GMAT Verbal

Question 1

Common Patterns (arguments)

Answer 1

1. Causal
2. Planning
3. Sampling
4. Interpretation of Evidence
5. Analogy

Question 2

Causal Arguments

Answer 2

Assumes that a conclusion can be the result of a single cause, factor or reason.

Flaw:

• Result is a coincidence,
• There are other explanations or causes of the result.

Question 3

Planning Arguments

Answer 3

Describe a problem and a proposed solution, conclude that the solution will solve the problem.

Flaw:
-Assumes no problems with plan

Question 4

Sampling Arguments

Answer 4

Draws a conclusion based on a sample set. Accept the facts in the premise as truth.

Flaw:
-Conclusion can not always be drawn by the facts in the premise.

Question 5

Interpretation of Evidence Argument

Answer 5

Conclusion is drawn from an interpretation of facts or statistics.

Flaw:
-Assumes there is now other way to interpret the facts in the premise.

Question 6

Analogy Arguments

Answer 6

Conclusion is made from a comparison.

Flaw: Assumes that the items being compared are similar and that what is true for one is also true for the other.

Question 7

Essay Paragraph 1

Answer 7

P1 - Intro with generic thesis statement that works for 99.9% of argument essays.

• X has become a hot topic in the United States as of late.
• In the preceding statement, the author claims that (paraphrase of the author’s argument)
• Though his claim may well have merit, the author presents a poorly reasoned argument, based on several questionable premises and assumptions, and based solely on the evidence the author offers, we cannot accept his argument as valid.

Question 8

Essay Paragraph 2

Answer 8

P2 - Attack the premises of the argument.

• The primary issue with the author’s reasoning lies in his unsubstantiated premises.
• The author’s premises, the basis for his argument, lack any legitimate evidentiary support and render his conclusion unacceptable.

Question 9

Essay Paragraph 3

Answer 9

P3 - Attack the assumptions of the argument.

• In addition, the author makes several assumptions that remain unproven.
• The author weakens his argument by making assumptions and failing to provide explication of the links between X and Y he assumes exists.

Question 10

Essay Paragraph 4

Answer 10

P4 - Discuss what type of evidence or reasoning would strengthen the argument.

• While the author does have several key issues in his argument’s premises and assumptions, that is not to say that the entire argument is without base.
• Though there are several issues with the author’s reasoning at present, with research and clarification, he could improve his argument significantly.

Question 11

Essay Paragraph 5

Answer 11

P5 - Conclusion.

• In sum, the author’s illogical argument is based on unsupported premises and unsubstantiated assumptions that render his conclusion invalid.
• If the author truly hopes to change his readers’ minds on the issue, he would have to largely restructure his argument, fix the flaws in his logic, clearly explicate his assumptions, and provide evidentiary support. Without these things, his poorly reasoned argument will likely convince few people.