Gre: Analyze An Issue

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instruction types:•Understanding the Context for Writing

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•Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.
•Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
•Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position

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Preparing for the Issue Task:method to construct the argument

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•What, precisely, is the central issue?
•What precisely are the instructions asking me to do?
•Do I agree with all or any part of the claim? Why or why not?
•Does the claim make certain assumptions? If so, are they reasonable?
•Is the claim valid only under certain conditions? If so, what are they?
•Do I need to explain how I interpret certain terms or concepts used in the claim?
•If I take a certain position on the issue, what reasons support my position?
•What examples — either real or hypothetical — could I use to illustrate those reasons and advance my point of view? Which examples are most compelling?

Once you have decided on a position to defend, consider the perspectives of others who might not agree with your position. Ask yourself:
•What reasons might someone use to refute or undermine my position?
•How should I acknowledge or defend against those views in my essay?

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points to remember

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1>you will probably need to create a new paragraph whenever your discussion shifts to a new cluster of ideas.
2>What matters is not the number of examples, the number of paragraphs or the form your argument takes, but the cogency of your ideas about the issue and the clarity and skill with which you communicate those ideas to academic readers.

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5-6 paras para 1

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The statement linking X with y
( technology negatively with free thinking)
plays on recent human experience over the past century. Surely there has been no time in history when--------

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para 2

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The statement attempts to bridge these x to y (dramatic changes to a reduction in the ability for humans to think for themselves).............
The assumption is that( an increased reliance on technology negates the need for people to think creatively to solve previous quandaries)

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para 3

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However, this x does not necessarily preclude y (reliance on technology does not necessarily preclude the creativity that marks the human species). The prior examples reveal that technology allows for convenience

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para 4

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In contrast to the statement, we can even see how technology frees the human imagination. Consider

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para 5

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This last example provides the most hope in how technology

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para 6

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Technology will always mark the human experience

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scoring guide

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Score 6

In addressing the specific task directions, a 6 response presents a cogent, well-articulated analysis of the issue and conveys meaning skillfully.

A typical response in this category:
•articulates a clear and insightful position on the issue in accordance with the assigned task
•develops the position fully with compelling reasons and/or persuasive examples
•sustains a well-focused, well-organized analysis, connecting ideas logically
•conveys ideas fluently and precisely, using effective vocabulary and sentence variety
•demonstrates superior facility with the conventions of standard written English (i.e., grammar, usage and mechanics), but may have minor errors

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template 1st para

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1) Introductory Paragraph (2-4 sentences)

Make sure to keep your introductory paragraph concise, strong and effective.

What the introductory paragraph should accomplish:
Explain the issue (briefly).
Show that you understand the full complexities of the issue (for example, by recognizing competing interests or various factors).
State your position on the issue (without the details yet).


Sample template for introductory paragraph (2 sentences):

a) Whether ___________________ depends on ___________________.


b) (insert your opinion), ___________________.

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template 2nd para

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2) First Body Paragraph (3-5 sentences)



Develop your position using your most important evidence. Use one or two examples to back up your main point:

a) The chief reason for my view is ___________________.

b) For example, ___________________.

c) Moreover, ___________________.

d) Finally, ___________________.

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template 3rd para

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3) Second Body Paragraph

Expand your position with a "secondary" reason. Support your rationale further with at least one example.

State your second reason (one only).
Provide rationale and/or evidence to support it.



Here's a sample template for the second body paragraph that accomplishes these objectives:

a) Another reason for my view is ___________________.

b) Specifically, ___________________.

c) The result is, ___________________.

d) In addition to _[first evidence]__ , __[new evidence]__ also proves….

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template 4th para

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4) Optional Third Body Paragraph

In this paragraph (optional) you acknowledge a competing viewpoint or counter-argument (and rationale and/or examples that support it), and then provide rebuttals to further support your position. In this paragraph you walk a tightrope, you must acknowledge the counter-argument, but yet deny it immediately in the next sentence and use that denial to strengthen your own argument.

Acknowledge a different viewpoint or a counter-argument.
Provide rationale and/or examples that support it.
Provide a rebuttal.


Here's a sample template for the third body paragraph that accomplishes the objectives indicated above:

a) Some might argue, ___________________.

b) Yet, ___________________.

c) Others might cite, ___________________.

d) However, ___________________.

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template 5th para

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5) Conclusion Paragraph

In this paragraph you write a summary of your position in 1 to 3 sentences:

State the thrust of your position.
Restate the main points from the body of your essay.
Broaden your scope and show how your ideas can apply more widely


The concluding paragraph is not the place for new information or reasons. It is not a place to draw new conclusions.

a) In sum, I concur that ___________________.

b) However,___________________; on the ___________________.

c) Without _________________, we would not have _________________