AWA Analytical Writing Assessment — Questions and Answers

Question 1: An AWA essay scores high on 'focus' according to the rubric. This most likely means:

The essay is shorter than average
The writer avoided all compound sentences
Every paragraph directly advances the thesis without digression (Correct answer)
The essay uses a narrow vocabulary

Correct answer: Every paragraph directly advances the thesis without digression

Focus in AWA means each part of the essay—from topic sentences to examples—serves the central argument without drifting into irrelevant tangents.

Question 2: In evaluating AWA evidence, what does 'cherry-picking' refer to?

Citing only evidence that supports the conclusion while ignoring contradictory data (Correct answer)
Selecting only the most recent data points
Using fruit industry statistics as analogies
Relying exclusively on peer-reviewed sources

Correct answer: Citing only evidence that supports the conclusion while ignoring contradictory data

Cherry-picking is the selective presentation of favorable evidence while omitting data that contradicts or complicates the argument.

Question 3: When developing a counterargument in an AWA essay, what is the primary purpose of the 'concession' move?

To summarize the opposing side without responding to it
To abandon your original claim entirely
To acknowledge valid aspects of the opposing view before reaffirming your position (Correct answer)
To introduce new evidence that contradicts your thesis

Correct answer: To acknowledge valid aspects of the opposing view before reaffirming your position

A concession acknowledges merit in the opposing view, which builds credibility before you pivot back to defending your thesis.

Question 4: What does coherence in a paragraph mean?

Sentences are long
There are many citations
Ideas are logically connected (Correct answer)
Ideas are unrelated

Correct answer: Ideas are logically connected

Coherence in a paragraph means that all sentences and ideas within it flow smoothly and logically from one to another, presenting a unified and easy-to-understand thought. Each sentence should relate directly to the main point of the paragraph, and transitions should guide the reader through the progression of ideas. This ensures the paragraph makes sense as a whole and contributes effectively to the overall argument.

Question 5: Which is an example of precise language?

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

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 6: 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?

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

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 7: Which of the following is an essential component of a well-structured body paragraph in an AWA essay?

A personal anecdote that is loosely related to the topic.
A clear topic sentence that introduces the specific flaw being analyzed. (Correct answer)
A lengthy quotation directly from the argument prompt.
A rhetorical question to engage the reader without providing analysis.

Correct answer: A clear topic sentence that introduces the specific flaw being analyzed.

Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that identifies the specific logical flaw or assumption being discussed in that paragraph. This is followed by an explanation of why it is a flaw and specific examples or analysis that support the critique.

Question 8: Which element distinguishes a well-organized AWA essay from a poorly organized one?

Use of complex vocabulary throughout
Avoiding any restatement of the thesis
A very long introduction that covers all main points
Clear progression from introduction to body to conclusion with logical connectors (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Clear progression from introduction to body to conclusion with logical connectors

Clear progression using logical connectors and a recognizable structure helps raters follow the writer's reasoning easily.

Question 9: An argument concludes that a new city ordinance reduced crime because crime rates dropped 15% in the year after it passed. What assumption does this argument rely on?

Crime statistics are always accurately reported
Police departments received additional funding
The mayor supported the ordinance
The ordinance was the only significant change during that year (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ordinance was the only significant change during that year

The argument assumes no other factor (e.g., economic changes, policing strategies) caused the crime drop, committing a post hoc reasoning error.

Question 10: Which of the following transition phrases signals CONTRAST?

Nevertheless (Correct answer)
Consequently
Similarly
In addition

Correct answer: Nevertheless

'Nevertheless' introduces a contrasting or concessive idea, signaling that despite what was just said, something different follows.

Question 11: In the sentence 'The results were significant,' what makes this language imprecise for an AWA essay?

'Significant' is vague without specifying in what way or to what degree the results matter. (Correct answer)
'Significant' is an adjective and adjectives weaken arguments.
The passive construction obscures the subject.
The sentence is too short to convey meaning.

Correct answer: 'Significant' is vague without specifying in what way or to what degree the results matter.

'Significant' is a weasel word unless qualified by explaining the nature and magnitude of the significance.

Question 12: What distinguishes a score of 5 from a score of 6 on the AWA?

A score of 5 essay is shorter than a score of 6 essay
A score of 5 shows strong reasoning with minor lapses, while a score of 6 is outstanding with minimal flaws (Correct answer)
A score of 5 has no grammatical errors while a score of 6 is perfect in all areas
A score of 5 requires two body paragraphs, while a score of 6 requires three

Correct answer: A score of 5 shows strong reasoning with minor lapses, while a score of 6 is outstanding with minimal flaws

A 6 is 'outstanding' with insightful analysis and virtually no flaws, while a 5 is 'strong' but may have minor lapses in clarity or development.

Question 13: What is the role of data in argumentation?

To fill space
To distract the reader
To complicate ideas
To support arguments objectively (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To support arguments objectively

Data provides empirical facts and figures that can be used to back up claims and arguments in an objective manner. By presenting quantifiable information, data helps to strengthen the logical foundation of an argument, making it more persuasive and credible. It moves the discussion beyond mere opinion to evidence-based reasoning, which is vital in analytical writing.

Question 14: Which of the following supports a strong argument?

Only quoting friends
Using one source repeatedly
Using diverse credible sources (Correct answer)
Citing without relevance

Correct answer: Using diverse credible sources

A strong argument is bolstered by evidence from a variety of reliable sources. Using diverse credible sources demonstrates that the claim is supported by multiple perspectives and independent research, enhancing its credibility and robustness. Relying on a single source or non-credible sources weakens the argument's foundation and can expose it to challenges.

Question 15: In an AWA critique, what is meant by 'the scope of the evidence does not match the scope of the conclusion'?

The conclusion is longer than the evidence section of the argument
The evidence uses technical language the conclusion avoids
The evidence covers a narrow or specific context while the conclusion makes a broad or universal claim (Correct answer)
The evidence is from a different field than the conclusion

Correct answer: The evidence covers a narrow or specific context while the conclusion makes a broad or universal claim

A mismatch in scope occurs when limited evidence—local, short-term, or small-sample—is used to justify sweeping, general conclusions.

Question 16: Which paragraph structure places the topic sentence at the END of the paragraph rather than the beginning?

Deductive structure
Chiastic structure
Inductive structure (Correct answer)
Parallel structure

Correct answer: Inductive structure

Inductive structure builds from specific evidence or examples up to a general conclusion (the topic sentence) at the end.

Question 17: How should evidence be presented in a structured way?

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

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 18: 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
Introductions should be exactly two sentences long
Critiques are only appropriate in the conclusion
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 19: Which structural approach BEST demonstrates coherence between an AWA essay's introduction and conclusion?

Echoing the introduction's central image or framing device while advancing the argument to a final insight (Correct answer)
Making the conclusion exactly the same length as the introduction
Placing the thesis statement as both the first and last sentence
Starting both with the same transitional phrase

Correct answer: Echoing the introduction's central image or framing device while advancing the argument to a final insight

Echoing introductory framing while adding a final insight creates structural elegance and demonstrates intentional, sophisticated composition.

Question 20: How soon after a GRE test are AWA scores typically available?

Immediately at the end of the test session
30–45 days after the test date
Within 24 hours
10–15 days after the test date (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 10–15 days after the test date

AWA scores require human rating and are typically available 10–15 days after the test date, unlike Verbal and Quantitative scores which appear sooner.

Question 21: In AWA analysis, what does it mean to 'define key terms'?

To list every technical word at the start of the essay
To cite dictionary definitions to support your argument
To translate jargon into everyday language for a general audience
To clarify the specific meaning you are using for ambiguous or central words in your argument (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To clarify the specific meaning you are using for ambiguous or central words in your argument

Defining key terms removes ambiguity about the scope and meaning of the concepts central to your argument.

Question 22: Which of the following elements is critical for ensuring logical flow and coherence between paragraphs in an AWA essay?

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

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 23: A writer analyzing an argument notices three separate flaws but only has time to develop two fully. The best strategy is to:

Fully develop the two most impactful flaws and omit or briefly mention the third (Correct answer)
Write three underdeveloped paragraphs covering all three flaws equally
Skip the conclusion to make time for all three flaws
List all three flaws in one paragraph without developing any

Correct answer: Fully develop the two most impactful flaws and omit or briefly mention the third

Depth of analysis on fewer points scores higher than superficial treatment of many; choosing the most significant flaws maximizes analytical impact.

Question 24: An argument concludes that walking meetings increase creativity based on one executive's report. What type of evidence would most strengthen this argument?

Testimonials from other executives who enjoy walking
Company revenue data collected after walking meetings were introduced
Controlled experiments comparing creativity output in walking vs. seated meetings across multiple organizations (Correct answer)
A study showing exercise in general improves mood

Correct answer: Controlled experiments comparing creativity output in walking vs. seated meetings across multiple organizations

Controlled experiments with multiple organizations isolate the walking meeting variable and make the causal claim far more defensible.

Question 25: Which sentence demonstrates clear and concise writing?

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

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.

Question 26: Which option correctly uses the word 'fewer' versus 'less' in an AWA sentence about economic data?

The policy resulted in less job losses than predicted.
There are less applicants this quarter than last quarter.
Fewer applicants submitted complete documentation this quarter. (Correct answer)
The program attracted less participants over time.

Correct answer: Fewer applicants submitted complete documentation this quarter.

'Fewer' is used with countable nouns (applicants, job losses); 'less' is reserved for uncountable quantities.

Question 27: In the context of an AWA essay analyzing a business proposal, which of the following phrases is the MOST ambiguous?

the purchase of three new delivery trucks
a plan to enhance synergy (Correct answer)
a quarterly marketing budget of $50,000
a 10% reduction in manufacturing costs

Correct answer: a plan to enhance synergy

The phrase 'enhance synergy' is corporate jargon that is extremely vague and open to multiple interpretations. It does not specify what actions will be taken or what the measurable outcome will be. The other options are all concrete, specific, and measurable quantities.

Question 28: Which revision of the following sentence most improves clarity by using active voice: 'Mistakes were made by the management team during the restructuring process'?

Restructuring produced mistakes being made by management.
During the restructuring process, mistakes had been made.
The management team made mistakes during the restructuring process. (Correct answer)
It was the management team by whom mistakes were made.

Correct answer: The management team made mistakes during the restructuring process.

Active voice places the agent ('management team') as the grammatical subject, making the sentence direct and attributing responsibility clearly.

Question 29: An AWA argument draws on evidence from a study funded by the company whose product is being evaluated. What is the primary concern?

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

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 30: Why should jargon be avoided?

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

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

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

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 32: An argument says: 'Our competitor's profits fell after they switched suppliers, so we should not switch suppliers.' This reasoning primarily assumes:

The competitor made no other changes at the same time
Suppliers are the most important factor in profitability
Profits always depend on supply costs
The competitor and our company are similar enough that the same outcome would occur (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The competitor and our company are similar enough that the same outcome would occur

The argument assumes the two companies are comparable, but differences could invalidate the analogy.

Question 33: How does paragraphing affect organization?

Improves clarity and flow
Reduces content (Correct answer)
Lowers readability
Confuses the reader

Correct answer: Reduces content

Effective paragraphing breaks down complex ideas into manageable, distinct units, each focusing on a specific point. This organization improves clarity by allowing readers to process one idea at a time and enhances the flow of the essay by providing natural breaks and transitions between different arguments or pieces of evidence. It helps structure the argument logically and makes it more accessible.

Question 34: An argument concludes that a policy will work in City B because it worked in City A. Which assumption must be true for this to hold?

Both cities have the same population size
The policy was implemented at the same time in both cities
City A and City B have the same mayor
The two cities are sufficiently similar in relevant respects (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The two cities are sufficiently similar in relevant respects

Transferring a result from one context to another requires that the contexts share relevant characteristics.

Question 35: An AWA passage argues: 'Most of our survey respondents rated our service highly, so customers are satisfied.' The weakest point is:

Dissatisfied customers may have been less likely to respond (Correct answer)
High ratings always indicate satisfaction
The survey may have been conducted online
Survey responses can be anonymous

Correct answer: Dissatisfied customers may have been less likely to respond

Non-response bias means dissatisfied customers often skip surveys, skewing results positive.

Question 36: Which revision corrects the ambiguity in: 'The manager told the analyst she needed to revise the report'?

She told her that revisions to the report were necessary.
The manager told the analyst that the report needed revising.
The manager said the analyst needed to revise the report herself. (Correct answer)
The manager, speaking to the analyst, indicated that revisions were needed.

Correct 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.

Question 37: Which of the following is an example of a mixed metaphor that hurts clarity?

The policy created unintended consequences.
The argument is fundamentally flawed.
This evidence directly supports the claim.
We must iron out the wrinkles before this ship sinks. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: We must iron out the wrinkles before this ship sinks.

Mixing 'iron out wrinkles' (clothing) with 'ship sinks' (nautical) creates an illogical and confusing image.

Question 38: An argument claims: 'Violent video games must cause aggression because teens who play them report feeling more aggressive.' The main flaw is:

Aggression is normal in teenagers
Video games have not been studied enough
Correlation is mistaken for causation; aggressive teens may prefer violent games (Correct answer)
Teens are unreliable reporters

Correct answer: Correlation is mistaken for causation; aggressive teens may prefer violent games

The direction of causality is unclear; pre-existing aggression may lead to game choice rather than the reverse.

Question 39: When should an AWA Issue essay conclusion restate the thesis almost verbatim?

Only for short, simple topics
Never — the conclusion should paraphrase and synthesize, not copy (Correct answer)
Only if the essay is below the word limit
Always — repetition reinforces the argument

Correct answer: Never — the conclusion should paraphrase and synthesize, not copy

Verbatim repetition signals a lack of rhetorical sophistication; paraphrasing and synthesizing shows command of language and ideas.

Question 40: Which transition word signals contrast?

For example
Additionally
However (Correct answer)
Furthermore

Correct answer: However

Transition words like 'however' are crucial for signaling relationships between ideas and guiding the reader through an argument. 'However' specifically indicates a contrast, contradiction, or an opposing point to what was just stated. It helps to smoothly introduce a different perspective or a qualification to a previous statement, improving the flow and clarity of the writing.

Question 41: Which of the following would most effectively address the assumption in this argument: 'Employees who work remotely are less productive, as shown by their fewer hours logged in our system'?

Hours logged may not accurately measure productivity output (Correct answer)
Remote workers report higher job satisfaction
Remote work policies vary across departments
The monitoring system was installed last year

Correct answer: Hours logged may not accurately measure productivity output

If logged hours are a poor proxy for productivity, the evidence does not support the conclusion.

Question 42: 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 commits the hasty generalization fallacy by inferring widespread wellbeing from anecdotal observation (Correct answer)
It correctly dismisses the opposing claim using population data
It uses an emotional appeal rather than logic
It relies on statistical evidence

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 43: Why are topic sentences useful?

Reduce repetition
Introduce quotes
Guide the reader’s expectations (Correct answer)
Make paragraphs longer

Correct answer: Guide the reader’s expectations

A topic sentence, usually found at the beginning of a paragraph, clearly states the main idea or argument that the paragraph will develop. It acts as a mini-thesis for the paragraph, informing the reader what to expect and how the information presented will contribute to the overall essay's argument. This improves readability and organization, making the essay easier to comprehend.

Question 44: An argument concludes that Brand X coffee is superior because it outsells all competitors. What logical gap exists in this evidence?

Popularity does not necessarily indicate quality or superiority (Correct answer)
The argument should use taste-test data instead
Brand X may not be available in all markets
Sales figures are never accurate

Correct answer: Popularity does not necessarily indicate quality or superiority

Sales volume reflects consumer purchasing behavior driven by price, availability, and marketing—not necessarily product quality.

Question 45: Which of the following best describes a 'straw man' fallacy in the context of AWA counterarguments?

Misrepresenting the opposing view in a weakened form to make it easier to attack (Correct answer)
Using statistical data to challenge a qualitative claim
Accurately representing the opposing view and then refuting it with evidence
Acknowledging a partial concession before restating your thesis

Correct answer: Misrepresenting the opposing view in a weakened form to make it easier to attack

A straw man distorts the opposing argument into something weaker or more extreme than it actually is, making the rebuttal seem stronger than it truly is.

Question 46: The GRE AWA rubric rewards 'a clear progression of ideas.' This most directly means the essay should:

Move from simpler vocabulary to more complex vocabulary
Use numbered lists to sequence ideas
Build each idea logically on the previous one without abrupt jumps (Correct answer)
Include at least five distinct ideas in the body

Correct 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.

Question 47: Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier that changes the intended meaning?

She only eats vegetables on weekdays. (Correct answer)
He presented the report clearly and concisely.
The committee approved the plan after careful deliberation.
Walking through the park, the children laughed loudly.

Correct answer: She only eats vegetables on weekdays.

'Only' should be placed immediately before what it modifies; 'She eats only vegetables on weekdays' would clarify that vegetables are the sole food eaten.

Question 48: An argument essay's body paragraphs appear in the order: evidence → assumption → flaw. Which organizational principle is this applying?

Order of increasing complexity or abstraction (Correct answer)
Spatial order
Order of decreasing importance
Chronological order

Correct answer: Order of increasing complexity or abstraction

Moving from concrete evidence to the underlying assumption to the logical flaw represents increasing levels of abstraction and analytical depth.

Question 49: What structural problem does 'burying the thesis' in the middle of the introduction cause?

It prevents the use of transition words
It confuses raters about the essay's central claim and organizational direction (Correct answer)
It automatically lowers vocabulary scores
It makes the essay too short

Correct answer: It confuses raters about the essay's central claim and organizational direction

When the thesis is buried mid-introduction, raters struggle to identify the essay's core claim, weakening their sense of the essay's focus and direction.

Question 50: What makes a source credible?

Emotionally persuasive
Well-documented and unbiased (Correct answer)
Frequently shared online
Written by a friend

Correct answer: Well-documented and unbiased

A credible source is one that is reliable, trustworthy, and free from undue bias. "Well-documented" means the information is thoroughly researched and verifiable, often with citations, allowing readers to check the facts. "Unbiased" indicates that the source presents information fairly and objectively, without a hidden agenda, which is essential for analytical integrity and persuasive argumentation.

Question 51: How can sentence structure affect clarity?

Run-ons keep the flow (Correct answer)
Long sentences add suspense
Short and structured sentences aid clarity
Complexity equals intelligence

Correct answer: Run-ons keep the flow

While run-on sentences are generally considered detrimental to clarity in formal writing, the phrase 'Run-ons keep the flow' might refer to a continuous, uninterrupted stream of thought. In some informal contexts, this uninterrupted flow could be perceived as maintaining momentum, even if it sacrifices grammatical precision and overall readability. However, for analytical writing, short and structured sentences are typically preferred for optimal clarity.

Question 52: 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 police department has enough officers
Whether the policing strategy is ethical
Whether the city's population changed during the period
Whether crime was already declining nationally, making the local drop unremarkable (Correct answer)

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 53: Which placement of a counterargument paragraph is generally most effective in an AWA essay?

After all supporting arguments, so the rebuttal reinforces an already-established thesis (Correct answer)
As the first body paragraph, before presenting any supporting arguments
In the conclusion, after summarizing the essay
In the introduction, before the thesis statement

Correct answer: After all supporting arguments, so the rebuttal reinforces an already-established thesis

Placing the counterargument after your main supporting points allows you to rebut from a position of established strength, leaving the reader convinced.

Question 54: In the context of AWA scoring rubrics, a thesis that 'takes a position and develops it with relevant support' most closely corresponds to which score range?

0–1
5–6
2–3
4–5 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4–5

ETS descriptors for scores 4–5 characterize responses that present a clear position and develop it with relevant, if not fully developed, reasoning and support.

Question 55: Which question would best help an AWA writer evaluate whether statistical evidence is representative?

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 published in the last two years?
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 56: AWA essays are read by trained raters who use what type of scoring method?

Comparative scoring where essays are ranked against each other
Holistic scoring that evaluates overall quality as a unified impression (Correct answer)
Criterion-referenced scoring against a model answer
Analytic scoring with separate scores for grammar, content, and organization

Correct answer: Holistic scoring that evaluates overall quality as a unified impression

AWA uses holistic scoring, where raters assign a single score reflecting their overall impression of the essay's quality.

Question 57: A business report concludes: 'Sales rose after we launched the new campaign, proving the campaign worked.' Without additional evidence, this is a:

False equivalence
Post hoc ergo propter hoc (Correct answer)
Confirmation bias
Begging the question

Correct answer: Post hoc ergo propter hoc

Post hoc ergo propter hoc assumes that because B followed A, A caused B, ignoring other possible causes.

Question 58: In an AWA Analyze an Argument essay, the conclusion should primarily:

Introduce alternative perspectives not discussed in the body
Summarize which logical flaws are most damaging and what evidence would strengthen the argument (Correct answer)
Restate the original argument verbatim
Offer your personal opinion on the topic

Correct answer: Summarize which logical flaws are most damaging and what evidence would strengthen the argument

The conclusion of an Analyze an Argument essay should synthesize the critical analysis by noting which flaws matter most and what would fix them.

Question 59: Which is an example of weak evidence?

Anecdotal experience (Correct answer)
Statistical analysis
Historical record
Peer-reviewed study

Correct answer: Anecdotal experience

Anecdotal experience refers to personal stories or isolated incidents, which, while sometimes illustrative, are not systematically gathered or representative of a larger trend. Unlike peer-reviewed studies or statistical analyses, anecdotal evidence lacks scientific rigor and can be highly subjective, making it weak support for general claims in analytical writing.

Question 60: In AWA writing, using vague pronouns like 'it,' 'this,' and 'they' without clear antecedents primarily causes which problem?

Ambiguity that confuses the reader about what is being referenced (Correct answer)
Excessive formality in academic writing
Overly complex sentence structure
Redundancy within the paragraph

Correct answer: Ambiguity that confuses the reader about what is being referenced

Vague pronouns force readers to guess what is being referenced, undermining the clarity and precision essential in analytical writing.

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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