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30 minutes for the essay
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Topics on the website given on p. 416
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Why do they require this test? Because success
in business depends heavily on verbal skills
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Scored by two readers on a 0-6 half-point
increment scale, then averaged together. A third reader is used when the two scores
differ dramatically. A holistic method is used for scoring, ignoring small
spelling and grammar errors.
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Graded by TAs working part time in about 2
minutes per essay. They grade in 8 hour shifts, about 30 essays per hour, so
about 240 essays a day.
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Length is most impressive – minimum 4
paragraphs, better if it is 5
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Follow the instructions CAREFULLY
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Consider the complexities (both sides)
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Be organized and show your organization with
transition phrases at the beginning of each paragraph
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Develop your thoughts by answering “Why?” at the
end of every sentence
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Support with relevant and DETAILED examples
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Transition statements include: “First,”
“second,” etc., as well as “On the other hand” and “In conclusion”
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Read the directions and prompt carefully
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Have a good template
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Remember you have only the most basic word
processor!
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See the shortcut keys on p. 419
The assessment: critique someone’s argument – look for logical
flaws. Ex. on p. 420.
1. Identify premises & conclusion (p. 424)
2. Locate assumptions (list as many as possible)
3. Analyze premises (p. 425)
4. Choose template (p. 425)
5. Think of how the assumptions could be made to work better
(usually, the author needs to provide more evidence of some kind – be very
specific!)
6. Minor edits.
Remember: this is NOT an essay about which you agree or
disagree!
Example essay p. 426
About common assumptions: critique both the structure
and the content of the argument
1. Sampling argument: show how the sample is not necessarily
representative in diversity (statistical randomness), and/or show how the
sample is not sufficiently large enough to be statistically significant; then
write about how the author could improve this.
2. Analogy argument: show how the similarities in the
premises are not enough to establish the additional similarity in the
conclusion, and/or show that there are relevant and significant dissimilarities
in the premises; then write about how the author could improve this.
3. Causal argument: show how correlation is not the same as
causation, and/or show that there are other possible causes for the effect in
question; then write about how the author could improve this.
See templates p. 427:
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Paragraph 1: Summarize the argument in the
prompt; your thesis statement at the end of this paragraph should be some
variation on “I will demonstrate that the argument as written is weak because
there is insufficient evidence in the premises to demonstrate the probability
of the conclusion.” ß This is the format for the first paragraph for every
template except for version 2, which adds a list of the three major flaws you
will discuss.
·
Paragraph 2: Describe one major flaw in the
argument. This may be a problem you notice with an assumption, a “hole” in the
reasoning, or even a logical fallacy. Give a detailed explanation, and offer at
least one relevant and detailed example.
·
Paragraph 3: Describe a second major flaw in the
argument, with details, and add a detailed and relevant example.
·
Paragraph 4: Describe a third major flaw in the
argument, with details, and add a detailed and relevant example.
·
Paragraph 5: Summarize your three body
paragraphs, and then show what possible ways the author could strengthen their
argument.
·
Paragraph 1: Same as Classic Template
·
Paragraph 2: With detailed explanation, describe
the link between the premises and conclusion. Describe the unstated assumptions
the author makes – but only describe, do not critique.
·
Paragraph 3: Describe the three flaws in the
argument and provide examples and details.
·
Paragraph 4: Describe how each of the three
flaws can be fixed.
·
Paragraph 5: Summarize your three body
paragraphs and then conclude with the statement that the argument as written is
weak because of the flaws you described.
·
Paragraph 1: Same as classic Template, but list
the three major flaws you will discuss
·
Paragraph 2: Explicitly
state the missing assumption and the first flaw, then provide the solution. Do
this with details and relevant, detailed example.
·
Paragraph 3: Explicitly state the missing
assumption and the second flaw, then provide the solution. Do this with details
and relevant, detailed example.
·
Paragraph 4: Explicitly state the missing
assumption and the third flaw, then provide the solution. Do this with details
and relevant, detailed example.
·
Paragraph 5: Summarize your three body
paragraphs and then conclude with the statement that the argument as written is
weak because of the flaws you described.
1.
Structure words – these are our transition signals
and signposts for our readers.
a.
In your thesis statement: “There are three
reasons why…” should match to “First,” “Second,” and “Third” in your paragraphs
b.
When offering supporting information, examples,
etc.: “for example,” “to illustrate,” “for instance,” “because,” and other
premise indicator words
c.
When adding more support: “furthermore,” “in
addition,” “similarly,” “just as,” “also,” and “moreover.”
d.
IGNORE the “special” idea words – these are
indicative of unclear arguments EXCEPT “indeed,” “as a matter of fact,” “in
fact,” and “most important.”
e.
Conclusion of the essay (for your final paragraph):
“therefore,” “in summary,” and other logical conclusion words.
2.
The appearance of depth – to show that you are
looking at both sides of an issue.
a.
Set up your main idea (especially in the
introduction paragraph) by first introducing the opposite idea: “but,” “on the
contrary,” “yet,” “however,” etc. then can introduce your
position/idea/argument.
b.
It is usually a good idea to use these words
when introducing your solutions to the problems you identify with the author’s
argument.
3.
Contrasting paragraphs – to show that a whole
paragraph is opposite to the rest of the essay you write; use phrases like
“many people believe…” to indicate this organization.
4.
Sentence variety – compare the examples on p.
431. You want a mixture of simple sentences, complex sentences, compound
sentences, and compound-complex sentences.
Use the AWA to represent your writing skills, but don’t take
it too seriously!
1. Read the argument, identify the premises and conclusion
(2 minutes)
2. Locate assumptions, brainstorm for
weaknesses/problems/flaws (4 minutes)
3. Pick the 3 or 4 strongest points to attack & improve
(1 minute)
4. Outline (use a template) (1 minute)
5. Write (20 minutes)
6. Edit (2 minutes)
1. Overall makes sense
2. Directly addresses the topic
3. Thorough (BOTH SIDES – state both problems AND solutions
to the problems)
4. Paraphrases topic (put it in your own words, do NOT
directly quote)
5. Examples/critiques make sense
6. Examples/critiques are detailed
7. Examples/critiques are explained
8. Examples/critiques are relevant
9. Strong conclusion (“As stated, the argument is weak
because it lacks sufficient evidence…”)
10. Transitions/Organized (not only including transition
phrases but also keeping the paragraphs organized)
11. Appropriate length (minimum 4 paragraphs [5 paragraphs
is better], minimum 5 sentences per paragraph)
12. Correct grammar, spelling, word choice, etc. for the
most part (repeats of the same errors will lose the point here)
11/12 = 5.5/6 = 91.67; 9/12 = 4.5/6 = 75; 10/12 = 5/6 =
83.33
