Task instructions, organization, common argument flaws, and how to structure the two GRE essays.
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- What is the main task in an Analyze an Issue essay?
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Examine a given opinion or position and present your perspective on whether you agree, disagree, or hold a more nuanced view.
- How much time is allotted for the Analyze an Issue essay on the GRE?
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30 minutes.
- What is the primary audience for an Analyze an Issue essay?
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An educated reader who is not necessarily familiar with the issue.
- What are the main components of an Analyze an Issue essay structure?
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Introduction with your position, body paragraphs with evidence and examples, acknowledgment of alternative viewpoints, and conclusion restating your position.
- Should an Analyze an Issue essay present one position or acknowledge multiple perspectives?
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It should acknowledge multiple perspectives, but take a clear position and explain why your view is most reasonable.
- What types of evidence work best in an Analyze an Issue essay?
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Concrete examples from history, current events, personal experience, or hypothetical scenarios that logically support your claim.
- How should you introduce your position in an Analyze an Issue essay?
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Explain why the issue matters, identify the key assumptions or values it depends on, then state your position clearly.
- What should you do with opposing viewpoints in an Analyze an Issue essay?
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Acknowledge them fairly, explain why they have merit, then explain why your position is stronger or more appropriate.
- What is the main task in an Analyze an Argument essay?
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Evaluate the logical soundness and persuasiveness of a given argument, identifying and critiquing its flaws and assumptions.
- How much time is allotted for the Analyze an Argument essay on the GRE?
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30 minutes.
- Should you argue for or against the position in an Analyze an Argument essay?
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Neither. You analyze the quality of the reasoning, not whether you agree with the conclusion.
- What is the primary goal when analyzing an argument on the GRE?
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Identify the logical structure, assumptions, and evidence, then explain whether and how those elements support the conclusion.
- What are the main components of an Analyze an Argument essay structure?
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Introduction identifying the argument's conclusion and main evidence, body paragraphs analyzing specific flaws or weak points, and conclusion summarizing the argument's logical weaknesses.
- Should you state whether you personally agree with an argument's conclusion in your essay?
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No. Focus entirely on the logical strength of the argument, not on your personal agreement or disagreement.
- What should your introduction accomplish in an Analyze an Argument essay?
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Briefly state what the argument claims, what evidence or reasoning it provides, and identify one or two areas you will examine.