Crafting Effective Conclusions Flashcards

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

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

The primary goal of the AWA conclusion is twofold: to briefly summarize the main points of your critique and to offer constructive suggestions. This demonstrates a complete analysis by not only identifying weaknesses but also showing what would be needed to create a logically sound argument. Personal opinions are irrelevant, focusing on only one flaw is an incomplete summary, and making definitive judgments is too aggressive for the required analytical tone.

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?

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."

This sentence is the most effective because it is specific, constructive, and directly addresses the flaws discussed in the body paragraphs. It tells the reader exactly what kind of evidence and information would be needed to fix the argument. Choice A is too aggressive. Choice B incorrectly introduces a new flaw in the conclusion. Choice D is a good summary sentence, but C is stronger because it moves beyond summary to offer concrete suggestions for improvement.

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

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

The conclusion should summarize and synthesize the points already made in the essay. Introducing a new flaw or piece of evidence in the final paragraph is a structural error because it doesn't allow for proper development or support and can confuse the reader. All other options are considered best practices for a strong AWA conclusion.

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?

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.

The most effective continuation is to briefly synthesize the main points of the critique and then pivot to constructive suggestions. This approach logically flows from the opening sentence, reinforces the essay's analysis, and fulfills the AWA's goal of suggesting improvements. The other options are incorrect because they either delve into excessive detail better suited for a body paragraph (A), introduce an irrelevant personal opinion (B), or engage in an ad hominem attack (C).

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

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

Summarizing the key flaws serves to crystallize your critique for the reader, leaving them with a clear understanding of your analysis. It provides a sense of completeness and reinforces the main ideas you developed in the body paragraphs before you offer final suggestions for improvement. The AWA has no word count requirement, new flaws should not be introduced, and understanding the original argument is demonstrated throughout the essay, not just in the conclusion's summary.

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

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

The introduction and conclusion should act as bookends to your analysis. The introduction sets the stage by identifying the argument's flaws (your thesis), and the conclusion circles back to summarize how you demonstrated those flaws and what would be needed to fix them. They should be consistent in their message but use different wording. Repeating verbatim is poor style, and the other options describe an illogical or incorrect essay structure.