GMAT - Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) Practice 2

Analysis of Issue

Chemists have determined that spring water from Augusta, Maine contains minerals necessary for a healthy body. Residents of Augusta, Maine, have a longer life span than the average U.S. citizen. Even though spring water from Augusta, Maine may be expensive, it is a superior choice over drinking general tap water.

How would you rate the accuracy of the above statement? Support your position with reasons and examples.


The statement above is formed by three sentences that have independent causality among each other. Each sentence has an issue and all issues together are still not adequate to make a conclusion.

The first issue is about the important minerals contained in the spring water from Augusta, Maine. The second issue shows the life span comparative between residents of Augusta, Maine and the average U.S. citizen. And the third informs us despite its expensive price, the spring water from Augusta, Maine, still becomes a superior choice over drinking general tap water.

In my opinion, the second statement becomes the major issue. And the others are minors which they can be either a cause or an effect to the second statement. I start to analysis with one open question, what makes residents of Augusta have longer life span than the average U.S. citizen? A general study shows that life span is a function of physical health, emotional conditions, spiritual orientation and life style. According to the study, what is determined in the first sentence it self does not immediately become the cause of longer life span. More explanations are needed to conclude its position.

The third sentence tells more about customer preference in choosing drinkring water . Spring water from Augusta Maine is well known to be expensive. But its premium rate have made it a superior choice over drinking general tap water. Clearly, this sentence is not a cause or an effect to the major issue.

All in all, the statements separately give us knowledge. But no conclusion should be made from them. Our reaction against the information mentioned above is capture and store it to memory.