Written Test Analytical Writing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a thesis statement in an analytical essay?
- To summarize the background of the topic
- To present the writer's main argument and scope (Correct answer)
- To list all evidence that will be discussed
- To introduce the opposing viewpoint first
Correct answer: To present the writer's main argument and scope
A thesis statement presents the writer's central claim and signals the scope of the argument to the reader.
Question 2: An argument commits the 'straw man' fallacy when the writer:
- Uses too many statistics to support a claim
- Misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack (Correct answer)
- Relies on personal anecdotes instead of evidence
- Draws a conclusion that does not follow from the premises
Correct answer: Misrepresents an opponent's position to make it easier to attack
The straw man fallacy involves distorting or exaggerating an opponent's argument so it can be more easily refuted.
Question 3: In analytical writing, 'hedging' language (e.g., 'may suggest,' 'tends to') is used to:
- Avoid taking any position on the issue
- Acknowledge limitations and express appropriate uncertainty (Correct answer)
- Weaken the overall argument deliberately
- Replace concrete evidence with vague claims
Correct answer: Acknowledge limitations and express appropriate uncertainty
Hedging conveys intellectual honesty by signaling that a claim is probable or likely rather than absolute.
Question 4: Which organizational structure is most effective when comparing two competing theories?
- Narrative chronological order
- Point-by-point comparison (Correct answer)
- Problem-solution format
- Climactic order of importance
Correct answer: Point-by-point comparison
Point-by-point comparison alternates between the two theories on each criterion, making similarities and differences immediately clear.
Question 5: A writer claims: 'This policy failed in City A, so it will definitely fail in City B.' This is an example of:
- Valid deductive reasoning
- A hasty generalization (Correct answer)
- An appeal to authority
- Circular reasoning
Correct answer: A hasty generalization
Concluding that what happened in one case will definitely happen in another without considering contextual differences is a hasty generalization.
Question 6: Which sentence most effectively integrates a quotation into an analytical paragraph?
- The author writes: 'Democracy requires an informed citizenry.'
- As Smith (2019) argues, 'Democracy requires an informed citizenry,' a claim borne out by declining civic engagement data. (Correct answer)
- Smith says democracy needs informed citizens and this is important.
- According to the text, the quote about democracy is relevant here.
Correct answer: As Smith (2019) argues, 'Democracy requires an informed citizenry,' a claim borne out by declining civic engagement data.
Effective quotation integration attributes the source, presents the exact words, and immediately connects the quote to the argument.
Question 7: When analyzing a primary source, the writer should prioritize:
- Paraphrasing the entire source to show comprehension
- Selecting and interpreting evidence that directly supports the argument (Correct answer)
- Listing every detail mentioned in the source
- Agreeing with the source's conclusions without critique
Correct answer: Selecting and interpreting evidence that directly supports the argument
Analytical writing requires selective use of evidence paired with interpretation to advance a specific argument.
Written Test Analytical Writing 2
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a thesis statement in an analytical essay?