AWA Essay Structure and Organization 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes 'coherence' in an AWA essay?
- Using only simple sentences throughout
- All parts of the essay connect logically so ideas flow smoothly from one to the next (Correct answer)
- Having exactly five paragraphs
- Avoiding the use of any personal pronouns
Correct answer: All parts of the essay connect logically so ideas flow smoothly from one to the next
Coherence means ideas are logically connected throughout the essay, creating a smooth reading experience where each sentence and paragraph leads naturally to the next.
Question 2: What is the main structural difference between the AWA Issue task and the AWA Argument task?
- The Issue task requires you to critique flawed logic; the Argument task requires you to take and defend a position
- The Argument task requires you to take a position; the Issue task requires you to critique flawed logic (Correct answer)
- Both tasks require the same approach and structure
- The Issue task has no conclusion; the Argument task does
Correct answer: The Argument task requires you to take a position; the Issue task requires you to critique flawed logic
In the Issue task you defend a position on a topic; in the Argument task you analyze the logical weaknesses in a given argument without taking a side on the topic itself.
Question 3: Why is it important to avoid a five-paragraph formula rigidly in AWA essays?
- GRE scorers penalize five-paragraph essays
- Rigid formulas can force unnatural organization that doesn't fit the specific prompt's analytical demands (Correct answer)
- Five paragraphs are always too long for the time limit
- Five-paragraph essays are only for high school, not graduate-level writing
Correct answer: Rigid formulas can force unnatural organization that doesn't fit the specific prompt's analytical demands
Forcing a rigid formula can result in artificial padding or omitting necessary analysis, whereas flexible organization lets the content dictate structure.
Question 4: Which of the following is the BEST way to open the body of an AWA Argument essay?
- With a direct quote from a famous philosopher
- With a topic sentence identifying the first major logical flaw you will analyze (Correct answer)
- With a restatement of the entire argument from the prompt
- With a personal anecdote about the topic
Correct answer: With a topic sentence identifying the first major logical flaw you will analyze
Opening the first body paragraph with a clear topic sentence identifying a specific flaw immediately orients the rater to your analytical approach.
Question 5: How does the 'PEEL' paragraph structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) benefit an AWA essay?
- It guarantees a perfect score
- It ensures each paragraph has a clear claim, supporting detail, analysis, and connection back to the thesis (Correct answer)
- It limits the essay to a single example per paragraph
- It requires using only academic sources
Correct answer: It ensures each paragraph has a clear claim, supporting detail, analysis, and connection back to the thesis
PEEL guides writers to include all necessary components—claim, evidence, analysis, and thesis link—resulting in well-developed, logically complete paragraphs.
Question 6: What organizational feature helps raters quickly identify your position in an AWA Issue essay?
- Using italics for key words
- A clearly stated thesis at the end of the introduction (Correct answer)
- Beginning each sentence with 'I believe'
- Numbering all your points (1, 2, 3)
Correct answer: A clearly stated thesis at the end of the introduction
A clearly stated thesis at the close of the introduction signals the writer's position unambiguously, orienting the rater before the body paragraphs begin.
Question 7: Which revision best improves organizational clarity in an AWA essay body paragraph?
- Adding more adjectives to each sentence
- Inserting a clear topic sentence and ending with a sentence that links back to the thesis (Correct answer)
- Replacing every paragraph with a bullet list
- Copying an additional sentence directly from the prompt
Correct answer: Inserting a clear topic sentence and ending with a sentence that links back to the thesis
A strong topic sentence establishes the paragraph's focus, and a closing link reinforces the thesis, giving the paragraph both direction and cohesion.
AWA Essay Structure and Organization 5
Which of the following best describes 'coherence' in an AWA essay?