Analysis of Issue
In the Analysis of Issue question you discuss your opinion toward an issue.
You write a well-balanced analysis of the issue the test presents to you.
These are the most common topics:
The most common topics relate to general business and public policy issues.
Business issues generally relate to business ethics1, marketing2 and labor3.
Government issues will generally relate to regulatory issues and social
welfare issues.
Here is an example of an Analysis of Issue question:
Following the Colorado massacre4 of schoolchildren, many lawmakers have
proposed that an international body regulate the internet so that sites
which provide information to terrorists should be eliminated.
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the above opinion.
Support your opinion with reasons and examples.
The people who grade the Analysis of Issue expect the following:
i) A well-developed essay that is logical and coherent;
ii) An essay that demonstrates critical thinking skills;
iii) An essay which uses varied6 sentence structure and vocabulary;
iv) An essay that uses the language of standard written English;
v) An essay that is free of mechanical errors in spelling, punctuation7,
capitalization; and
vi) An essay that follows the conventions of standard written English.
a. Analysis of Issue: Content
How do I write a well-balanced essay?
You should always acknowledge both sides of an issue. Among the sample
essays there is not one irrefutable essay, yet you must pick a side. The
trick to doing this is to persuade the reader that, despite the counter-
arguments, your position is the strongest one overall.
Try to "straddle the fence" between both sides of the issue by making
limited use of qualifiers. This will allow you to acknowledge the opposing
view and appear scholarly. (Note that overuse of qualifiers will make the
essay appear too vague and dilute8 an argument you are making.)
In general, take a politically correct opinion or an opinion that a
majority of top scorers might take. However, if you do not think you can
write an effective politically-correct essay, adjust your content to fit
what you can comfortably express. In general, though, stay uncontroversial
and balanced. Do not use it as a forum9 to be an ideologue. Writing a highly
charged essay might evoke10 a bias11 from the reader (if he disagrees with you)
and it also may confuse the E-rater, since you essay will not resemble any
essays it has stored in its database. Try to approach each issue in a
dispassionate and balanced manner.
Nevertheless, you must be sure to take a stand. You must pick a side that
will "win out" in the conclusion/introduction. The test instructions
specifically tell you to pick a side. Make sure to disagree or agree with
the question's statement.
Note: Do not write an unsubstantiated opinion, write an argument that
consists of your thesis and logical arguments to support it.
How in-depth should the essays be?
Your essay is short (you have only 45 minutes), so you won't be able to
cover every possible argument, rebuttal and example. When you start the
test set aside a few minutes to set up the points and examples. You do not
have to cover every idea/concept. Most essay students do not have time to
cover everything they would like to cover. Choose the most persuasive12
relevant points and examples to use. The essay graders do not expect you to
go in-depth on every topic.
The most important concern here is that you do not go off of the main
subject. Stay focused on the topic. Do not either go off on tangential13
arguments or excessively focus on one example.
Where should I get examples?
The instructions (with only a few exceptions) allow you to draw upon your
personal experiences in developing your answer to each essay question. This
practice is acceptable, but don't overdo14 it. You should generally rely more
on academic knowledge than personal experiences.
Your examples and knowledge can be impressive, but you shouldn't go too
far. Don't try to impress the grader with your expertise15 in a narrow area.
The AWA tests analytical16 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 flips17 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 Economist18.
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 concise19
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 rambling20 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 format5 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.
Essay Template
The template is just a guideline. You do not have to adhere to it. Often
you will have to make changes to suit your argument.
The numbers of sentences indicated for each paragraph is a guideline that
varies depending on how much content you have.
The transitional phrases we use in the Template are intentionally21
simplistic. This is not a simple approach where you can "fill-in-the-
blanks." Flesh out the template somewhat and use it as a guideline to write
a disciplined and focused essay.
Template
1) Introductory Paragraph (2-4 sentences)
Make sure to keep your introductory paragraph concise, strong and effective.
What the introductory paragraph should accomplish:
Explain the issue (briefly).
Show that you understand the full complexities22 of the issue (for example,
by recognizing competing interests or various factors).
State your position on the issue (without the details yet).
Sample template for introductory paragraph (2 sentences):
a) Whether ________________________ depends on _____________________.
b) (insert your opinion), __________________________.
2) First Body Paragraph (3-5 sentences)
Begin to develop your position with your most important reason. Use one or
two examples to back up your main point:
a) The chief reason for my view is ___________________________________.
b) For example, ____________________________________.
c) Moreover, ______________________________.
d) Finally, ________________________.
3) Second Body Paragraph
Expand your position with a "secondary" reason. Support your rationale
further with at least one example.
State your second reason (one only).
Provide rationale and/or evidence to support it.
Here's a sample template for the second body paragraph that accomplishes
these objectives:
a) Another reason for my view is_____________________________.
b) Specifically,________________.
c) The result is,__________________.
4) Optional Third Body Paragraph
In this paragraph (optional) you acknowledge a competing viewpoint or
counter-argument (and rationale and/or examples that support it), and then
provide rebuttals to further support your position. In this paragraph you
walk a tightrope23, you must acknowledge the counter-argument, but yet deny
it immediately in the next sentence and use that denial to strengthen your
own argument.
Acknowledge a different viewpoint or a counter-argument.
Provide rationale and/or examples that support it.
Provide a rebuttal.
Here's a sample template for the third body paragraph that accomplishes the
objectives indicated above:
a) Some might argue,_____________________________.
b) Yet,____________________
c) Others might cite, __________________.
d) However,_____________________.
5) Conclusion Paragraph
In this paragraph you write a summary of your position in 1 to 3 sentences:
State the thrust of your position.
Restate the main points from the body of your essay.
The concluding paragraph is not the place for new information or reasons.
It is not a place to draw new conclusions.
a) In sum, I concur24 that ________________________.
b) However,_________________; on the whole______________.
Time Breakdown25:
How to write a coherent 300 word essay in 45 minutes
1. Examine the issue (2-3 minutes)
a. What is the basic issue? Try to phrase it as a question.
b. Those in favor would say….
c. Those against would say….
2. Choose what points you want to make (4-5 minutes)
a. Arguments in favor:
b. Arguments opposed:
c. Take a side: which side do you prefer?
d. What are the assumptions in the arguments?
Step 3: Outline (1 minute)
Use the templates on the prior page.
1. Make sure that your outline:
a. states the central idea of the essay clearly and forcefully;
b. provides a word or phrase for every paragraph in the essay;
c. relates each paragraph to the central idea of the essay in (2a) above;
d. includes an opening and closing paragraph which tie the essay together.
2. Build your paragraphs in the essay carefully. You may produce effective
writing in the essay analytical writing section on the analysis of an issue
by following a few simple rules:
a. Each paragraph should state a central idea which relates to the central
idea of the entire essay.
b. Every statement in each paragraph should relate to the central idea of
the paragraph in (3a) above. In each paragraph, use examples to support the
central idea or explain it completely.
c. Consciously choose paragraph length, for if your paragraphs are all too
short (one or two sentences), you will be penalized26, and if they are too
long you will also be penalized.
Step 4: Write/type your essay (35 minutes)
What's your thesis sentence?
Arguments for…
Arguments opposed...
Step 5: Proofread27 your work (2 minutes)
Check for grammar, spelling, etc..
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