Eiken Writing: Opinion Essay Formulation Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the most effective thesis statement for an opinion essay on the topic of school uniforms?
- This essay will talk about the pros and cons of school uniforms.
- School uniforms are a common topic of discussion in many schools.
- For reasons of promoting equality and reducing social pressures, all schools should require students to wear uniforms. (Correct answer)
- Some students like wearing uniforms, but others do not like the policy.
Correct answer: For reasons of promoting equality and reducing social pressures, all schools should require students to wear uniforms.
A strong thesis statement must present a clear, specific, and arguable opinion. Choice C is the only option that takes a clear stance ('all schools should require') and provides specific reasons ('promoting equality and reducing social pressures') that will be developed in the essay.
Question 2: A student is writing an essay arguing that cities should create more public parks. Their first body paragraph begins with the topic sentence: 'First, public parks improve the physical and mental health of residents.' What is the BEST type of information to add next to support this reason?
- A concluding sentence that summarizes the importance of parks.
- A second reason, such as parks being good for the environment.
- A personal opinion about how much the writer enjoys parks.
- A specific example, such as how green spaces encourage exercise and reduce stress. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A specific example, such as how green spaces encourage exercise and reduce stress.
After a topic sentence states the main idea of a paragraph, it must be supported with specific evidence, details, or examples. Providing a specific example of how parks improve health directly supports and develops the paragraph's main point.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of the concluding paragraph in an opinion essay?
- To introduce a new argument that was not previously discussed.
- To restate the thesis in a new way and summarize the main supporting points. (Correct answer)
- To provide the most detailed and important piece of evidence.
- To ask the reader a question without providing a final opinion.
Correct answer: To restate the thesis in a new way and summarize the main supporting points.
The conclusion's main role is to bring the essay to a satisfying close by summarizing the argument and reminding the reader of the main points. It should restate the thesis and briefly touch upon the reasons that were developed in the body paragraphs, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the writer's position.
Question 4: In an Eiken opinion essay, each body paragraph should focus on developing a single, clear reason. What is the main structural component that begins each body paragraph?
- A supporting detail or statistic.
- A topic sentence. (Correct answer)
- A transitional phrase to the conclusion.
- A question for the reader.
Correct answer: A topic sentence.
A well-structured body paragraph begins with a topic sentence. This sentence clearly states the main idea or reason that the paragraph will discuss, acting as a guide for both the writer and the reader.
Question 5: Scenario: A student plans to argue that 'people should read more books.' They have chosen two reasons: 1) It improves vocabulary and 2) It reduces stress. Which transitional phrase would be most appropriate to connect the first body paragraph (about vocabulary) to the second (about stress)?
- For example,
- In conclusion,
- In addition, (Correct answer)
- However,
Correct answer: In addition,
'In addition' is a transitional phrase used to introduce another point or reason that supports the same main idea. Since 'reducing stress' is the second supporting reason for reading more books, 'In addition' logically connects it to the first reason.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a required component for formulating a strong opinion essay for the Eiken test?
- A clear statement of the writer's opinion (thesis).
- Two or more reasons to support the opinion.
- A detailed analysis of opposing viewpoints. (Correct answer)
- A conclusion that summarizes the main points.
Correct answer: A detailed analysis of opposing viewpoints.
While acknowledging counterarguments can strengthen an essay, the core Eiken writing task requires you to state your opinion, support it with reasons, and write a conclusion. A detailed analysis of opposing views is not a mandatory component for this specific test format.
Eiken Writing: Opinion Essay Formulation Questions and Answers
Which of the following is the most effective thesis statement for an opinion essay on the topic of school uniforms?