AWA Developing Strong Counterarguments 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When developing a counterargument in an AWA essay, what is the primary purpose of the 'concession' move?
- To abandon your original claim entirely
- To acknowledge valid aspects of the opposing view before reaffirming your position (Correct answer)
- To introduce new evidence that contradicts your thesis
- To summarize the opposing side without responding to it
Correct answer: To acknowledge valid aspects of the opposing view before reaffirming your position
A concession acknowledges merit in the opposing view, which builds credibility before you pivot back to defending your thesis.
Question 2: Which transition phrase most effectively signals a counterargument followed by a rebuttal in an AWA essay?
- Furthermore, this point illustrates…
- Although critics argue X, a closer examination reveals Y (Correct answer)
- In addition to the above reasoning…
- For example, consider the case of…
Correct answer: Although critics argue X, a closer examination reveals Y
'Although critics argue X…' signals the counterargument, while 'a closer examination reveals Y' signals the rebuttal in one smooth transition.
Question 3: An AWA prompt states: 'The best way to reduce traffic congestion is to increase fuel taxes.' Which counterargument best challenges this claim?
- Traffic congestion is a major problem in urban areas worldwide
- Higher fuel taxes disproportionately burden low-income workers who depend on cars and lack transit alternatives (Correct answer)
- Some cities have successfully reduced congestion through road pricing
- Fuel taxes generate significant government revenue
Correct answer: Higher fuel taxes disproportionately burden low-income workers who depend on cars and lack transit alternatives
This counterargument identifies a specific flaw—inequity—that directly undermines the policy's feasibility and fairness.
Question 4: In AWA writing, what does 'steelmanning' an opposing argument mean?
- Presenting the weakest version of the opposing view to easily refute it
- Exaggerating the opposing claim to make it sound extreme
- Presenting the strongest, most charitable version of the opposing view before countering it (Correct answer)
- Ignoring the opposing view and focusing only on your own evidence
Correct answer: Presenting the strongest, most charitable version of the opposing view before countering it
Steelmanning means engaging with the best version of the opposition, which demonstrates intellectual rigor and strengthens your rebuttal.
Question 5: Which of the following is a logical flaw in this counterargument: 'Some people claim social media harms mental health, but millions of people use it daily and seem fine'?
- It relies on statistical evidence
- It commits the hasty generalization fallacy by inferring widespread wellbeing from anecdotal observation (Correct answer)
- It correctly dismisses the opposing claim using population data
- It uses an emotional appeal rather than logic
Correct answer: It commits the hasty generalization fallacy by inferring widespread wellbeing from anecdotal observation
Assuming people 'seem fine' is anecdotal and does not account for unreported harm or long-term effects, making this a hasty generalization.
Question 6: When rebutting a counterargument in AWA, which strategy is most effective for maintaining logical credibility?
- Dismissing the counterargument as irrelevant without explanation
- Attacking the character of those who hold the opposing view
- Providing specific evidence or reasoning that directly undermines the counterargument's premise (Correct answer)
- Repeating your original thesis statement more forcefully
Correct answer: Providing specific evidence or reasoning that directly undermines the counterargument's premise
Direct evidence or logical reasoning that dismantles the counterargument's foundation is the most credible and effective rebuttal strategy.
Question 7: An essay argues that standardized testing improves educational outcomes. Which counterargument would an AWA grader consider most substantive?
- Not everyone likes taking standardized tests
- Research shows standardized tests often measure test-taking skill rather than genuine subject mastery, skewing outcome data (Correct answer)
- Tests are difficult to write and administer
- Some students perform better on projects than tests
Correct answer: Research shows standardized tests often measure test-taking skill rather than genuine subject mastery, skewing outcome data
This counterargument challenges the validity of the evidence base itself, which is a substantive attack on the claim's foundation.
AWA Developing Strong Counterarguments 2
When developing a counterargument in an AWA essay, what is the primary purpose of the 'concession' move?