OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Writing an Opinion Piece Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following sentences provides the clearest and most effective statement of opinion for an essay?

Accepted Answer

Implementing a four-day school week would improve student well-being and academic focus.

Answer

A strong statement of opinion, or thesis, must take a clear and arguable stance. Choice C does this by stating a specific position ('would improve student well-being and academic focus') that can be supported with evidence. The other options are either neutral statements of fact (A, B) or simply announce the topic without taking a position (D).

Question 2

A student is writing an opinion piece arguing that their school should ban the sale of sugary drinks. Which of the following is the most persuasive piece of evidence to support this opinion?

Accepted Answer

A quote from a local doctor explaining the link between high sugar consumption and health problems in teenagers.

Answer

Quoting an expert, like a doctor, provides credible, fact-based evidence that directly supports the argument about health. While personal stories (A) can be illustrative, they are not as persuasive as expert testimony. Mentioning other schools (C) is relevant but doesn't explain *why* it's a good policy. The length of the line (D) only shows popularity, not that the drinks are a problem.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the concluding paragraph in an opinion piece for the OSSLT?

Accepted Answer

To restate the main opinion and summarize the key supporting points.

Answer

The conclusion's main function is to provide a sense of closure by summarizing the argument and reinforcing the author's opinion. It should remind the reader of the main points and leave a lasting impression of the author's stance. Introducing new points or creating uncertainty would weaken the overall essay.

Question 4

Scenario: You are writing an opinion piece with the thesis: 'All students should be required to take a course in financial literacy to graduate.' Which of the following points would be considered a counter-argument?

Accepted Answer

A financial literacy course would add another mandatory credit, potentially limiting students' ability to take elective courses they are passionate about.

Answer

A counter-argument presents a viewpoint that opposes the main thesis. Choice B raises a valid objection to the idea of a mandatory course by highlighting a potential negative consequence (loss of electives). The other options (A, C, D) are all arguments *in favour* of the thesis.

Question 5

Which of the following is a key requirement for the body paragraphs of an OSSLT opinion piece?

Accepted Answer

Each paragraph should develop a separate supporting reason with specific details or examples.

Answer

The body paragraphs are the core of the essay, where the author must build their case. According to OSSLT guidelines, each body paragraph should focus on explaining one specific reason that supports the main opinion, using details and examples to make it convincing.

OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Practice Test

OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Practice Test

OSSLT - Ontario Secondary School Literacy Writing an Opinion Piece Questions and Answers