Clarity and Precise Language Flashcards
7 cards from real AWA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Clarity and Precise Language flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of 'begging the question' that also reflects imprecise argumentation?
Answer: This policy is bad because bad policies harm people.
The sentence restates the claim ('bad policy') as its own justification, offering no real analytical content.
What is the clearest way to express contrast between two ideas in a single sentence?
Answer: While A increases efficiency, B reduces costs—making the two approaches complementary.
Naming the specific attributes being contrasted ('efficiency' vs. 'costs') and their relationship gives the contrast precise meaning.
When is it appropriate to use the passive voice in AWA writing?
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.
Which sentence uses the most precise language when comparing two positions?
Answer: Side A's proposal reduces administrative costs by 15%, whereas Side B's increases costs by 8%.
Specific percentage figures make the comparison measurable and verifiable rather than subjective.
What does 'syntactic ambiguity' mean in the context of analytical writing?
Answer: A sentence structure that allows two or more different grammatical interpretations
Syntactic ambiguity arises when sentence structure—not just word choice—permits multiple readings, confusing the reader.
Which revision corrects the ambiguity in: 'The manager told the analyst she needed to revise the report'?
Answer: The manager said the analyst needed to revise the report herself.
Adding 'herself' clarifies that it is the analyst, not the manager, who must do the revising.
Which of the following best describes the concept of 'signposting' in analytical writing?
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.