AWA Clarity & Language Usage 4

Question 1

An AWA writer uses 'affect' instead of 'effect' in this sentence: 'The new regulation will have a significant affect on emissions.' What type of error is this?

Accepted Answer

A diction error involving commonly confused words

Answer

After 'have a significant,' a noun is needed; 'effect' (noun) is correct, while 'affect' is typically a verb, making this a diction error.

Question 2

Which sentence best demonstrates the appropriate level of hedging for an unverified claim in an AWA essay?

Accepted Answer

Automation may significantly reduce the number of manufacturing jobs over the coming decades.

Answer

Modal verbs like 'may' and qualified language like 'significantly' allow a writer to make a strong claim while acknowledging uncertainty.

Question 3

What is the clearest revision of this wordy sentence: 'It is important to note that there are many people who believe that...'?

Accepted Answer

Many people believe that...

Answer

Expletive constructions like 'it is important to note that' add length without adding meaning; the direct subject 'many people' is clearer.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

She only eats vegetables on weekdays.

Answer

'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 5

In the AWA, using nominalization (turning verbs into nouns) excessively is discouraged because it:

Accepted Answer

Creates unnecessarily long, abstract, and weak sentences

Answer

Nominalization, e.g., 'make a decision' instead of 'decide,' inflates sentence length and reduces the directness and strength of the writing.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Clarity & Language Usage 4