AWA Crafting Effective Conclusions 2 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which technique makes an AWA conclusion most memorable to readers?
- Introducing a new counterargument
- Ending with a thought-provoking implication or broader significance (Correct answer)
- Repeating the thesis word-for-word
- Listing all evidence used in the essay
Correct answer: Ending with a thought-provoking implication or broader significance
Ending with a broader implication or 'so what' statement elevates the conclusion beyond mere summary and leaves a lasting impression.
Question 2: In an AWA Analyze an Argument essay, the conclusion should primarily:
- Offer your personal opinion on the topic
- Summarize which logical flaws are most damaging and what evidence would strengthen the argument (Correct answer)
- Introduce alternative perspectives not discussed in the body
- Restate the original argument verbatim
Correct answer: Summarize which logical flaws are most damaging and what evidence would strengthen the argument
The conclusion of an Analyze an Argument essay should synthesize the critical analysis by noting which flaws matter most and what would fix them.
Question 3: What is the risk of writing a conclusion that is too short (one or two sentences) on the AWA?
- It may cause the essay to exceed the word limit
- It signals to raters that the writer rushed or lacks depth of analysis (Correct answer)
- It is acceptable as long as the body paragraphs are strong
- It automatically scores below a 4
Correct answer: It signals to raters that the writer rushed or lacks depth of analysis
A very brief conclusion suggests the writer ran out of time or ideas, which hurts the overall impression of completeness and analytical depth.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'synthesis' in an AWA conclusion?
- Copying key sentences from each body paragraph
- Combining the essay's main points into a unified insight that goes beyond the sum of parts (Correct answer)
- Adding new statistics to reinforce the argument
- Defining key terms used throughout the essay
Correct answer: Combining the essay's main points into a unified insight that goes beyond the sum of parts
Synthesis in a conclusion means integrating the essay's arguments into a cohesive takeaway rather than simply repeating individual points.
Question 5: When concluding an Analyze an Issue essay, which approach best demonstrates high-level thinking?
- Acknowledging the complexity of the issue while affirming your overall position (Correct answer)
- Presenting a completely new position that contradicts the body
- Avoiding any mention of opposing views
- Summarizing only the weakest point made in the essay
Correct answer: Acknowledging the complexity of the issue while affirming your overall position
Acknowledging nuance while maintaining a clear stance shows intellectual sophistication and strengthens the essay's credibility.
Question 6: Which phrase is LEAST appropriate to begin an AWA conclusion?
- Ultimately, the evidence suggestsā¦
- In conclusion, this essay has provenā¦ (Correct answer)
- The analysis above demonstratesā¦
- Taking these points togetherā¦
Correct answer: In conclusion, this essay has provenā¦
'This essay has proven' is overly mechanical and self-referential; more sophisticated transitions integrate ideas rather than announcing them.
Question 7: How should an effective AWA conclusion handle the strongest objection to your position?
- Ignore it to avoid weakening your stance
- Briefly concede its validity while explaining why your overall argument still holds (Correct answer)
- Dedicate the entire conclusion to refuting it in detail
- Move it to the introduction instead
Correct answer: Briefly concede its validity while explaining why your overall argument still holds
Briefly acknowledging and then rebutting the strongest objection in the conclusion demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your credibility.
AWA Crafting Effective Conclusions 2
Which technique makes an AWA conclusion most memorable to readers?