AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Clarity and Precise Language 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?

Accepted Answer

The argument bases its entire conclusion on a single, two-year-old survey from a competing town, which may not be relevant.

Answer

The argument uses evidence that is not very good and could be better.

Answer

The argument's evidence is fundamentally flawed and generally unpersuasive.

Answer

The argument has some significant issues with the data it presents to support its main point.

Question 2

In the context of an AWA essay analyzing a business proposal, which of the following phrases is the MOST ambiguous?

Accepted Answer

a plan to enhance synergy

Answer

a 10% reduction in manufacturing costs

Answer

the purchase of three new delivery trucks

Answer

a quarterly marketing budget of $50,000

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?

Accepted Answer

The memo's suggestion that a new software will increase productivity is unconvincing.

Answer

The memo suggests that a new software will increase productivity, but this is unconvincing.

Answer

The new software is supposed to increase productivity, but the memo about it is unconvincing.

Answer

While the memo suggests the new software will increase productivity, the idea itself is unconvincing.

Question 4

The primary reason for using precise and concrete language in an AWA essay is to:

Accepted Answer

ensure the critique of the argument is clear, assertive, and easily understood.

Answer

meet the minimum word count for a high score.

Answer

demonstrate a sophisticated and complex vocabulary to the graders.

Answer

make the essay more entertaining and engaging for the reader.

Question 5

Which of the following sentences from an AWA essay best exemplifies the use of precise, assertive language over vague, hedging language?

Accepted Answer

The argument's conclusion is unsubstantiated because it relies on a flawed analogy.

Answer

It seems possible that the argument's conclusion might not be fully supported.

Answer

One could perhaps argue that the evidence presented is somewhat insufficient.

Answer

There are a number of things that could potentially be wrong with the argument's logic.

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?

Accepted Answer

It is too informal and uses a vague, subjective adjective.

Answer

It uses a transitional phrase inappropriately.

Answer

It directly agrees with the author, which is not allowed.

Answer

It fails to use complex sentence structure.