AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Clarity and Precise Language Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An AWA test-taker writes the following sentence in their critique: "The argument's use of evidence is problematic." Which of the following revisions demonstrates the most improvement in clarity and precision?
- The argument uses evidence that is not very good and could be better.
- The argument's evidence is fundamentally flawed and generally unpersuasive.
- The argument bases its entire conclusion on a single, two-year-old survey from a competing town, which may not be relevant. (Correct answer)
- The argument has some significant issues with the data it presents to support its main point.
Correct answer: The argument bases its entire conclusion on a single, two-year-old survey from a competing town, which may not be relevant.
This answer is the most precise because it specifically identifies the evidence (a single, two-year-old survey from a competing town) and explains exactly why it is problematic (it may not be relevant). The other options remain vague, using general terms like 'not very good,' 'flawed,' or 'significant issues' without providing concrete details.
Question 2: In the context of an AWA essay analyzing a business proposal, which of the following phrases is the MOST ambiguous?
- a 10% reduction in manufacturing costs
- the purchase of three new delivery trucks
- a plan to enhance synergy (Correct answer)
- a quarterly marketing budget of $50,000
Correct answer: a plan to enhance synergy
The phrase 'enhance synergy' is corporate jargon that is extremely vague and open to multiple interpretations. It does not specify what actions will be taken or what the measurable outcome will be. The other options are all concrete, specific, and measurable quantities.
Question 3: A test-taker critiques an argument with the following sentence: "The memo suggests that a new software will increase productivity, but it is unconvincing." The pronoun 'it' in this sentence is unclear. Which revision most effectively resolves the ambiguity?
- The memo suggests that a new software will increase productivity, but this is unconvincing.
- The memo's suggestion that a new software will increase productivity is unconvincing. (Correct answer)
- The new software is supposed to increase productivity, but the memo about it is unconvincing.
- While the memo suggests the new software will increase productivity, the idea itself is unconvincing.
Correct answer: The memo's suggestion that a new software will increase productivity is unconvincing.
This option is the clearest because it restructures the sentence to eliminate the ambiguous pronoun 'it' entirely. It explicitly states that the 'suggestion' is what is unconvincing. The other options either fail to resolve the ambiguity (choice A) or are unnecessarily wordy (choices C and D).
Question 4: The primary reason for using precise and concrete language in an AWA essay is to:
- meet the minimum word count for a high score.
- demonstrate a sophisticated and complex vocabulary to the graders.
- make the essay more entertaining and engaging for the reader.
- ensure the critique of the argument is clear, assertive, and easily understood. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: ensure the critique of the argument is clear, assertive, and easily understood.
The core purpose of the AWA is to clearly communicate a critique of an argument. Precise language removes ambiguity and ensures that the points being made are understood exactly as intended, which strengthens the overall analysis. A sophisticated vocabulary is only useful if it serves clarity; otherwise, it can obscure the meaning. Entertainment and word count are not primary scoring criteria.
Question 5: Which of the following sentences from an AWA essay best exemplifies the use of precise, assertive language over vague, hedging language?
- It seems possible that the argument's conclusion might not be fully supported.
- The argument's conclusion is unsubstantiated because it relies on a flawed analogy. (Correct answer)
- One could perhaps argue that the evidence presented is somewhat insufficient.
- There are a number of things that could potentially be wrong with the argument's logic.
Correct answer: The argument's conclusion is unsubstantiated because it relies on a flawed analogy.
This sentence makes a direct, assertive claim ('is unsubstantiated') and gives a specific, precise reason ('because it relies on a flawed analogy'). The other options use hedging words ('seems possible,' 'might not,' 'perhaps,' 'somewhat,' 'could potentially be'), which weaken the critique and make it sound uncertain.
Question 6: An AWA critique states: "The author's plan to improve morale is a good idea." Why is this statement considered weak from a clarity and precision standpoint?
- It uses a transitional phrase inappropriately.
- It is too informal and uses a vague, subjective adjective. (Correct answer)
- It directly agrees with the author, which is not allowed.
- It fails to use complex sentence structure.
Correct answer: It is too informal and uses a vague, subjective adjective.
The term 'good idea' is subjective and imprecise. It doesn't explain *why* the plan might be considered effective or what specific merits it has. A stronger critique would use objective, descriptive language, such as 'The author's plan addresses a documented cause of employee dissatisfaction,' to provide a clear and analytical point. Effective analytical writing avoids vague, personal judgments.
AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Clarity and Precise Language Questions and Answers
An AWA test-taker writes the following sentence in their critique: "The argument's use of evidence is problematic." Which of the following revisions demonstrates the most improvement in clarity and precision?