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TargetMBA007
Joined: 22 Nov 2019
Last visit: 20 Mar 2026
Posts: 258
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Schools: Stanford (S)
GPA: 4.0
14 Dec 2023, 23:24
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Prompt
Read the statement and the instructions that follow it, and then make any notes that will help you plan your response. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen.
The following editorial appeared in the South Fork Gazette:
“Last year, the city contracted with Flower Power to plant a variety of flowers in big decorative pots on Main Street and to water them each week. By midsummer many of the plants were wilted. This year the city should either contract for two waterings a week or save money by planting artificial flowers in the pots. According to Flower Power, the initial cost for artificial flowers would be twice as much as for real plants, but after two years, we would save money. Public reaction certainly supports this position: in a recent survey, over 1,200 Gazette readers said that the city wastes money and should find ways to reduce spending.”
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.
…………….
RESPONSE - Was written on the official GMAC tool, within the allotted time (30 Mins).
The argument states that the city should either contract for two waterings a week or save money by planting artificial flowers, because planting natural plants with flowers has not worked out for the city. Further, the major focus of the argument is on promoting the second option, i.e. the planting of artificial flowers, because all evidence provided supports this position. However, the reasons presented by the author lack thorough rigour, and the argument relies on questionable assumptions. For example, the author implies that the public supports the planting of artificial flowers based on a flawed inference. Further, the author refers to absolute data, with no reference to population size, to support his assetion. Finally, the author's proposals focus on alternate solutions, without thoroughly considering the fact that there may be solutions, that address the original problem, without increasing the cost.
The author states that the public supports "this position", implying that the position supported is one of replacing natural plants with flowers with artificial ones. Then the author cites evidence to support this claim, which is that a recent survey revealed, that "over 1200 Gazette readers said that the city wastes money and should find ways to reduce spending". However, the author has made an invalid assumption here, i.e. that the public agrees with this method of saving costs. The survey indicates a general position of the public to "reduce costs", and indicates nothing about their support for the specific action of replacing natural flowers with artificial ones.
Furthermore, the above position is supported by the author using the fact that, an absolute number of readers of "South Fork Gazette", believe that the "city wastes money", however, there is no data to provide, what number of people support an opposing position, or what percentage of the total voters is represented by the 1200 Gazette readers. In fact, it would not be unreasonable to assume, that the Gazette readers are a small fraction of the population of the city, and hence the author's use of this evidence is highly questionable.
Finally, the author proposes alternate solutions, with the assumption, that the original problem, i.e. "the wilting of natural plants" is unaddressable, without presenting any evidence or data to support this. In fact, there may be several solutions to address the original problem, without increasing costs. For e.g. planting of a different plant variety or changing the watering schedule - quantity, timing, time of day, etc.
In summary, while the author has the good intention to propose solutions to the problem presented, the author jumps to alternate solutions, without considering simpler solutions, that can resolve the issue at hand, given the constraints of budget. Also, the author uses weak evidence to support his alternate solutions, i.e. evidence that relies on significant assumptions and leap of logic. The author could strengthen his argument, by presenting more thorough evidence, that does not rely on broad assumptions, and inferences, for e.g. he could provide data in terms of what % of the city residents support his position, or provide empirical data suggesting that solutions to the original problem were explored and were found to be unfeasible, leading to his proposal for alternate solutions.
....................
Overall score here: https://prnt.sc/h1s_nmg-qgNd
Generally looks good, but I think have some room for improvement in some of the sub-sections, so would welcome any feedback on what I can do better.
GMATNinja GMATNinjaTwo MartyMurray
Read the statement and the instructions that follow it, and then make any notes that will help you plan your response. Type your response in the box at the bottom of the screen.
The following editorial appeared in the South Fork Gazette:
“Last year, the city contracted with Flower Power to plant a variety of flowers in big decorative pots on Main Street and to water them each week. By midsummer many of the plants were wilted. This year the city should either contract for two waterings a week or save money by planting artificial flowers in the pots. According to Flower Power, the initial cost for artificial flowers would be twice as much as for real plants, but after two years, we would save money. Public reaction certainly supports this position: in a recent survey, over 1,200 Gazette readers said that the city wastes money and should find ways to reduce spending.”
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.
…………….
RESPONSE - Was written on the official GMAC tool, within the allotted time (30 Mins).
The argument states that the city should either contract for two waterings a week or save money by planting artificial flowers, because planting natural plants with flowers has not worked out for the city. Further, the major focus of the argument is on promoting the second option, i.e. the planting of artificial flowers, because all evidence provided supports this position. However, the reasons presented by the author lack thorough rigour, and the argument relies on questionable assumptions. For example, the author implies that the public supports the planting of artificial flowers based on a flawed inference. Further, the author refers to absolute data, with no reference to population size, to support his assetion. Finally, the author's proposals focus on alternate solutions, without thoroughly considering the fact that there may be solutions, that address the original problem, without increasing the cost.
The author states that the public supports "this position", implying that the position supported is one of replacing natural plants with flowers with artificial ones. Then the author cites evidence to support this claim, which is that a recent survey revealed, that "over 1200 Gazette readers said that the city wastes money and should find ways to reduce spending". However, the author has made an invalid assumption here, i.e. that the public agrees with this method of saving costs. The survey indicates a general position of the public to "reduce costs", and indicates nothing about their support for the specific action of replacing natural flowers with artificial ones.
Furthermore, the above position is supported by the author using the fact that, an absolute number of readers of "South Fork Gazette", believe that the "city wastes money", however, there is no data to provide, what number of people support an opposing position, or what percentage of the total voters is represented by the 1200 Gazette readers. In fact, it would not be unreasonable to assume, that the Gazette readers are a small fraction of the population of the city, and hence the author's use of this evidence is highly questionable.
Finally, the author proposes alternate solutions, with the assumption, that the original problem, i.e. "the wilting of natural plants" is unaddressable, without presenting any evidence or data to support this. In fact, there may be several solutions to address the original problem, without increasing costs. For e.g. planting of a different plant variety or changing the watering schedule - quantity, timing, time of day, etc.
In summary, while the author has the good intention to propose solutions to the problem presented, the author jumps to alternate solutions, without considering simpler solutions, that can resolve the issue at hand, given the constraints of budget. Also, the author uses weak evidence to support his alternate solutions, i.e. evidence that relies on significant assumptions and leap of logic. The author could strengthen his argument, by presenting more thorough evidence, that does not rely on broad assumptions, and inferences, for e.g. he could provide data in terms of what % of the city residents support his position, or provide empirical data suggesting that solutions to the original problem were explored and were found to be unfeasible, leading to his proposal for alternate solutions.
....................
Overall score here: https://prnt.sc/h1s_nmg-qgNd
Generally looks good, but I think have some room for improvement in some of the sub-sections, so would welcome any feedback on what I can do better.
GMATNinja GMATNinjaTwo MartyMurray
17 Dec 2023, 12:47
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AWA Score: 5 out of 6
Coherence and Connectivity: 5.5/6
The essay maintains good coherence and connectivity. The introduction sets the stage by summarizing the argument, and each paragraph flows logically to the next. Transitions are generally smooth, contributing to the overall coherence of the essay.
Word Structure: 5/6
The word structure is strong, with varied and appropriate vocabulary. Sentences are well-constructed for the most part, contributing to the clarity of the analysis. However, there are a few instances where sentence structure could be refined for improved readability.
Paragraph Structure and Formation: 5.5/6
The essay exhibits well-organized paragraph structure. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the argument, and ideas are logically arranged within paragraphs. The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion contribute to the overall effectiveness of the essay.
Language and Grammar: 5/6
The language used is clear and precise, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few instances of awkward phrasing or unclear expression that could be revised for greater clarity. Additionally, a more varied use of sentence structures could enhance the overall quality of language.
Vocabulary and Word Expression: 5/6
The vocabulary used is appropriate and contributes to the clarity of the analysis. There is room for slight improvement in word expression for a more sophisticated presentation of ideas. Exploring alternative synonyms or expressions could enhance the overall richness of vocabulary.
Overall, the essay provides a thorough analysis of the argument, highlighting its weaknesses and suggesting areas for improvement. With some minor refinements in sentence structure, language clarity, and vocabulary, the essay could achieve an even higher level of coherence and expression.
Coherence and Connectivity: 5.5/6
The essay maintains good coherence and connectivity. The introduction sets the stage by summarizing the argument, and each paragraph flows logically to the next. Transitions are generally smooth, contributing to the overall coherence of the essay.
Word Structure: 5/6
The word structure is strong, with varied and appropriate vocabulary. Sentences are well-constructed for the most part, contributing to the clarity of the analysis. However, there are a few instances where sentence structure could be refined for improved readability.
Paragraph Structure and Formation: 5.5/6
The essay exhibits well-organized paragraph structure. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the argument, and ideas are logically arranged within paragraphs. The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion contribute to the overall effectiveness of the essay.
Language and Grammar: 5/6
The language used is clear and precise, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few instances of awkward phrasing or unclear expression that could be revised for greater clarity. Additionally, a more varied use of sentence structures could enhance the overall quality of language.
Vocabulary and Word Expression: 5/6
The vocabulary used is appropriate and contributes to the clarity of the analysis. There is room for slight improvement in word expression for a more sophisticated presentation of ideas. Exploring alternative synonyms or expressions could enhance the overall richness of vocabulary.
Overall, the essay provides a thorough analysis of the argument, highlighting its weaknesses and suggesting areas for improvement. With some minor refinements in sentence structure, language clarity, and vocabulary, the essay could achieve an even higher level of coherence and expression.
TargetMBA007
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