OSSLT Writing an Opinion Piece 4

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?

Accepted Answer

'Students should be allowed to choose their own Grade 9 courses because it promotes engagement and personal responsibility.'

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Identifying their position and jotting down two or three supporting reasons

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

'Studies show that adolescents who sleep with devices nearby get an average of 1.5 fewer hours of sleep per night.'

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

The student has repeated an idea instead of developing a second distinct reason

Answer

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.'

Accepted Answer

'Secondly, reducing plastic waste benefits the environment.'

Answer

A strong topic sentence identifies the specific argument of the paragraph, not just the general subject.

OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Practice Test