Your examples and knowledge can be impressive, but you shouldn't go too far. Don't try to impress the grader with your expertise¹ in a narrow area. The AWA tests analytical² writing, not specific subject knowledge.

    Where do I get essay issue ideas?

    These questions generally favor students who have taken government policy analysis courses. This section favors the student who flips³ to the editorial page of the Wall St. Journal before the Marketplace section.

    To get an idea about public policy issues, try Policy Review, the Wall Street Journal editorial page or the Economist⁴.

    International Students: Read these American magazines as much as possible to see how Americans structure their writing and to stay updated on issues.

    Write with your grader in mind

    When you write your Issue essay, remember that you are fundamentally writing your essay to please your grader.

    Keep it concise⁵

    Put yourself in the position of a grader. They grade essays all day. Wouldn't you favor a concise and effective essay with 5 paragraphs of 4 sentences each more than a 4 paragraph rambling⁶ essay with 10 sentences in each paragraph? The bottom line: keep the essays crisp, concise, and written in a manner appealing to the grader. This is particularly important on the Analysis of Issue question, where you essay expresses personal opinions.

    b. Analysis of Issue: Structure

    Structure is the most important part of your essay. Your essay must be written in a standard format⁷ with the standard logical transitions. The E-rater will scan your essay to identify if it has a standard structure.

    Introduction/Conclusion- These elements will provide the structure for your essay and keep you on track.

    Number of Paragraphs. To satisfy the E-rater, your essay should be 4 to 5 paragraphs: an introduction, a conclusion, and three "body" paragraphs. Each paragraph should have 2 to 5 sentences (total essay about 300-400 words).

    Note: You should skip a line between paragraphs since the TAB key does not function in the essay section.