AWA

Question 1

When analysing the passage what questions should you ask?

Answer 1

• What is the conclusion?
• What assumptions are made?
• Is the evidence substantiated?
• What would strengthen the conclusion?

Question 2

Template for introduction

Answer 2

• This argument claims that
• Stated in this way the argument—
  1. Distorts the view
  2. Fails to mention
  3. Is poorly reasoned
• The conclusion relies on X so is weak/unconvincing

Question 3

Template for 1st/2nd paragraph

Answer 3

• The argument claims…
• This is a stretch/weakness because
• Example
• The argument would be more convincing if the author provided evidence that…

Question 4

Template for 3rd paragraph

Answer 4

1. Finally, there are a number of unanswered questions that undermine the logical reasoning/validity of this argument.
2. Questions that strengthen the conclusion AND/OR
3. Questions that are unanswered
4. Without the answers to these questions it appears that the conclusion is based on assumptions rather that substantiated evidence

Question 5

Template for conclusion

Answer 5

• In summary, this argument is flawed for the above-mentioned reasons and is therefore unconvincing.
• In this particular case the argument could be strengthened if the author clearly addressed…
• Without this information, the argument remains unsubstantiated and open to debate.

Question 6

Structure of essay

Answer 6

• Intro - restate argument
• 1/2 - Assumptions and questionable logic
• 3 - Questions to strengthen
• 4 - Argument is flawed because…. Can be strengthened if…

Question 7

Vocab for supporting examples

Answer 7

• For example
• To illustrate
• For instance
• Because
• Specifically

Question 8

Vocab for additional support

Answer 8

Furthermore
In addition
Similarly
Just as…So to
As a result
Moreover

Question 9

Vocab for contrast

Answer 9

• On the contrary
• Yet
• Despite
• Rather
• Instead
• However
• Although
• While

Question 10

Vocab for ‘decide against’

Answer 10

• One cannot deny that
• It could be argued that
• Granted
• Admittedly

Question 11

Vocab for ying/yang

Answer 11

• On the one hand/other hand
• Dissimilarly
• On the contrary

Question 12

Vocab for concluding

Answer 12

• Therefore
• In summary
• Consequently/Hence
• In conclusion
• Ultimately
• In closing