.
- Screen time is bad for kids, in my opinion.
Correct answer: Research links excessive screen time in children to sleep disruption and reduced attention spans, making limits necessary.
Replacing a personal feeling with research-backed reasoning makes an opinion more persuasive and credible.
VEPT Summary and Opinion Writing 2
When summarizing a passage, which element is LEAST important to include?