AWA Crafting Effective Conclusions 5

Question 1

Which of the following is a hallmark of a score-6 AWA conclusion?

Accepted Answer

It integrates the essay's ideas with precision and leaves the reader with a compelling final thought

Answer

Score-6 conclusions demonstrate mastery by elegantly synthesizing ideas and providing a resonant, precise closing thought.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Never — the conclusion should paraphrase and synthesize, not copy

Answer

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

Question 3

Which conclusion error is described as 'throat-clearing'?

Accepted Answer

Starting the conclusion with formulaic phrases that delay the actual point

Answer

'Throat-clearing' refers to filler phrases like 'In conclusion, it is clear that this essay has shown…' that waste words before making the real point.

Question 4

How does a well-crafted AWA conclusion demonstrate command of language?

Accepted Answer

By varying sentence structure and choosing precise, sophisticated vocabulary

Answer

Varied syntax and precise word choice signal linguistic control, a key component of the AWA rubric's 'command of standard written English.'

Question 5

An AWA conclusion reads: 'For all these reasons, the argument is flawed.' Why might raters consider this weak?

Accepted Answer

It is vague and fails to specify which reasons or how they collectively matter

Answer

Vague summaries like this fail to demonstrate analytical depth; effective conclusions specify and synthesize rather than gesture broadly.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Crafting Effective Conclusions 5