AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Crafting Effective Conclusions Questions and Answers

Question 1

Which of the following elements is most critical to include in an effective conclusion for the AWA 'Analyze an Argument' essay?

Accepted Answer

A summary of the identified flaws coupled with suggestions for how the author could strengthen the argument.

Answer

A personal opinion on whether the author's proposed plan is a good idea.

Answer

A detailed restatement of a single, powerful flaw to leave a lasting impression.

Answer

A concluding sentence that definitively proves the author's conclusion is false.

Question 2

A test-taker is writing an AWA essay analyzing an argument that a new four-day workweek will increase company profits. The body paragraphs have critiqued the argument's reliance on a single study and its unstated assumptions about employee productivity. Which of the following would be the MOST effective final sentence for the essay's conclusion?

Accepted Answer

"Therefore, to make the argument more persuasive, the company should present broader evidence, such as multiple studies from within its own industry, and provide data to substantiate its assumptions about productivity."

Answer

"In the end, the argument is a complete failure and should be disregarded entirely."

Answer

"Furthermore, the argument does not consider the potential negative impact on customer service availability."

Answer

"As discussed, the argument's weak evidence and faulty assumptions make its conclusion about increased profits highly questionable."

Question 3

When crafting the conclusion for an AWA essay, which of the following practices should be strictly AVOIDED?

Accepted Answer

Introducing a new line of criticism that was not developed in the body of the essay.

Answer

Briefly summarizing the main weaknesses identified in the analysis.

Answer

Rephrasing the essay's thesis statement in a new and concise way.

Answer

Suggesting what kind of additional information would help in evaluating the argument's conclusion.

Question 4

An AWA conclusion begins with the sentence: "In summary, the argument for building a new downtown parking garage is unconvincing because it rests on questionable survey data and a flawed causal assumption." What is the most logical and effective way to continue this paragraph?

Accepted Answer

By briefly reiterating why the data is questionable and the assumption is flawed, and then suggesting what evidence is needed to make the case stronger.

Answer

By providing a detailed, paragraph-long explanation of statistical survey methods.

Answer

By stating a personal belief that more public transportation is a better solution for the city.

Answer

By questioning the author's motives for proposing the new parking garage.

Question 5

What is the primary function of summarizing your main points in the AWA conclusion?

Accepted Answer

To reinforce the writer's analysis and provide a sense of closure for the reader.

Answer

To increase the essay's word count to meet a required length.

Answer

To introduce minor flaws that were not important enough for their own body paragraph.

Answer

To prove that the writer fully understands the original argument from the prompt.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the relationship between the introduction and the conclusion of a high-scoring AWA essay?

Accepted Answer

The introduction outlines the flaws to be discussed, while the conclusion summarizes the analysis of those flaws and suggests improvements.

Answer

The conclusion should be a verbatim copy of the introduction to ensure consistency.

Answer

The introduction states the argument's conclusion, while the conclusion states the writer's personal conclusion on the topic.

Answer

The introduction critiques the argument's evidence, while the conclusion critiques its assumptions.