VEPT Summary and Opinion Writing 5

Question 1

Which revision improves this vague opinion: 'Social media has good and bad effects.'

Accepted Answer

While social media fosters global connection, its role in spreading misinformation poses a significant public health risk.

Answer

Naming specific benefits and harms creates a concrete, arguable opinion rather than a vague both-sides statement.

Question 2

What is the purpose of a concluding sentence in an opinion paragraph?

Accepted Answer

To restate the paragraph's main point and reinforce how the evidence supports it

Answer

A concluding sentence ties the paragraph's evidence back to its central claim, completing the argument before moving on.

Question 3

When two sources disagree, how should a summary handle this?

Accepted Answer

Present both perspectives accurately and note the disagreement

Answer

An objective summary of conflicting sources presents both viewpoints fairly without letting personal bias determine what is included.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the 'claim-evidence-reasoning' structure?

Accepted Answer

Make a claim, provide supporting evidence, and explain how the evidence supports the claim

Answer

Claim-evidence-reasoning is a core argumentative pattern where each element builds logically on the previous one.

Question 5

A summary that uses 'I think' and 'In my opinion' throughout is problematic because:

Accepted Answer

It inserts subjective judgment into what should be a neutral account of the source

Answer

Opinion markers shift the focus from the source's ideas to the writer's reactions, breaking the neutrality required of a summary.

VEPT - Versant English Placement Test Practice Test