Analyze an Issue Tips & Tricks

Question 1

Specific Instructions = 3 parts to each question

Answer 1

1) Reasoning for your position on:
- the statement, the recommendation, the claim
- two views
- claim+reason, or
- the policy

2) Support your view in this way:
- might or might not hold true
- adopting it would or wouldn’t be advantageous
- extent you agree/disagree
- which view closely aligns with your perspective,
- extent you agree/disagree with the claim AND the reasoning for that claim,
- possible consequences of implementing the policy

3) Acknowledge both sides + specific instructions
- how these consideration, examples shape your position,
- most compelling reasons/examples to challenge your position
- address both views,
- possible consequences for implementing the policy

Question 2

How to respond to the six question types

Answer 2

1) Pick a side of the prompt and defend it, but explain when the other side might be true or more logical.
- the statement + might or might not hold true
- the recommendation + adopting it would/wouldn’t be advantageous
- the claim + agree or disagree + most compelling reasons/examples to challenge your position
- two views + which view closely aligns with your perspective

2) Pick a side of the prompt, and also make sure to discuss the reason given in defense of that prompt.
- claim + reason
- extent you agree/disagree with the claim AND the reasoning for that claim
- address both views

3) Pick a side and discuss the consequences of your opinion
- the policy
- possible consequences for implementing the policy

Question 3

Extreme Words & Practical Issues

Answer 3

Watch out for extreme phrasing which will present practical issues because EVERY is very difficult to apply EVERYWHERE. Thus is makes it very easy to disagree with the claim in a strong way, but also acknowledge the other side.

Question 4

Issue Essay Outline

Answer 4

1) Introduction:
- restate the issue, demonstrate you understand
- define terms when necessary and acknowledge complexity
- establish your take (thesis)

2) Body
- 4 paragraphs each with a main point
- transition sentences!

3) Conclusion
- resummarize your position
- acknowledge the other side
- final extra insight/new window to the main idea

Question 5

Issue Essay Style Points

Answer 5

• academic and serious
• using a variety of words
• varied sentence structure
• GRE vocabulary
• transitions
• million dollar quotes