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What is the purpose of opinion polls?

  1. To predict election outcomes only

  2. To represent public opinion through questions

  3. To gauge the influence of social classes

  4. To assess voter engagement

The correct answer is: To represent public opinion through questions

The purpose of opinion polls is to represent public opinion through questions, making it essential for understanding the views and preferences of a population on various issues. These polls are constructed to capture a snapshot of how individuals feel about political candidates, policies, or societal issues at a given time. By framing questions thoughtfully, they can provide insights into the general sentiments of different demographics, which helps inform politicians, policymakers, and analysts about the electorate's mindset. While predicting election outcomes is one aspect of opinion polls, focusing solely on this would ignore their broader role in gauging public sentiment and contributing to informed discourse. Additionally, while assessing voter engagement and gauging the influence of social classes can be analyzed through opinion polls, these are more specific applications rather than the fundamental purpose of such surveys. Overall, option B highlights the core function of opinion polls in encapsulating the views of the public.