AWA Evidence Evaluation & Support 2

Question 1

An AWA argument states: 'Our city's crime rate dropped 15% after installing surveillance cameras, so cameras prevent crime.' What is the primary flaw in using this statistic as evidence?

Accepted Answer

Correlation is presented as causation without ruling out other factors

Answer

Presenting a correlation (cameras were installed, crime dropped) as proof of causation ignores other variables that could explain the decline.

Question 2

Which type of evidence would most strengthen an AWA argument claiming that a new training program improves employee productivity?

Accepted Answer

Controlled study comparing productivity metrics before and after training across multiple departments

Answer

A controlled before-and-after study with measurable metrics across multiple groups provides the most direct and reliable support for the productivity claim.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Popularity does not necessarily indicate quality or superiority

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Citing only evidence that supports the conclusion while ignoring contradictory data

Answer

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

Question 5

An AWA prompt argues: 'Studies show people who eat breakfast perform better at work, so the company should provide free breakfast.' Which assumption most needs support?

Accepted Answer

That providing free breakfast will cause employees to eat it and replicate study conditions

Answer

The argument assumes employees will eat the provided breakfast and that doing so will produce the same effect observed in the studies, both of which require justification.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA Evidence Evaluation & Support 2