Task 2 Academic Essays: Opinion u0026 Argumentation Quiz

Test your understanding of academic essay writing with practice questions focused on opinion and argumentation regarding education, technology, and environmental issues. These questions help develop skills for structured essays, critical thinking, and relevant vocabulary to succeed in academic contexts.

1. Education: Discussing School Uniforms

   Which is the most suitable way to introduce your opinion in an academic essay about whether school uniforms should be mandatory?

   1. In my opinion, implementing school uniforms is beneficial for students.
   2. Maybe uniforms are cool, right?
   3. Somewhere I heard that uniforms are good.
   4. I like uniforms so they should be everywhere!

   Explanation: The first option clearly states the writer's opinion in formal academic language, making it the best choice. The second and third options are informal and lack clarity and structure. The fourth option is too personal and lacks an academic tone, which is discouraged in academic essays.

2. Technology: Supporting Your View

   Which example best supports the argument that technology improves learning in the classroom?

   1. Phones are popular with young people these days.
   2. Some students like using computers for games.
   3. Educational apps allow personalized practice and instant feedback.
   4. Technology can be fun sometimes.

   Explanation: The correct answer gives a direct example of how technology helps learning, specifically mentioning educational apps and their benefits. The other options are too vague, focus on non-academic aspects, or do not support the claim about improved learning in a meaningful way.

3. Environment: Counterargument Use

   In an essay arguing for stricter laws to reduce air pollution, which statement best presents a counterargument?

   1. Air pollution is dangerous for everyone.
   2. Companies need to be more responsible.
   3. Pollution affects the weather patterns.
   4. Some people believe stricter laws could harm small businesses by increasing costs.

   Explanation: The first sentence addresses a potential downside of stricter laws, representing a valid counterargument. The other options either offer general statements or unrelated facts but do not actually present an opposing viewpoint.

4. Education: Essay Structure

   Which sequence correctly outlines a basic argumentative essay structure for education topics?

   1. Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion
   2. Greeting, Question, List
   3. Title, Picture, Table of Contents
   4. Main Point, Ending, Background

   Explanation: The correct structure begins with an introduction, develops arguments in body paragraphs, and ends with a conclusion. The other options are not appropriate structures for academic essays and include irrelevant or informal elements.

5. Technology: Vocabulary Choice

   Which word best completes the sentence: 'Online learning platforms offer _____ access to educational resources'?

   1. conveniance
   2. convenient
   3. convienient
   4. convinient

   Explanation: The correct spelling is 'convenient', making it the best fit for a formal academic sentence. The other options are common misspellings and are incorrect in formal writing.

6. Environment: Giving Solutions

   Which is the most appropriate way to propose a solution to urban air pollution in an academic essay?

   1. People don't like dirty air, so something should be done.
   2. Maybe we could try something new or cleaner, I don't know.
   3. One possible solution is to increase investment in public transportation systems.
   4. Pollution is bad and must stop now.

   Explanation: The first option proposes a clear, specific, and realistic solution in an appropriate academic tone. The others are vague, informal, or lack a concrete proposal, making them unsuitable for structured essays.

7. Education: Agree vs. Disagree

   When asked 'To what extent do you agree or disagree that exams should be the main way to assess students?', which response shows a balanced argument?

   1. Exams are terrible and should be banned.
   2. Students hate exams.
   3. I think exams are important, end of story.
   4. While exams can measure some skills, coursework and participation provide a fuller picture of student ability.

   Explanation: The correct answer acknowledges both sides and justifies the opinion with a balanced analysis. The other options are either too extreme, one-sided, or lack sufficient explanation.

8. Technology: Formal Tone

   Which sentence uses an appropriate formal tone for an opinion essay about social media and communication?

   1. I think chatting online is, like, really different now.
   2. Hey, social media totally changed how people talk to each other!
   3. Social media platforms have significantly transformed the way individuals communicate.
   4. Social media is pretty awesome for talking.

   Explanation: The first sentence uses precise, academic language that is suitable for an academic essay. The remaining options are informal or use colloquial expressions, which are inappropriate in this context.

9. Environment: Linking Words

   Which linking word best joins these two ideas: 'Deforestation affects wildlife. It also contributes to climate change.'?

   1. Although
   2. Moreover
   3. Despite
   4. Firstly

   Explanation: 'Moreover' is used to add information, making it the best choice here. 'Firstly' is used to list a sequence; 'Despite' and 'Although' suggest contrast, which does not fit the logical connection between the two sentences.

10. Education: Addressing the Question

    If an essay prompt states 'Discuss both views and give your own opinion about homework for children,' what should your essay include?

    1. Describe how much time is spent on homework around the world
    2. Only your personal experiences with homework
    3. An explanation of both pro- and anti-homework arguments, plus your personal viewpoint
    4. Just list the advantages of homework

    Explanation: The prompt requires coverage of both perspectives and your own opinion, which the first answer provides. The other options are incomplete or focus solely on one aspect, which does not fulfill the task requirements.

11. Technology: Acknowledging Limitations

    In an essay about online education, which sentence best acknowledges a potential drawback?

    1. Some students may find it challenging to stay motivated without regular face-to-face interaction.
    2. Online education is perfect for everyone.
    3. Students love using computers all the time.
    4. It is good for people who like to type quickly.

    Explanation: This option realistically addresses a limitation, which is valuable for balanced argumentation. The other answers are overly positive, make generalizations, or are not relevant drawbacks.

12. Environment: Opinion Phrasing

    Which phrase is most formal for expressing your opinion in an environmental essay?

    1. I guess cities need better trash systems.
    2. I firmly believe that stricter waste management is essential for sustainable cities.
    3. Maybe waste sorting is, you know, good.
    4. Cities should totally have more bins.

    Explanation: The correct answer uses a formal and strong expression of opinion. The others use informal phrases, contractions, or lack academic vocabulary, making them less suitable for structured essays.

13. Education: Supporting Evidence

    Which statement best provides supporting evidence for the claim that arts education benefits students?

    1. Not everyone likes music or painting.
    2. Arts are fun and cool for many children.
    3. Studies show that students involved in arts tend to have higher academic achievement and creativity.
    4. Sometimes students draw pictures in class.

    Explanation: The first option references research evidence, strengthening the argument. The remaining options are either personal opinions, general statements, or negative, and do not directly provide supporting evidence.

14. Technology: Grammatical Accuracy

    Which sentence is both grammatically accurate and appropriate for a formal essay on technology in education?

    1. The integration of digital tools in classrooms fosters interactive and engaging learning experiences.
    2. Technology gonna make class more fun.
    3. There is learning with the things like computers, you know.
    4. Students use digital, it good.

    Explanation: The first sentence is clear, formal, and grammatically correct for academic writing. The other options contain slang, incomplete sentences, or informal language, all of which are unsuitable for an academic context.

15. Environment: Causal Explanation

    Which sentence correctly explains the cause-and-effect relationship in an environmental essay?

    1. Air pollution is everywhere.
    2. Factories are big buildings.
    3. Because factories release pollutants into the air, local communities often experience increased respiratory problems.
    4. Some people have trouble breathing near factories.

    Explanation: The first option clearly defines the cause (factory emissions) and the effect (health problems). The rest are either too general or provide irrelevant information without showing a clear relationship.

16. Education: Addressing Opposing Views

    Which sentence provides a respectful rebuttal to an opposing view in an essay about online learning?

    1. I do not care about other opinions.
    2. Some people just don't get it.
    3. Online learning is fine, no matter what people think.
    4. Although some believe online courses are less effective, evidence suggests that well-designed programs can achieve similar outcomes to traditional education.

    Explanation: The correct answer acknowledges the opposing view and offers evidence-based rebuttal, which is essential in academic argumentation. The other options dismiss alternative opinions without respect or evidence, making them unsuitable for formal essays.