2a. 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 dilute 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 forum to be an ideologue. Writing a highly charged essay might evoke a bias 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 persuasive 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 tangential 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 overdo 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 expertise in a narrow area. The AWA tests analytical 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 flips to the editorial page of the Wall St. Journal before the Marketplace section.

to get an idea about public policy issues, try the Wall Street Journal editorial page or the Economist.

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 concise     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 rambling 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.

>>continue to Analysis of Issue: Structure (page 3 of 4 of chapter 2)