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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Assuming that because two events occur together, one caused the other, without evidence of a causal mechanism.- What is the 'hasty generalization' fallacy?
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Drawing a broad conclusion from a small, unrepresentative, or insufficient sample of evidence.- What is an 'ad hominem' fallacy in an argument?
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Attacking the character or credibility of a person instead of directly addressing the argument itself.- What is a 'false dilemma' fallacy?
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Presenting only two options or solutions as if they are the only possibilities, when other alternatives exist.- What is a 'straw man' fallacy?
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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?
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Using the conclusion as part of the evidence to support itself, or assuming what needs to be proven.- What is a 'scope limitation' weakness?
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An argument draws a broad conclusion but bases it on evidence from only a limited context, population, time period, or geographic area.
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