Structural templates and argument analysis approaches for the GRE analytical writing (AWA) section.
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- What is the basic structure of an issue essay introduction?
- State the issue, provide background context, present your thesis with a clear position on the issue.
- What is the basic structure of an argument essay introduction?
- Identify the argument being analyzed, state its main claim, and preview the specific weaknesses you will examine.
- How should a body paragraph in an AWA essay begin?
- Begin with a clear topic sentence that identifies one specific weakness or assumption in the argument.
- What should follow the topic sentence in an argument essay body paragraph?
- An explanation of the weakness, evidence of why it is a problem, and analysis of its impact on the argument.
- When should you include a counterargument in an AWA essay?
- Include it only when you can immediately refute it and strengthen your position. Avoid counterarguments that are stronger than your rebuttal.
- How should a conclusion paragraph be structured in an AWA essay?
- Restate your thesis briefly, summarize the main weaknesses or key points without introducing new arguments, and optionally suggest what evidence or changes would strengthen the argument.
- Which transition phrase best introduces agreement with an argument?
- Use 'Admittedly, the author is correct that...' or 'It is true that...' or 'Certainly, one could argue that...'
- Which transition phrase best introduces disagreement with an argument?
- Use 'However, the author fails to consider...' or 'Yet the argument overlooks...' or 'But this conclusion rests on the unsupported assumption that...'
- What is the 'causation fallacy' in an argument?
- Assuming that because two events occur together, one caused the other, without evidence of a causal mechanism.
- What is the 'hasty generalization' fallacy?
- Drawing a broad conclusion from a small, unrepresentative, or insufficient sample of evidence.
- What is an 'ad hominem' fallacy in an argument?
- Attacking the character or credibility of a person instead of directly addressing the argument itself.
- What is a 'false dilemma' fallacy?
- Presenting only two options or solutions as if they are the only possibilities, when other alternatives exist.
- What is a 'straw man' fallacy?
- Misrepresenting an opponent's argument in a weaker form and then attacking that distorted version instead of the actual argument.
- What is 'circular reasoning' in an argument?
- Using the conclusion as part of the evidence to support itself, or assuming what needs to be proven.
- What is a 'scope limitation' weakness?
- An argument draws a broad conclusion but bases it on evidence from only a limited context, population, time period, or geographic area.