Which option best describes the conclusion of an opinion article?

Which option best describes the conclusion of an opinion article?

• A. Ends with a simple factual restatement
• B. Ends with a provocative question
• C. Ends with a list of sources without opinion
• D. Concludes with general opinion and information needed for a final decision

Answer: (D)

The ending of an opinion article should reinforce the writer’s stance and give readers what they need to decide or act. The best choice does this by concluding with a general expression of the author’s opinion and the information readers would use to reach a final conclusion or make a choice. It signals that the argument is complete and leaves readers prepared to apply or act on what they’ve read. Why this fits: An opinion piece is built to persuade. The conclusion should pull together the main argument and remind readers why the stance matters, often hinting at implications or next steps. Providing the opinion again plus the information needed to decide aligns with that goal. Why the other options don’t fit as well: Ending with a simple factual restatement would undercut the persuasive aim by stripping away the author’s viewpoint. Ending with a provocative question can be memorable, but it doesn’t provide the decisive takeaway or clear guidance readers need to act. Ending with a list of sources without opinion reads more like a neutral report than an opinion piece, which would weaken the author’s persuasive purpose.

The ending of an opinion article should reinforce the writer’s stance and give readers what they need to decide or act. The best choice does this by concluding with a general expression of the author’s opinion and the information readers would use to reach a final conclusion or make a choice. It signals that the argument is complete and leaves readers prepared to apply or act on what they’ve read.

Why this fits: An opinion piece is built to persuade. The conclusion should pull together the main argument and remind readers why the stance matters, often hinting at implications or next steps. Providing the opinion again plus the information needed to decide aligns with that goal.

Why the other options don’t fit as well: Ending with a simple factual restatement would undercut the persuasive aim by stripping away the author’s viewpoint. Ending with a provocative question can be memorable, but it doesn’t provide the decisive takeaway or clear guidance readers need to act. Ending with a list of sources without opinion reads more like a neutral report than an opinion piece, which would weaken the author’s persuasive purpose.