Analysis of Issue [b][b]In the Analysis of Issue question you discuss your opinion toward an issue. [b]You write a well-balanced analysis of the issue the test presents to you. [b][b]These are the most common topics: [b][b]The most common topics relate to general business and public policy issues. [b]Business issues generally relate to business ethics, marketing and labor. [b]Government issues will generally relate to regulatory issues and social [b]welfare issues. [b][b]Here is an example of an Analysis of Issue question: [b][b]Following the Colorado massacre of schoolchildren, many lawmakers have [b]proposed that an international body regulate the internet so that sites [b]which provide information to terrorists should be eliminated. [b][b]Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the above opinion. [b]Support your opinion with reasons and examples. [b][b]The people who grade the Analysis of Issue expect the following: [b][b]i) A well-developed essay that is logical and coherent; [b][b]ii) An essay that demonstrates critical thinking skills; [b][b]iii) An essay which uses varied sentence structure and vocabulary; [b][b]iv) An essay that uses the language of standard written English; [b][b]v) An essay that is free of mechanical errors in spelling, punctuation, [b]capitalization; and [b][b]vi) An essay that follows the conventions of standard written English. [b]a. Analysis of Issue: Content [b]How do I write a well-balanced essay? [b][b]You should always acknowledge both sides of an issue. Among the sample [b]essays there is not one irrefutable essay, yet you must pick a side. The [b]trick to doing this is to persuade the reader that, despite the counter- [b]arguments, your position is the strongest one overall. [b][b]Try to "straddle the fence" between both sides of the issue by making [b]limited use of qualifiers. This will allow you to acknowledge the opposing [b]view and appear scholarly. (Note that overuse of qualifiers will make the [b]essay appear too vague and dilute an argument you are making.) [b][b]In general, take a politically correct opinion or an opinion that a [b]majority of top scorers might take. However, if you do not think you can [b]write an effective politically-correct essay, adjust your content to fit [b]what you can comfortably express. In general, though, stay uncontroversial [b]and balanced. Do not use it as a forum to be an ideologue. Writing a highly [b]charged essay might evoke a bias from the reader (if he disagrees with you) [b]and it also may confuse the E-rater, since you essay will not resemble any [b]essays it has stored in its database. Try to approach each issue in a [b]dispassionate and balanced manner. [b][b]Nevertheless, you must be sure to take a stand. You must pick a side that [b]will "win out" in the conclusion/introduction. The test instructions [b]specifically tell you to pick a side. Make sure to disagree or agree with [b]the question's statement. [b][b]Note: Do not write an unsubstantiated opinion, write an argument that [b]consists of your thesis and logical arguments to support it. [b][b]How in-depth should the essays be? [b][b]Your essay is short (you have only 45 minutes), so you won't be able to [b]cover every possible argument, rebuttal and example. When you start the [b]test set aside a few minutes to set up the points and examples. You do not [b]have to cover every idea/concept. Most essay students do not have time to [b]cover everything they would like to cover. Choose the most persuasive [b]relevant points and examples to use. The essay graders do not expect you to [b]go in-depth on every topic. [b][b]The most important concern here is that you do not go off of the main [b]subject. Stay focused on the topic. Do not either go off on tangential [b]arguments or excessively focus on one example. [b][b]Where should I get examples? [b][b]The instructions (with only a few exceptions) allow you to draw upon your [b]personal experiences in developing your answer to each essay question. This [b]practice is acceptable, but don't overdo it. You should generally rely more [b]on academic knowledge than personal experiences. [b][b]Your examples and knowledge can be impressive, but you shouldn't go too [b]far. Don't try to impress the grader with your expertise in a narrow area. [b]The AWA tests analytical writing, not specific subject knowledge. [b][b][b]Where do I get essay issue ideas? [b][b]These questions generally favor students who have taken government policy [b]analysis courses. This section favors the student who flips to the [b]editorial page of the Wall St. Journal before the Marketplace section. [b][b]to get an idea about public policy issues, try Policy Review, the Wall [b]Street Journal editorial page or the Economist. [b][b]International Students: Read these American magazines as much as possible [b]to see how Americans structure their writing and to stay updated on issues. [b][b]Write with your grader in mind [b][b]When you write your Issue essay, remember that you are fundamentally [b]writing your essay to please your grader. [b][b]Keep it concise [b][b]Put yourself in the position of a grader. They grade essays all day. [b]Wouldn't you favor a concise and effective essay with 5 paragraphs of 4 [b]sentences each more than a 4 paragraph rambling essay with 10 sentences in [b]each paragraph? The bottom line: keep the essays crisp, concise, and [b]written in a manner appealing to the grader. This is particularly important [b]on the Analysis of Issue question, where you essay expresses personal [b]opinions. [b][b]b. Analysis of Issue: Structure [b][b]Structure is the most important part of your essay. Your essay must be [b]written in a standard format with the standard logical transitions. The E- [b]rater will scan your essay to identify if it has a standard structure. [b][b]Introduction/Conclusion- These elements will provide the structure for your [b]essay and keep you on track. [b][b]Number of Paragraphs. To satisfy the E-rater, your essay should be 4 to 5 [b]paragraphs: an introduction, a conclusion, and three "body" paragraphs. [b]Each paragraph should have 2 to 5 sentences (total essay about 300-400 [b]words). [b][b]Note: You should skip a line between paragraphs since the TAB key does not [b]function in the essay section. [b][b]Essay Template [b][b]The template is just a guideline. You do not have to adhere to it. Often [b]you will have to make changes to suit your argument. [b][b]The numbers of sentences indicated for each paragraph is a guideline that [b]varies depending on how much content you have. [b][b]The transitional phrases we use in the Template are intentionally [b]simplistic. This is not a simple approach where you can "fill-in-the- [b]blanks." Flesh out the template somewhat and use it as a guideline to write [b]a disciplined and focused essay. [b][b]Template [b][b]1) Introductory Paragraph (2-4 sentences) [b][b]Make sure to keep your introductory paragraph concise, strong and effective. [b][b]What the introductory paragraph should accomplish: [b][b]Explain the issue (briefly). [b]Show that you understand the full complexities of the issue (for example, [b]by recognizing competing interests or various factors). [b]State your position on the issue (without the details yet). [b]Sample template for introductory paragraph (2 sentences): [b][b]a) Whether ________________________ depends on _____________________. [b][b][b]b) (insert your opinion), __________________________. [b][b][b]2) First Body Paragraph (3-5 sentences) [b][b]Begin to develop your position with your most important reason. Use one or [b]two examples to back up your main point: [b][b]a) The chief reason for my view is ___________________________________. [b][b]b) For example, ____________________________________. [b][b]c) Moreover, ______________________________. [b][b]d) Finally, ________________________. [b][b][b]3) Second Body Paragraph [b][b]Expand your position with a "secondary" reason. Support your rationale [b]further with at least one example. [b][b]State your second reason (one only). [b][b]Provide rationale and/or evidence to support it. [b][b]Here's a sample template for the second body paragraph that accomplishes [b]these objectives: [b][b]a) Another reason for my view is_____________________________. [b][b]b) Specifically,________________. [b][b]c) The result is,__________________. [b][b]4) Optional Third Body Paragraph [b][b]In this paragraph (optional) you acknowledge a competing viewpoint or [b]counter-argument (and rationale and/or examples that support it), and then [b]provide rebuttals to further support your position. In this paragraph you [b]walk a tightrope, you must acknowledge the counter-argument, but yet deny [b]it immediately in the next sentence and use that denial to strengthen your [b]own argument. [b][b]Acknowledge a different viewpoint or a counter-argument. [b][b]Provide rationale and/or examples that support it. [b][b]Provide a rebuttal. [b]Here's a sample template for the third body paragraph that accomplishes the [b]objectives indicated above: [b][b]a) Some might argue,_____________________________. [b][b]b) Yet,____________________ [b][b]c) Others might cite, __________________. [b][b]d) However,_____________________. [b][b][b]5) Conclusion Paragraph [b][b]In this paragraph you write a summary of your position in 1 to 3 sentences: [b][b]State the thrust of your position. [b][b]Restate the main points from the body of your essay. [b]The concluding paragraph is not the place for new information or reasons. [b]It is not a place to draw new conclusions. [b][b]a) In sum, I concur that ________________________. [b][b][b]b) However,_________________; on the whole______________. [b][b][b]Time Breakdown: [b]How to write a coherent 300 word essay in 45 minutes [b][b][b]1. Examine the issue (2-3 minutes) [b][b]a. What is the basic issue? Try to phrase it as a question. [b][b]b. Those in favor would say…. [b][b]c. Those against would say…. [b][b][b]2. Choose what points you want to make (4-5 minutes) [b][b]a. Arguments in favor: [b][b]b. Arguments opposed: [b][b]c. Take a side: which side do you prefer? [b][b]d. What are the assumptions in the arguments? [b][b]Step 3: Outline (1 minute) [b][b]Use the templates on the prior page. [b][b]1. Make sure that your outline: [b][b]a. states the central idea of the essay clearly and forcefully; [b][b]b. provides a word or phrase for every paragraph in the essay; [b][b]c. relates each paragraph to the central idea of the essay in (2a) above; [b][b]d. includes an opening and closing paragraph which tie the essay together. [b][b][b]2. Build your paragraphs in the essay carefully. You may produce effective [b]writing in the essay analytical writing section on the analysis of an issue [b]by following a few simple rules: [b][b]a. Each paragraph should state a central idea which relates to the central [b]idea of the entire essay. [b][b]b. Every statement in each paragraph should relate to the central idea of [b]the paragraph in (3a) above. In each paragraph, use examples to support the [b]central idea or explain it completely. [b][b]c. Consciously choose paragraph length, for if your paragraphs are all too [b]short (one or two sentences), you will be penalized, and if they are too [b]long you will also be penalized. [b][b]Step 4: Write/type your essay (35 minutes) [b][b]What's your thesis sentence? [b]Arguments for… [b]Arguments opposed... [b][b][b]Step 5: Proofread your work (2 minutes) [b][b]Check for grammar, spelling, etc.. [b]