Hi all,
I came across this advice to develop an inventory of transitional and rhetorical phrases for the GMAT essays. Has anybody came across an compilation of such list, like the ones that I quoted from the writer of ARCO book?
Quote:
Q: You just suggested that test-takers develop an inventory of transitional and rhetorical phrases for the GMAT essays. What do you mean by these terms? Can you provide some examples of each type of phrase?A: Transitional words and phrases are the ones that glue together the ideas of your essay — that help the reader follow your train of thought and line of reasoning, and recognize the organizational structure of your essay. I find that having an inventory of my own pet transitional phrases is especially useful for the Argument writing task — which calls for a linear line of reasoning. Here are a few examples:
"The argument depends on a series of unsubstantiated assumptions, which render it wholly unpersuasive."
"Unless the author provides better evidence that..., I cannot be convinced that..."
"Even if the author can substantiate all of the foregoing assumptions,..."
"In sum, the argument is unconvincing as it stands. To strengthen it the author must..."
Rhetorical phrases are designed to persuade — to aid you in arguing for one position over another in a debate. So they are especially germane to the Issue essay. Here are a few that I've used over and over in my Issue essays:
"I agree with the statement only insofar as..."
"Admittedly, the statement is not without merit — in that"
"However, the speaker ignores countervailing considerations which, considered together, render the speaker's position largely indefensible...."
"In the final analysis, ... can be determined only on a case-by-case basis, taking into account..."
"The statement is fundamentally wrongheaded because it ignores..."