AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions Questions and Answers

Question 1

An argument states: 'The recent surge in our city's recycling rates is a direct result of the new awareness campaign launched last quarter.' Which of the following, if true, would most seriously weaken this argument?

Accepted Answer

Neighboring cities without an awareness campaign have reported an even greater surge in recycling rates during the same period.

Answer

This statement provides an alternative cause for the increase in recycling rates. If other cities saw a similar or greater increase without the campaign, it suggests that a broader, external factor (e.g., new national regulations, a popular documentary, changes in waste management) might be the actual cause, thus weakening the conclusion that the local campaign was directly responsible.

Question 2

A business memo concludes, 'To boost our company's profits, we must cut our marketing budget. Our main competitor, a highly profitable company, spends very little on marketing.' What is the primary unstated assumption in this argument?

Accepted Answer

The two companies operate in identical market conditions and have similar brand recognition.

Answer

The argument draws a direct comparison to a competitor, assuming that what works for one company will work for another. This is a faulty analogy unless it can be established that the market conditions, customer base, brand strength, product offerings, and other relevant factors are comparable. Without this assumption, the competitor's strategy is irrelevant.

Question 3

Which of the following is a critical component of evaluating the evidence presented in an argument?

Accepted Answer

Checking the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence.

Answer

A core task in the AWA is to scrutinize the evidence used to support a conclusion. This involves questioning whether the evidence is directly related to the claim (relevance) and whether there is enough of it to justify the conclusion without making broad generalizations (sufficiency).

Question 4

A city council member argues: 'We should not approve the construction of the new stadium. A recent poll of 100 residents showed that 60% are opposed to it.' To properly evaluate this evidence, which of the following questions is most important to ask?

Accepted Answer

Was the poll sample representative of the city's entire population?

Answer

The validity of a poll depends heavily on whether the sample accurately reflects the demographics (age, income, location, etc.) of the larger population it claims to represent. If the 100 residents polled were all from one neighborhood or a specific interest group, the results cannot be reliably generalized to the entire city, making the evidence weak.

Question 5

An argument that claims 'This new diet is effective because a famous celebrity endorsed it' is committing which logical fallacy?

Accepted Answer

Appeal to False Authority

Answer

This is an Appeal to False Authority fallacy. A celebrity's fame does not make them an expert in nutrition or medicine. The argument relies on the endorsement of a non-expert as the primary evidence for the diet's effectiveness, which is a flaw in reasoning.

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

(AWA) Analytical Writing Assessment Practice Test

AWA - Analytical Writing Assessment Evaluating Evidence and Assumptions Questions and Answers