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CS Professional · Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances · Art of Opinion Writing

Meridian Textiles Ltd. asks its company secretary, Ms. Kavya Rao, for a written opinion on whether a related-party transaction needs shareholder approval. Which sequence best reflects the conventional structure of a professional opinion?

A conventional opinion runs from heading and reference to the facts, then the questions posed, then legal analysis, then the conclusion or advice, and finally the signature. This order lets the reader follow the reasoning before reaching the conclusion.

  1. AConclusion, then facts, then a closing signature, with the question left unstated
  2. BHeading and reference, facts, question(s) for opinion, analysis with law, conclusion and advice, signatureCorrect
  3. CAnalysis of law, signature, facts, then question for opinion
  4. DFacts, signature, conclusion, then the question for opinion

Explanation

A conventional opinion opens with a heading and reference, states the facts, frames the precise questions, discusses the applicable law and its application, ends with a clear conclusion or advice, and is then signed and dated. The other sequences place the signature or conclusion before the reasoning, which breaks the logical flow.

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