Text Analysis
Overview
Analyze sample timed essays to understand what makes them effective or ineffective. Learning to recognize strong writing helps you produce it under pressure.
Practice Problems
Question 1: Analyze this opening: "Technology. It's everywhere. But is that a good thing?" What works and what could improve?
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Answer: Works: Creates engagement with rhetorical question. Improve: Too vague - needs to narrow focus and hint at thesis direction.
Better: "From classrooms to bedrooms, technology has infiltrated every aspect of student life - with consequences we're only beginning to understand."
Question 2: This thesis has a problem: "Many people have different opinions about homework, and it's a complicated issue." What's wrong?
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Answer: No clear position - it just restates that the issue exists
A thesis must take a specific stance: "While homework has educational value, excessive assignments harm students' mental health and family time."
Question 3: Analyze: "Students need more sleep. Also, they need better food. Another thing is more exercise." What structural problem exists?
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Answer: List-like structure without development or connections
Each point needs explanation and evidence. Transitions should show relationships, not just add items.
Question 4: Why is this evidence weak: "Everyone knows that video games cause violence"?
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Answer: Appeals to common assumption rather than providing actual evidence
"Everyone knows" is not proof. Better: Cite a study, give specific examples, or reference expert opinions.
Question 5: Evaluate this counterargument handling: "Some say uniforms limit creativity, but they're wrong."
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Answer: Too dismissive - doesn't explain WHY they're wrong
Better: "While critics argue uniforms limit creativity, students express individuality through accessories, hairstyles, and most importantly, their ideas and actions."
Question 6: This conclusion just restates the introduction. What should it do instead?
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Answer: Synthesize the argument and add final insight or call to action
A good conclusion extends thinking: What are the implications? Why does this matter? What should happen next?
Question 7: Analyze the flow: "The environment matters. But economy matters too. So we need balance." What's missing?
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Answer: Transitions that show logical connection between ideas
Better: "While environmental protection is crucial, economic concerns are equally valid. Therefore, we must pursue policies that balance both priorities."
Question 8: This paragraph is 15 sentences long. Is that a problem in a timed essay?
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Answer: Yes - it likely contains multiple ideas that should be separate paragraphs
Long paragraphs often lack focus. Each paragraph should develop ONE main point. If you have more, break it up.
Question 9: What makes this effective: "If we ignore climate change, future generations will pay the price - not in dollars, but in droughts, floods, and displaced millions"?
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Answer: Concrete imagery and emotional appeal without being preachy
Specific details (droughts, floods, displaced millions) make abstract concepts tangible and compelling.
Question 10: A student wrote an excellent essay but forgot to address the prompt's specific question. How much does this matter?
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Answer: It matters significantly - even great writing scores poorly if off-topic
Always re-read the prompt. Graders check if you answered THE QUESTION ASKED, not just wrote well about the general topic.