Just read on 800score.com that since AWA essays are reviewed by the E-rater, it is advisable to stick to templates like
In my opinion this argument is not too convincing ___________
First of all it is too wide statement___________
Secondly, the example _________
So on and so forth..............
The website strongly urges test takers to avoid innovative approach in framing the paragraphs and not to use any unique fashion. The logic behind this is the E-rater grades the essay comparing with a database of essays and lot of difference in structure or language might yield a poor scoring. They further state that human grader tend to agree with E-rater scoring as difference in rating between human grader and E-rater would call for a third opinion.
How true is this? Does test takers really need to stick to templates?