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How to structure your argument essay
The GRE and GMAT both have essays involving the analysis of an argument. Time is short to write your essay: each test only provides you with 30 minutes to answer. Therefore, to have a clear structure in mind for your essay before the exam is a huge advantage.
Let’s look at sample questions from both tests to get an idea of how to structure a response.
This question comes from the “2018 GMAT Official Guide:”
“The computerized on-board warning system that will be installed in commercial airliners will virtually solve the problem of midair plane collisions. One plane’s warning system can receive signals from another’s transponder—a radio set that signals a plane’s course—in order to determine the likelihood of a collision and recommend evasive action.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
Your essay can be structured into an introduction, a main paragraph and a conclusion.
The introduction can be as short as two or three sentences.
Now let’s move to your main paragraph. You are looking for three main points here. There may be many problems with the argument, but you will not have time to identify them all.
Now you can move on to a consideration of your first main problem. This can be done in two sentences:
Finally, tackle the third main problem. Think of another problem with the argument. You have identified some problems already, so your third problem could just be mentioned in one sentence. Pay attention to any adjectives used in the argument. For example, look at “commercial.” There is no mention of these devices being fitted to non-commercial airliners. Thus, even if they were effective, mid-air collisions would not be eliminated, as non-commercial aircraft would not have the benefit of the system suggested.
If any other problems occur to you, you could spend a sentence mentioning these.
Conclusion:
If you follow these tips, you will be sure about what you are doing under time pressure and will score more highly on the essay.
The GRE and GMAT both have essays involving the analysis of an argument. Time is short to write your essay: each test only provides you with 30 minutes to answer. Therefore, to have a clear structure in mind for your essay before the exam is a huge advantage.
Let’s look at sample questions from both tests to get an idea of how to structure a response.
This question comes from the “2018 GMAT Official Guide:”
“The computerized on-board warning system that will be installed in commercial airliners will virtually solve the problem of midair plane collisions. One plane’s warning system can receive signals from another’s transponder—a radio set that signals a plane’s course—in order to determine the likelihood of a collision and recommend evasive action.”
Discuss how well-reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion, be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
Your essay can be structured into an introduction, a main paragraph and a conclusion.
The introduction can be as short as two or three sentences.
- Arguments are generally not well-supported or can be easily refuted, therefore, your first sentence can make the point that the argument is not well-reasoned, as it leaves out factors that would need to be considered.
- Your second sentence should provide a one-sentence summary of the argument.
- Your third sentence can reiterate that this is not a logical argument and does not provide sufficient evidence to draw the conclusion that the it does.
Now let’s move to your main paragraph. You are looking for three main points here. There may be many problems with the argument, but you will not have time to identify them all.
- The first sentence of your main paragraph can list the three main problems you have identified in the argument.
Now you can move on to a consideration of your first main problem. This can be done in two sentences:
- First sentence - Outline a part of the argument. For example, the argument states that once a plane’s course has been signaled, the problem of mid-air collisions will disappear.
- Second sentence - Refute this argument. State that there could be other causes of mid-air collisions. Give an example. For example, the pilots may not be paying attention to their instruments.
- Once you’ve got that down, address the second main problem. Again, this can be handled in two sentences.
- Identify something the argument does not consider. For example, what would happen if the pilots do not obey the warning? This is certainly possible and thus midair collisions would not be eliminated.
Finally, tackle the third main problem. Think of another problem with the argument. You have identified some problems already, so your third problem could just be mentioned in one sentence. Pay attention to any adjectives used in the argument. For example, look at “commercial.” There is no mention of these devices being fitted to non-commercial airliners. Thus, even if they were effective, mid-air collisions would not be eliminated, as non-commercial aircraft would not have the benefit of the system suggested.
If any other problems occur to you, you could spend a sentence mentioning these.
Conclusion:
- First sentence: Reiterate that, because of these omissions, the argument is not well-reasoned.
- Second sentence: You can emphasize that, if the argument had considered the points you mentioned, it would have been more well-reasoned. Refer back to the second sentence of your introduction. Mention that this is the way the argument is inadequately structured.
If you follow these tips, you will be sure about what you are doing under time pressure and will score more highly on the essay.
Originally posted at Economist GMAT Blog
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