Logical Organization & Structure 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 Logical Organization & Structure flashcards as text
In an AWA essay, which organizational pattern is most effective when the prompt asks you to evaluate both strengths AND weaknesses of an argument?
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.
A writer begins body paragraph 2 with: 'Furthermore, the study ignores seasonal variation.' Which function does 'Furthermore' signal?
Answer: Addition of another supporting point
'Furthermore' is an additive transition indicating the writer is piling on another related point, not shifting direction.
The GRE AWA rubric rewards 'a clear progression of ideas.' This most directly means the essay should:
Answer: Build each idea logically on the previous one without abrupt jumps
Logical progression means each paragraph or idea follows naturally from what preceded it, creating a coherent chain of reasoning.
Which paragraph structure places the topic sentence at the END of the paragraph rather than the beginning?
Answer: Inductive structure
Inductive structure builds from specific evidence or examples up to a general conclusion (the topic sentence) at the end.
An AWA essay has five paragraphs but no transitional sentences between them. What organizational problem does this create?
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.
In the context of AWA logical structure, what is a 'signpost sentence'?
Answer: A sentence that explicitly tells the reader where the essay is going or has been
Signpost sentences orient the reader by announcing the essay's direction, such as 'This essay will argue three points...' or 'Having established X, we now turn to Y.'
If an AWA body paragraph contains three unrelated critiques of the argument, the best revision strategy is to:
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.