AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Argument Deconstruction Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In the context of the AWA, what is the primary goal when deconstructing an argument?
- To agree or disagree with the argument's conclusion based on personal beliefs.
- To identify and evaluate the unstated assumptions and logical flaws in the author's reasoning. (Correct answer)
- To summarize the argument's main points and provide additional evidence to support them.
- To rewrite the argument to make it more persuasive and logically sound.
Correct answer: To identify and evaluate the unstated assumptions and logical flaws in the author's reasoning.
The core task of the AWA is not to state a personal opinion but to critically analyze the provided argument's logical structure. This involves identifying the underlying assumptions the author makes without providing evidence and pointing out any logical fallacies that weaken the conclusion.
Question 2: An argument claims: 'Since our town implemented a new recycling program last year, the local landfill has received 15% less waste. Therefore, to reduce landfill waste in your town, you should implement the same recycling program.' Which of the following is a critical unstated assumption in this argument?
- The new recycling program is the sole cause for the reduction in landfill waste. (Correct answer)
- The two towns have different waste management companies.
- The cost of the recycling program is less than the cost of landfill usage.
- Residents in the neighboring town are not interested in recycling.
Correct answer: The new recycling program is the sole cause for the reduction in landfill waste.
The argument commits a potential correlation vs. causation fallacy. It assumes that because the recycling program was implemented before the waste reduction, it must be the cause. However, other factors could be responsible, such as a new composting initiative, a major business closure, or a population decline. The argument's validity depends on this assumption being true.
Question 3: When deconstructing an argument for the AWA, which of the following is LEAST important to focus on?
- Questionable assumptions made by the author.
- The relevance and sufficiency of the evidence provided.
- The grammatical correctness and style of the original author's writing. (Correct answer)
- Alternative explanations that could account for the evidence presented.
Correct answer: The grammatical correctness and style of the original author's writing.
Your task in the AWA is to critique the logic and reasoning of the argument, not the author's writing style or grammar. While a poorly written argument might be harder to read, your analysis should focus on the flaws in its structure, assumptions, and evidence, rather than its prose.
Question 4: A business memo argues that because a four-day workweek increased productivity at a tech company, the same policy should be adopted at a manufacturing plant to boost its productivity. Deconstructing this argument would most likely involve identifying which logical fallacy?
- Ad Hominem
- Straw Man
- Appeal to Authority
- Faulty Analogy (or Inappropriate Comparison) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Faulty Analogy (or Inappropriate Comparison)
This argument relies on an analogy between a tech company and a manufacturing plant. A critical deconstruction would question whether these two entities are comparable in ways relevant to productivity and work schedules. The nature of work, employee roles, and operational needs are likely very different, making the comparison potentially flawed.
Question 5: Which of the following, if true, would most effectively WEAKEN an argument that claims a new marketing campaign is responsible for a recent increase in sales?
- The marketing campaign was designed by a top-tier advertising agency.
- During the same period, the company's main competitor went out of business. (Correct answer)
- The company's sales have been steadily increasing for the past five years.
- Many customers reported enjoying the new marketing campaign.
Correct answer: During the same period, the company's main competitor went out of business.
This statement provides a compelling alternative explanation for the increase in sales. If the main competitor disappeared, their customers would need to go elsewhere, providing a direct and significant reason for the sales boost that is unrelated to the marketing campaign. This weakens the original argument by challenging its causal claim.
Question 6: The primary purpose of identifying logical fallacies during argument deconstruction for the AWA is to:
- Demonstrate a superior vocabulary and knowledge of rhetorical terms.
- Prove that the author of the argument is unintelligent.
- Show how specific flaws in the reasoning undermine the validity of the conclusion. (Correct answer)
- Create a list of errors to present at the beginning of the essay.
Correct answer: Show how specific flaws in the reasoning undermine the validity of the conclusion.
Identifying logical fallacies is not just about naming them; it's about explaining how these errors in reasoning make the argument's conclusion less convincing. The goal is to analyze the 'holes' in the argument to demonstrate a critical understanding of its structure and weaknesses.
AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Argument Deconstruction Questions and Answers
In the context of the AWA, what is the primary goal when deconstructing an argument?