AWA: How to go about an ‘Analysis of an Argument’

AWA: How to go about an ‘Analysis of an Argument’


In this section, candidates are given an argument in which they need to find flaws and gaps in the assumptions.

How should you go about critiquing an argument? Here are some pointers:

Read the given Argument carefully

Remember that if your critique is not relevant, you get a ‘Zero’. So make sure that you have read the given Argument very carefully and understood it completely. Try and understand what each statement is saying and what the possible flaws in the logic are.

It may be a good strategy to read the given Argument a second time; and slowly-after all, it is only one paragraph!

Do not express your opinion

As opposed to the Issue Analysis essay, in this type of essay, you only have to provide a critique of the stated argument, not present your viewpoint or perspective. Hence, limit yourself to finding out the problems with the given statements.

You are allowed to express your views on what weakens or strengthens the Argument, however. Thus, the bottom-line is that you are not supposed to express your opinion on the subject itself, but only what has been stated in the given Argument.

Structure your Points

You must structure your essay and analysis. Ask yourself the following questions before you begin:

• What are the weaknesses in the argument?
• What are the unstated assumptions?
• How can the given conclusion be weakened?
• Is the conclusion only valid in a certain set of circumstances?

Having done this, jot your points down on a rough sheet and then arrange them in order of priority.

As for the Issue Analysis essay, you must ensure that your essay has the following:

• An Introduction to the Topic. This might state that the given Argument has some flaws.
• The main body comprising 3-4 paragraphs with the main points of critique
• A Conclusion, in which you sum up and state that the given Argument is weak due to the reasons you have identified.

Time Management

Spend the first five minutes in thinking about what to write, the points you wish to include, structuring your points etc. The next 20 minutes or so could be spent in the actual writing.

And finally, you should leave the last five minutes for proof-reading. Make sure of the following aspects in this time:

• Make sure the points mentioned in the introduction are developed in the main body of the essay and there is a logical flow
• Look out for and correct the grammatical errors, typos, errors in syntax etc
• Check that your thoughts have been communicated clearly and concisely.
• Do not try to change too much in the last five minutes. This will result in a garbled essay!

What you Need to do:

• Your points of critique of the given Argument should identify the logical flaws, inconsistencies, assumptions, gaps in logic etc.

• One good technique is to identify the conclusion and the assumptions on which the conclusion has been based. Critically analyze on whether the assumptions actually help justify the conclusion.

• Also look for generalizations that the author has made. You will find that in most GMAT essays, very often some are made-and you can pounce on these.

• You may also provide alternative explanations or suitable examples that may weaken the given conclusion.

• Remember to express your points of critique in separate paragraphs (one critique per paragraph). You should have at least three-four paragraphs in the body of your essay.

Be Smart: Use ‘Transition’ words

Remember that both a human and a Computer grade your essay. A computer will not be able to appreciate the usage of subtle metaphors, poetry, humour etc. All that is required is a logical flow, good analysis, correct grammar etc.

You are advised to use ‘Transition’ words. These help to link sentences together or clearly outline separate points. This is what the Evaluator looks for- a smooth, logical flow.

For example, the usage of words such as ‘for example’, ‘subsequently’, ‘consequently’, ‘however’ etc are likely to prove quite useful.

Similarly, while expressing different ideas, use words such as ‘Firstly’ ‘second’, ‘next’ ‘finally’ etc will be useful-this shall help the Evaluator follow your points and the essay's structure easily.

Aim to be Clear and Precise in your Logic

Evaluators markedly look for the ability to present ideas and arguments clearly and logically.

Your writing should have a natural ‘flow’. One point should lead to another seamlessly. Don’t be vague or all over the place.

Another point is that refrain from using ‘big words’ whose meaning you may not yourself understand. Evaluators look for correct and proper English, and not necessarily for outstanding Vocabulary.


Use correct Grammar

As may be obvious, the usage of correct English and grammar is important. Grammar does influence the opinion that the Evaluator shall have of your critique and hence your grade. In fact, some say that if your critique is grammatically incorrect, the Evaluator may well conclude that the essay's logic, structure etc, are also incorrect.

Practice

As for almost everything else, make sure you have enough practice in critiquing an Argument. Do not neglect this part of the GMAT exam. The more you write such critiques, the better you shall get at framing a structure, and putting across your thoughts clearly, effectively, concisely and logically.