AWA Clarity & Language Usage 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which revision best eliminates redundancy from the phrase 'end result'?
- Final end result
- Result (Correct answer)
- Eventual end outcome
- Conclusive end result
Correct answer: Result
'End result' is redundant because a result is by definition an end; 'result' alone is sufficient.
Question 2: In AWA essay scoring, 'language usage' is evaluated partly on the ability to vary sentence structure. Which sentence demonstrates the most effective structural variety?
- The plan failed. The costs were high. The timeline was unrealistic. The team was unprepared.
- Because the costs were prohibitively high and the timeline unrealistic, the underprepared team watched the plan collapse. (Correct answer)
- The plan failed and costs were high and the timeline was unrealistic and the team was unprepared.
- Failing, the plan had high costs, unrealistic timelines, and the team being unprepared.
Correct answer: Because the costs were prohibitively high and the timeline unrealistic, the underprepared team watched the plan collapse.
Combining related ideas into a complex sentence with subordination avoids choppy repetition and demonstrates syntactic control.
Question 3: Which of the following correctly uses a semicolon to join two related independent clauses?
- The argument is persuasive; however, it lacks empirical support. (Correct answer)
- The argument is persuasive; because it uses strong evidence.
- The argument; being persuasive, it lacks empirical support.
- The argument is persuasive, however; it lacks empirical support.
Correct answer: The argument is persuasive; however, it lacks empirical support.
A semicolon correctly joins two independent clauses, and 'however' as a conjunctive adverb is properly placed after the semicolon.
Question 4: The phrase 'the reason is because' is considered incorrect in formal writing. What is the preferred construction?
- The reason is since
- The reason is that (Correct answer)
- The reason is due to
- The reason is for
Correct answer: The reason is that
'The reason is because' is redundant; 'because' and 'reason' both indicate cause, so 'the reason is that' is the correct formal form.
Question 5: Which sentence most effectively uses precise language to strengthen an argument about corporate responsibility?
- Companies should really try to do better stuff for the environment.
- Corporations ought to do more things related to environmental concerns.
- 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 6: A writer states: 'Between you and I, the policy is misguided.' What error appears in this sentence?
- Incorrect verb tense
- Misuse of the subjective pronoun 'I' after a preposition
- Overly informal register for academic writing
- Both B and C (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both B and C
The preposition 'between' requires an objective pronoun ('me'), and 'between you and me' is also too colloquial for AWA writing.
Question 7: Which transitional phrase best signals a concession before a rebuttal in an AWA argument?
- Furthermore, critics argue...
- In conclusion, opponents claim...
- Admittedly, some scholars contend...; however, the evidence suggests... (Correct answer)
- Obviously, the opposition is wrong that...
Correct answer: Admittedly, some scholars contend...; however, the evidence suggests...
'Admittedly' signals a concession and 'however' introduces the counter-argument, demonstrating sophisticated rhetorical balance.
AWA Clarity & Language Usage 3
Which revision best eliminates redundancy from the phrase 'end result'?