GRE Analyze an Argument Task | Your Guide to Analytical Writing!

The GRE analyze an argument task may ask you to analyze either a passage or a set of passages (usually about two). The answer choices will be phrases and sentences from within the passage or set of passages. You’ll be expected to select an answer choice that strengthens or weakens the author’s argument.

You’re not being asked to find flaws in an argument; it’s more like playing devil’s advocate on behalf of an opposing viewpoint. Some questions will be relatively straightforward, while others can be extremely challenging.

In order to succeed on this type of question, you’ll need to have good reading comprehension skills and strong analytical reasoning skills. You should also have some knowledge of logic and critical thinking concepts like fallacy detection (including slippery slope arguments).

5 Best Strategies for GRE Analyze the Argument Task

The GRE Argument writing section is an essay that tests your ability to analyze a problem, develop an argument, and support it with relevant examples. You have 30 minutes to plan, compose, and revise a response in which you develop a position on the issue by supporting your assertion with logical reasoning and well-chosen examples.

Here, we discuss the five best strategies to help you provide the best argument in the section. 

Focus on the argument’s premises and conclusion

Remember that premises are the facts or ideas that support an argument’s conclusion; they must be true for the argument to make sense. A good premise is one that is relevant and has some basis in reality. The conclusion is the point the author makes after he presents his premises – it is what he believes based on his premises.

While analyzing arguments, you may find yourself disagreeing with the author’s conclusions or agreeing with them but questioning their validity. You may also find yourself questioning whether or not certain information should be included in an argument at all. This is normal! The point of this section is not to tell you what is right or wrong about anything (that’s what Critical Reasoning does) but rather to help you think like a writer so that when you write your own essays for this section. 

Identifying common fallacies used in arguments

An argument is an attempt to persuade others that a particular point of view or action is correct. The writer of an argument attempts to support his or her point with evidence, reasoning, and logic. However, not all arguments are persuasive; sometimes, they use logical fallacies, which are errors in thinking or reasoning that undermine the validity of an argument.

A fallacy is an error in reasoning that undermines an argument’s logical validity or invalidates its factual premises. When you’re answering questions about an argument, look for these fallacies:

1. Straw-man fallacy
2. Ad-hominem fallacy
3. Slippery slope fallacy
4. Circular reasoning 
5. Non sequitur
6. Begging the question 
7. Post hoc, ergo propter hoc

Use details and specific examples

The GRE Argument task expects you to look for specific details in support of an argument so that you can determine whether they actually support the conclusion that is being made. If a person says something like, “I think we should lower taxes because we need more money for roads,” then he may be making a very weak argument because he hasn’t given any evidence at all. Any time there is a claim made without any evidence provided with it, then it is likely weak or even false!

Select a position on the topic

Choose your position on the topic carefully. The task is not asking you to select a side; it is asking you to examine both sides of an argument and then decide which one makes more sense or has more evidence to support it. Choose one position that you can defend, either by agreeing with it or opposing it. You must choose a position before you begin reading because you can use this information to help you focus your attention when you read through each argument.

Identify the author’s main argument

Another thing you need to do when answering any question is to understand what it’s asking you for. In order for you to answer a question correctly, you need to know what is being asked for; otherwise, how can you possibly give an appropriate response? For example, if a question asks, “Which one of the following most accurately describes what the author believes?” then you must be able to recognize which one of those choices best describes what the author believes.

Factors to Consider While Attempting GRE Analyze the Argument Task 

• Clarity
• Structure
• Sentence Variety
• Vocabulary
• Language and Grammar
• Reasoning
• Evidence

Quick tips to improve your performance in the GRE analyze the argument task:

1. Read the prompt carefully and understand what exactly you have to analyze

2. If necessary, read the passage again and make notes on important points that may help you with analyzing the argument

3. Identify premises (assumptions or facts) and conclusion (the writer’s point). Also, identify any counter-arguments (i.e., what might be considered contrary evidence)

4. Use your notes to help you determine whether there is a flaw in the argument or not

5. In case of doubt, try to find out if there is another way of looking at this situation apart from what has been presented by the writer

6. If there are several possible answers, then pick one that best explains how the reasoning is flawed (e.g., if there are two premises with opposite conclusions, then choose “irrelevant”)

7. Come up with at least two examples or reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with the argument (but if you can come up with more than two examples or reasons, do so!)

8. Use evidence from your own life experiences and observations when possible, but also include evidence from outside sources such as articles or books if needed (although you need to make sure those sources are credible!)

Key takeaways

• You will need to develop extensive comprehensive skills to perform your best in the GRE section of analyzing the argument task. 
• Make sure you check your response against the factors checked by the graders. These factors include clarity, structure, sentence variety, vocabulary, language and grammar, reasoning, and evidence. 
• You can improve your vocabulary and sentence structure by diversifying your reading and inculcating the habit of perusing the newspaper. 

In short, the post gives you strategies and tips that can help you ace the GRE analyze the argument task. You will need to practice your comprehension skills, develop an understanding of different topics, and proofread the answer before submitting it. With these tips and extensive practice with such questions, you can easily ace the GRE analytical writing part. To know more, go through our website. 

FAQs

Question 1: How do you analyze an argument in GRE?

Answer 1: You cannot analyze an argument unless you understand it fully. So, it’s very important that you read the argument carefully and try to understand what the author is saying.

Question 2: Is four a good GRE writing score?

Answer 2: A 4 on the analytical writing section is considered average by most graduate schools, but it can vary from school to school.

Question 3: How can I improve my GRE AWA score? Answer 3: To improve your GRE AWA score, you need to be able to write with clarity and brevity. Make your content concise, clear, and engaging.