AWA Analytical Writing Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Why must evidence be cited?

To avoid plagiarism
To reduce liability
To make writing look academic
To confuse readers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To confuse readers

While the primary purpose of citation is to avoid plagiarism and provide credibility, some might argue that overly complex or poorly integrated citation styles can inadvertently confuse readers. This confusion arises if the citations disrupt the flow of reading or make it difficult to identify the original source easily. However, proper citation aims for clarity and transparency, not confusion.

Question 2: When an AWA argument moves from a specific case to a broad generalization without sufficient evidence, it commits:

Hasty generalization (Correct answer)
Equivocation
Circular reasoning
Appeal to authority

Correct answer: Hasty generalization

Hasty generalization draws a broad conclusion from too few or unrepresentative examples.

Question 3: Which structural element is most important to identify first when deconstructing an AWA argument?

The vocabulary level used
The author's tone
The length of the argument
The conclusion and the evidence offered to support it (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The conclusion and the evidence offered to support it

Identifying the conclusion and its supporting evidence is the foundation of evaluating any argument.

Question 4: A test-taker is planning their AWA essay and decides to dedicate each body paragraph to a single, distinct logical flaw in the provided argument. Which of the following best describes the effectiveness of this organizational strategy?

Partially effective, but it would be stronger to mix multiple flaws within each paragraph to demonstrate complexity.
Ineffective, because all flaws should be discussed together in one large paragraph to show their interconnectedness.
Effective, as it creates a clear, focused, and well-organized structure that is easy for the grader to follow. (Correct answer)
Ineffective, because the AWA essay should focus on the strengths of the argument, not the flaws.

Correct answer: Effective, as it creates a clear, focused, and well-organized structure that is easy for the grader to follow.

Dedicating each body paragraph to a specific flaw is a highly effective organizational strategy for the AWA essay. This approach ensures clarity, focus, and logical progression, allowing the writer to thoroughly explain one point of critique before moving to the next. This structure makes the essay easy for scorers to follow and evaluate.

Question 5: The fallacy of 'false equivalence' occurs when an argument:

Treats two significantly different things as if they are equal (Correct answer)
Draws a conclusion that doesn't follow from the premises
Attacks a person's character to dismiss their argument
Assumes the conclusion within the premise

Correct answer: Treats two significantly different things as if they are equal

False equivalence wrongly presents two things as comparable when they differ in important and relevant ways.

Question 6: Why should jargon be avoided?

It impresses examiners
It improves formality
It confuses readers (Correct answer)
It shows expertise

Correct answer: It confuses readers

Jargon refers to specialized terms or language specific to a particular field or group. When used without explanation in general analytical writing, it can alienate or confuse readers who are not familiar with the terminology. Avoiding jargon ensures that the writing is accessible and understandable to a broader audience, thereby improving clarity and effective communication of complex ideas.

Question 7: When is it appropriate to use the passive voice in AWA writing?

Whenever you want to sound more formal or academic
Only in the conclusion paragraph
When the actor is unknown, irrelevant, or when you want to emphasize the action's recipient (Correct answer)
Never—active voice is always preferred in analytical writing

Correct answer: When the actor is unknown, irrelevant, or when you want to emphasize the action's recipient

Passive voice is appropriate when the agent performing the action is unknown or less important than the action itself.

Question 8: What does it mean to 'steelman' an argument before deconstructing it in an AWA context?

Present the strongest possible version of the argument before critiquing it (Correct answer)
Agree with the argument's conclusion
Add statistics to make the argument sound stronger
Find the weakest version of the argument to easily refute it

Correct answer: Present the strongest possible version of the argument before critiquing it

Steelmanning means charitably reconstructing the argument at its strongest before identifying its flaws.

Question 9: What role does a thesis statement play in structure?

Acts as a hook
Provides citations
Adds background info
States the main argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: States the main argument

The thesis statement is the central claim or main argument of an essay, typically appearing in the introduction. It acts as a roadmap for the reader, clearly indicating what the essay will discuss and what position the writer will take. All subsequent paragraphs and evidence in the body of the essay should directly support or elaborate on this thesis, providing focus and direction.

Question 10: Which sentence most effectively uses precise language to strengthen an argument about corporate responsibility?

Corporations ought to do more things related to environmental concerns.
Companies should really try to do better stuff for the environment.
Firms must implement measurable emissions-reduction targets to demonstrate environmental accountability. (Correct answer)
Businesses need to be more environmentally aware and responsible going forward.

Correct answer: Firms must implement measurable emissions-reduction targets to demonstrate environmental accountability.

Specific, action-oriented language ('measurable emissions-reduction targets') is more persuasive and precise than vague generalities.

Question 11: When the AWA prompt asks you to 'discuss both views and give your opinion,' how should counterarguments be structured?

Summarize the opposing view only in the conclusion
Present both views fairly, then clearly state and defend your own position using reasoned evidence (Correct answer)
Treat both views as equally valid and avoid expressing a preference
Present only the view you agree with and ignore the opposing view

Correct answer: Present both views fairly, then clearly state and defend your own position using reasoned evidence

The task requires balanced presentation of both views followed by a clearly stated, evidence-supported personal position.

Question 12: An AWA essay has five paragraphs but no transitional sentences between them. What organizational problem does this create?

Paragraphs will appear as isolated units rather than a unified argument (Correct answer)
The essay will exceed the word limit
The conclusion will contradict the thesis
The introduction will be too brief

Correct answer: Paragraphs will appear as isolated units rather than a unified argument

Without transitions, paragraphs read as disconnected blocks rather than steps in a single logical argument, weakening overall coherence.

Question 13: What is the primary goal of critical thinking?

Accept opinions quickly
Analyze and evaluate arguments (Correct answer)
Memorize facts
Use emotional appeals

Correct answer: Analyze and evaluate arguments

Critical thinking is a disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. Its primary goal is to form a reasoned judgment, which involves carefully examining arguments, evidence, and assumptions rather than passively accepting information. This allows for a deeper understanding and more informed decision-making.

Question 14: A test-taker spends 10 of the 30 AWA minutes outlining before writing. What organizational benefit does this provide?

It allows the writer to memorize the prompt
It establishes a logical sequence of points before writing, preventing mid-essay structural changes (Correct answer)
It ensures the essay will exceed the minimum word count
It eliminates the need for a conclusion

Correct answer: It establishes a logical sequence of points before writing, preventing mid-essay structural changes

Pre-planning the structure prevents disorganized writing and mid-essay pivots that fragment the argument's logical flow.

Question 15: Which question would best help an AWA writer evaluate whether statistical evidence is representative?

Was the data published in the last two years?
Is the statistic expressed as a percentage rather than a raw number?
Does the sample reflect the diversity of the population the argument claims to describe? (Correct answer)
Was the data collected by a government agency?

Correct answer: Does the sample reflect the diversity of the population the argument claims to describe?

Representativeness is the key criterion for statistical validity; a sample must mirror the target population in relevant characteristics.

Question 16: A test taker's AWA essay heavily plagiarizes published material. What is the consequence?

The test taker is given an opportunity to rewrite the essay
The essay receives a score reduction of 2 points
The essay is rescored by a lenient rater
ETS cancels the test scores and may ban the test taker (Correct answer)

Correct answer: ETS cancels the test scores and may ban the test taker

ETS has strict policies against score fraud; plagiarism can result in score cancellation and potential testing bans.

Question 17: In an AWA Argument essay, what is meant by 'alternative explanations' as a structural element?

Synonyms for the same critique used in different paragraphs
The writer's personal alternative thesis for the issue
Other possible causes or interpretations that the argument failed to consider, weakening its conclusion (Correct answer)
Quotations from outside sources that offer different views

Correct answer: Other possible causes or interpretations that the argument failed to consider, weakening its conclusion

Identifying alternative explanations exposes a gap in the argument's logic by showing that its conclusion isn't the only or most plausible interpretation of the evidence.

Question 18: Imagine you are writing an AWA essay. After critiquing the author's argument, you want to include a counterargument. Which of the following demonstrates the most effective way to phrase and then refute the counterargument?

"A possible counterargument is that the author has done some research. But is it enough research? Probably not, which weakens the argument."
"Some people might say the argument is strong, but they are wrong. The argument is weak for several reasons."
"One could argue that the provided statistic strongly supports the conclusion. However, this viewpoint is flawed because the statistic is outdated and may no longer be relevant." (Correct answer)
"The author's point about market trends is interesting. Another interesting point is that the competition is fierce."

Correct answer: "One could argue that the provided statistic strongly supports the conclusion. However, this viewpoint is flawed because the statistic is outdated and may no longer be relevant."

This option effectively presents a counterargument by first acknowledging a potential strength ("One could argue that...") and then decisively refuting it with a specific reason ("...however, this viewpoint is flawed because..."). This structure shows sophisticated analysis by engaging with an opposing view and demonstrating why it is ultimately unconvincing.

Question 19: Which question is most useful when assessing whether an AWA argument's evidence is sufficient to support its conclusion?

Is the evidence written in formal academic language?
Does the evidence, even if true, logically necessitate the conclusion, or could the conclusion still be false? (Correct answer)
Does the evidence come from at least three different sources?
Is the evidence cited in the first paragraph of the argument?

Correct answer: Does the evidence, even if true, logically necessitate the conclusion, or could the conclusion still be false?

Sufficiency asks whether the evidence, taken at face value, closes the logical gap between premises and conclusion or leaves room for doubt.

Question 20: A 'qualified thesis' in AWA writing acknowledges complexity by:

Refusing to take any position on the issue
Conceding a counterargument while still asserting a primary claim (Correct answer)
Presenting multiple positions without choosing one
Using hedging language to avoid committing to any argument

Correct answer: Conceding a counterargument while still asserting a primary claim

A qualified thesis shows intellectual nuance by recognizing opposing evidence or exceptions while still maintaining a clear central position.

Question 21: Which scenario best illustrates the 'false equivalence' flaw in using evidence?

Using two different statistics to support the same point
Comparing two studies that use similar methodologies
Citing both primary and secondary sources in the same argument
Treating a blog post and a peer-reviewed journal article as equally credible evidence (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Treating a blog post and a peer-reviewed journal article as equally credible evidence

False equivalence occurs when sources with vastly different levels of rigor or credibility are treated as if they carry equal evidentiary weight.

Question 22: What is the primary purpose of the 'concession-rebuttal' move in an AWA Issue essay?

To fill space when the writer runs out of supporting points
To introduce the thesis for the first time
To summarize all body paragraphs before the conclusion
To acknowledge a legitimate opposing view while reinforcing why the writer's position is ultimately stronger (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To acknowledge a legitimate opposing view while reinforcing why the writer's position is ultimately stronger

The concession-rebuttal pattern shows intellectual honesty and strengthens credibility by acknowledging nuance before reasserting the main position.

Question 23: Why is clarity important in analytical writing?

It lengthens the text
It improves reader understanding (Correct answer)
It adds humor
It impresses with vocabulary

Correct answer: It improves reader understanding

Clarity in analytical writing means expressing ideas in a precise, unambiguous, and easy-to-understand manner. When writing is clear, readers can easily follow the argument, grasp complex concepts, and understand the connections between different points without confusion. This direct communication is essential for effective persuasion and conveying information accurately, ensuring the reader fully comprehends the message.

Question 24: An AWA argument draws on evidence from a study funded by the company whose product is being evaluated. What is the primary concern?

Only government-funded studies meet academic standards
The company should have hired independent researchers instead
Company-funded research always produces false results
Funding source creates a potential conflict of interest that may introduce bias into study design or reporting (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Funding source creates a potential conflict of interest that may introduce bias into study design or reporting

A financial stake in the outcome can—consciously or unconsciously—influence how a study is designed, conducted, or reported, warranting skepticism.

Question 25: An AWA essay argues that higher education should be free. A counterargument states: 'Free tuition would reduce institutional incentives to improve quality.' Which rebuttal best addresses this systemic concern?

Students would still complain about quality regardless of cost
Quality is subjective and hard to measure
Private universities would remain tuition-based, preserving competition
Government-funded accountability mechanisms and outcome-based funding models can maintain competitive quality standards without tuition barriers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Government-funded accountability mechanisms and outcome-based funding models can maintain competitive quality standards without tuition barriers

This rebuttal directly addresses the quality-incentive concern by proposing a structural solution—accountability mechanisms—that resolves the tension.

Question 26: An AWA argument relies on the following evidence: 'Residents near the new highway report more noise.' How does this evidence limit the argument's strength?

Highways always increase noise levels, making the evidence redundant
Only residents far from the highway should be surveyed
Self-reported perceptions lack objective verification and may reflect pre-existing biases (Correct answer)
Noise complaints are not measurable data

Correct answer: Self-reported perceptions lack objective verification and may reflect pre-existing biases

Subjective resident reports can be influenced by expectation bias or prior attitudes toward the highway project, reducing evidential reliability.

Question 27: In an AWA essay, which organizational pattern is most effective when the prompt asks you to evaluate both strengths AND weaknesses of an argument?

Summarize all points in a single middle paragraph
Present all strengths first, then all weaknesses
Address each major claim individually, noting its strength or weakness before moving on (Correct answer)
Alternate between strengths and weaknesses in each paragraph

Correct answer: Address each major claim individually, noting its strength or weakness before moving on

Addressing each claim individually keeps analysis focused and prevents the reader from losing track of which critique applies to which part of the argument.

Question 28: An argument concludes: 'Since our new training program launched, productivity rose 15%. The training caused this improvement.' What evidence would most strengthen this conclusion?

A control group of similar employees who did not receive training showed no productivity gains (Correct answer)
The training program cost less than expected
Productivity also rose at competitor companies during the same period
Testimonials from employees who liked the training

Correct answer: A control group of similar employees who did not receive training showed no productivity gains

A control group that showed no gain while the trained group improved provides the strongest evidence of a causal relationship.

Question 29: An AWA argument cites a ten-year-old study to support a claim about current consumer behavior. What is the most significant concern with this evidence?

Academic studies are inherently biased
Consumer behavior cannot be studied scientifically
The data may be outdated and no longer reflect present conditions (Correct answer)
Ten-year studies are too short to be meaningful

Correct answer: The data may be outdated and no longer reflect present conditions

Consumer behavior can shift significantly over a decade due to technology, economy, and cultural changes, making dated evidence potentially irrelevant.

Question 30: An AWA argument states that since violent crime fell in cities that adopted a specific policing strategy, the strategy reduced crime. A strong critique would ask:

Whether the city's population changed during the period
Whether the policing strategy is ethical
Whether crime was already declining nationally, making the local drop unremarkable (Correct answer)
Whether the police department has enough officers

Correct answer: Whether crime was already declining nationally, making the local drop unremarkable

A national downward trend in violent crime would mean the local decline is expected regardless of the strategy, undermining the causal claim.

Question 31: Which is an example of precise language?

Lots of data was found
The experiment failed
Stuff happened
Many things occurred (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Many things occurred

Compared to extremely vague phrases like "Stuff happened" or "Lots of data was found," "Many things occurred" uses slightly more formal and descriptive language. While still broad, it avoids the extreme informality and lack of specificity of other options, making it marginally more 'precise' in its word choice within a limited set of vague options. However, for true precision, more specific details would be required in analytical writing.

Question 32: What is the clearest revision of this wordy sentence: 'It is important to note that there are many people who believe that...'?

Many people believe that... (Correct answer)
Noting the importance, there exist many people who believe...
Importantly noting, many people are believers that...
It should be noted by the reader that many believe that...

Correct answer: Many people believe that...

Expletive constructions like 'it is important to note that' add length without adding meaning; the direct subject 'many people' is clearer.

Question 33: Which sentence best avoids the problem of a dangling modifier?

My backpack fell off, running to catch the bus.
Running to catch the bus, I dropped my backpack. (Correct answer)
Running to catch the bus, my backpack fell off.
To catch the bus, my backpack was dropped.

Correct answer: Running to catch the bus, I dropped my backpack.

A dangling modifier occurs when the introductory phrase lacks a clear subject that matches the main clause; 'I' correctly performs the action 'running.'

Question 34: Which type of evidence would most strengthen an AWA argument claiming that a new training program improves employee productivity?

Controlled study comparing productivity metrics before and after training across multiple departments (Correct answer)
An expert opinion stating training programs are generally beneficial
A list of companies that have adopted similar programs
A testimonial from one satisfied manager

Correct answer: Controlled study comparing productivity metrics before and after training across multiple departments

A controlled before-and-after study with measurable metrics across multiple groups provides the most direct and reliable support for the productivity claim.

Question 35: Which strategy is most effective when the AWA prompt asks you to analyze an argument's logical structure?

Restate the argument in your own words without critique
Focus exclusively on grammar and word choice in the original argument
Agree with the argument and provide personal supporting examples
Identify the conclusion, premises, assumptions, and then evaluate each for logical gaps (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Identify the conclusion, premises, assumptions, and then evaluate each for logical gaps

A systematic breakdown of conclusion, premises, and assumptions is the foundation of a strong AWA argument analysis essay.

Question 36: When an AWA argument uses the term 'success' without defining it, the best critique is that:

The argument relies on an ambiguous term that could mean different things (Correct answer)
Success is impossible to measure
The argument is too short
The argument should use a different word

Correct answer: The argument relies on an ambiguous term that could mean different things

Undefined key terms allow the argument to shift meaning, a form of equivocation.

Question 37: What is a 'straw man' fallacy in persuasive writing?

Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack (Correct answer)
Repeating the same point in multiple body paragraphs
Using too many examples in a single paragraph
Writing an overly long introduction

Correct answer: Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack

A straw man distorts the opposing view into a weaker version, then defeats that distortion rather than the actual argument.

Question 38: An argument uses a survey of 50 employees at one company to conclude that all workers nationwide prefer remote work. What is the central evidential weakness?

Employee preferences change too frequently to measure
Remote work data should come from government sources only
Surveys are subjective and unreliable
The sample is too small and unrepresentative to support a nationwide generalization (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The sample is too small and unrepresentative to support a nationwide generalization

A sample of 50 employees from a single company cannot validly represent the diverse preferences of all workers across the country.

Question 39: A writer begins body paragraph 2 with: 'Furthermore, the study ignores seasonal variation.' Which function does 'Furthermore' signal?

Transition to the conclusion
Contrast with the previous paragraph
Introduction of a counterargument
Addition of another supporting point (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Addition of another supporting point

'Furthermore' is an additive transition indicating the writer is piling on another related point, not shifting direction.

Question 40: An AWA argument states: 'Since sales of organic food have tripled, consumers clearly prefer healthier lifestyles.' What unwarranted assumption does this evidence contain?

That consumers make rational purchasing decisions
That purchasing organic food is equivalent to preferring a healthier lifestyle broadly, ignoring other motivations like environmental concern or marketing (Correct answer)
That a tripling of sales is statistically significant
That organic food sales can be measured accurately

Correct answer: That purchasing organic food is equivalent to preferring a healthier lifestyle broadly, ignoring other motivations like environmental concern or marketing

Consumers may buy organic food for reasons unrelated to overall health lifestyle preferences, such as environmental values, taste, or social signaling.

Question 41: An essay argues that standardized testing improves educational outcomes. Which counterargument would an AWA grader consider most substantive?

Some students perform better on projects than 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
Not everyone likes taking standardized 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.

Question 42: Which of the following elements is critical for ensuring logical flow and coherence between paragraphs in an AWA essay?

Using complex and obscure vocabulary.
Varying sentence length dramatically.
Employing transitional words and phrases. (Correct answer)
Ensuring each paragraph is exactly the same length.

Correct answer: Employing transitional words and phrases.

Transitional words and phrases (e.g., 'Furthermore,' 'However,' 'In addition,' 'Consequently') are crucial for creating a smooth and logical flow between paragraphs. They act as signposts for the reader, showing the relationship between the ideas being presented and helping to build a cohesive and persuasive analysis.

Question 43: How should evidence be presented in a structured way?

Explain and link to argument (Correct answer)
List facts without explanation
Insert quotes randomly
Summarize all sources

Correct answer: Explain and link to argument

Presenting evidence effectively involves more than just listing facts or inserting quotes. Writers must explain what the evidence means, analyze its significance, and explicitly link it back to their main argument or thesis. This process demonstrates how the evidence supports the claim, making the argument persuasive and well-reasoned rather than leaving the interpretation to the reader.

Question 44: 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 uses an emotional appeal rather than logic
It correctly dismisses the opposing claim using population data

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 45: What is the main structural difference between the AWA Issue task and the AWA Argument task?

The Issue task has no conclusion; the Argument task does
Both tasks require the same approach and structure
The Argument task requires you to take a position; the Issue task requires you to critique flawed logic (Correct answer)
The Issue task requires you to critique flawed logic; the Argument task requires you to take and defend a position

Correct answer: The Argument task requires you to take a position; the Issue task requires you to critique flawed logic

In the Issue task you defend a position on a topic; in the Argument task you analyze the logical weaknesses in a given argument without taking a side on the topic itself.

Question 46: If an AWA body paragraph contains three unrelated critiques of the argument, the best revision strategy is to:

Delete two critiques and keep only one
Move the entire paragraph to the introduction
Merge all three critiques into a single sentence
Separate the paragraph into multiple focused paragraphs, one per critique (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Separate the paragraph into multiple focused paragraphs, one per critique

Each paragraph should develop one focused idea; splitting allows each critique to be fully explained and supported without crowding.

Question 47: An argument states: 'Every time we lower prices, sales increase, so permanently lowering prices will maximize revenue.' What evidential flaw does this contain?

Price and sales data are not comparable
Lower prices always increase revenue in business
The evidence is anecdotal
It assumes a short-term pattern will hold indefinitely without considering profit margins or market saturation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It assumes a short-term pattern will hold indefinitely without considering profit margins or market saturation

Extrapolating a short-term pricing pattern to a permanent strategy ignores diminishing returns, competitor responses, and the impact on profit margins.

Question 48: Which sentence type is most effective as a concluding sentence for an AWA body paragraph?

A sentence that links the paragraph's point back to the overall thesis (Correct answer)
A new example unrelated to the paragraph's topic
A direct quotation from a famous source
A question posed to the reader

Correct answer: A sentence that links the paragraph's point back to the overall thesis

Linking each paragraph back to the thesis reinforces the essay's central argument and demonstrates coherent, unified reasoning.

Question 49: 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?

While the memo suggests the new software will increase productivity, the idea itself is unconvincing.
The memo's suggestion that a new software will increase productivity is unconvincing. (Correct answer)
The memo suggests that a new software will increase productivity, but this is unconvincing.
The new software is supposed to increase productivity, but the memo about it 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 50: Which of the following best demonstrates effective use of cohesive devices to link sentences in an AWA paragraph?

The company expanded. Also the market grew. Also profits rose. Also employees were hired.
As the company expanded into new markets, profits rose accordingly, enabling it to hire additional employees. (Correct answer)
The company expanded. The market grew. Profits rose. Employees were hired.
The company expanded and then the market grew and profits rose and employees were hired.

Correct answer: As the company expanded into new markets, profits rose accordingly, enabling it to hire additional employees.

Subordination and adverbial connectors ('as,' 'accordingly') weave sentences together cohesively, showing logical relationships rather than mere sequence.

Question 51: Which revision makes the following sentence more precise: 'Many studies show that exercise is good for health'?

Most experts believe that exercise contributes to better physical and mental wellbeing.
Studies universally prove that exercise cures all health problems.
A 2023 meta-analysis of 87 studies found that 150 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 35%. (Correct answer)
Research generally supports the idea that being active has positive health effects.

Correct answer: A 2023 meta-analysis of 87 studies found that 150 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 35%.

Specifying the study type, sample size, dose (150 minutes), exercise type, and outcome (35% risk reduction) transforms a vague claim into a precise, evidence-based assertion.

Question 52: What should the body paragraphs of an Issue essay primarily accomplish?

Develop and support distinct aspects of the thesis with evidence and reasoning (Correct answer)
Summarize the views of other writers on the topic
Introduce new topics unrelated to the thesis to show range
Restate the thesis in different words without adding new information

Correct answer: Develop and support distinct aspects of the thesis with evidence and reasoning

Each body paragraph should advance a specific reason supporting your thesis, backed by concrete examples and logical analysis.

Question 53: An AWA writer uses the phrase 'in terms of' repeatedly. What is the best reason to avoid this phrase?

It implies causation when correlation is intended.
It is a vague filler phrase that often obscures the precise relationship between ideas. (Correct answer)
It is only appropriate in spoken English, not written essays.
It is grammatically incorrect in academic writing.

Correct answer: It is a vague filler phrase that often obscures the precise relationship between ideas.

'In terms of' is frequently used to avoid stating a precise relationship; replacing it forces the writer to articulate the exact connection more clearly.

Question 54: Which sentence best functions as a topic sentence for a body paragraph critiquing an argument's flawed evidence?

There are many problems with this argument overall.
Evidence is very important in all arguments.
The study cited by the argument is insufficiently detailed to support the sweeping conclusion drawn from it. (Correct answer)
The argument mentions a study, which is interesting.

Correct answer: The study cited by the argument is insufficiently detailed to support the sweeping conclusion drawn from it.

An effective topic sentence names the specific claim (the cited study) and the specific problem (insufficient detail for the conclusion), focusing the paragraph precisely.

Question 55: Why is it generally recommended to avoid listing all critiques in the introduction of an AWA Argument essay?

The AWA rubric penalizes introductions longer than 50 words
Critiques are only appropriate in the conclusion
Introductions should be exactly two sentences long
Previewing all critiques in the introduction eliminates the reader's incentive to engage with body paragraphs (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Previewing all critiques in the introduction eliminates the reader's incentive to engage with body paragraphs

While a brief preview is fine, exhaustively listing all critiques upfront reduces suspense and can make body paragraphs feel redundant.

Question 56: To properly evaluate whether a statistical trend cited in an AWA argument is meaningful, a reader should first ask:

How long ago the data was collected
Whether the sample size and methodology are adequate (Correct answer)
Who funded the study?
Whether the author has a PhD

Correct answer: Whether the sample size and methodology are adequate

Statistical claims require scrutiny of sample size and methodology before accepting the trend as reliable.

Question 57: Which transition phrase most effectively signals a counterargument followed by a rebuttal in an AWA essay?

For example, consider the case of…
In addition to the above reasoning…
Although critics argue X, a closer examination reveals Y (Correct answer)
Furthermore, this point illustrates…

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 58: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'signposting' in analytical writing?

Repeating the thesis statement in every paragraph
Explicitly telling the reader what the essay has argued and will argue next (Correct answer)
Using bold or italicized text to highlight key terms
Listing sources at the end of an essay

Correct answer: Explicitly telling the reader what the essay has argued and will argue next

Signposting uses phrases like 'as argued above' or 'the next section will demonstrate' to orient the reader within the essay's structure.

Question 59: Which of the following best describes 'parallel structure' in AWA essay organization?

Writing body paragraphs that are exactly the same length
Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or for repeated structural elements (Correct answer)
Restating the thesis in every paragraph
Alternating long and short sentences throughout the essay

Correct answer: Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or for repeated structural elements

Parallel structure means grammatically equivalent elements (e.g., three critiques) are expressed in the same grammatical form, aiding readability and logic.

Question 60: Which sentence demonstrates clear and concise writing?

Basically, what I am trying to say is that...
There is a possibility that it could be said that...
In reference to the aforementioned point, it is imperative...
The policy failed due to lack of planning. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The policy failed due to lack of planning.

This sentence is direct and uses simple, clear language, making it easy for the reader to understand the message immediately. It avoids jargon, passive voice, and unnecessary introductory phrases like 'In reference to the aforementioned point' or 'Basically, what I am trying to say is that'. By being concise and straightforward, it exemplifies clear and effective writing, which is crucial for analytical assessments.

AWA Analytical Writing Assessment

The AWA (Analytical Writing Assessment) measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills through argument analysis and essay tasks. Used in standardized tests such as the GMAT and GRE, it is scored on a 0–6 scale by human raters and an automated system.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

70%

To Pass

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