Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2014 July 4

= July 4 =

GRE 6-rating issue sample responses that agree with the prompts?
I am looking for sample responses for the Issue portion of the Analytical Writing section that agree with the stated prompts and that have scored a six (the highest score). I have read a couple of samples, and it seems to me that many of these are very focused on disagreeing with the prompt or critically analyzing the prompt to the point of highlighting the weaknesses/flaws. In that case, could it be easier to begin with a skeptical point-of-view than an affirmative point-of-view? 65.24.105.132 (talk) 16:45, 4 July 2014 (UTC)


 * Could you provide a little context, please? I'm not at all sure what you're asking about. Thanks. AlexTiefling (talk) 16:46, 4 July 2014 (UTC)


 * The GRE is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for most graduate schools in the United States. It has three portions: Analytical Writing portion, Verbal Reasoning portion, and Quantitative Reasoning portion. The Analytical Writing portion has two sections: the Issue prompt and the Argument prompt. The Issue prompt requests you to agree or disagree with the Issue and support your reasoning. The Argument prompt requests you to analyze the logical soundness of the argument. Does that help? 65.24.105.132 (talk) 16:59, 4 July 2014 (UTC)


 * I think I chose to agree with the prompt when I took it, and I did not get a 6, which, as a regional champion impromptu speaker trained in critically analyzing quotation prompts, I found offensive. With your support, we can file a class action lawsuit on behalf of all those who chose the road less traveled.


 * That said, you are almost certainly correct that most high-score responses will disagree with the prompt, if only because a critical analysis requires you to dredge up enough criticism that you might as well just disagree by the end instead of wasting extra time countering the very criticism that you draw up, all the while fending off the possible accusation that the criticisms you chose were cherry-picked or straw-men. I guess your best bet is to disregard your opinions and sensibilities when you go in, and simply write a rebuttal. Welcome to law/politics/punditry. I'm happy in science where the General GRE is barely given a second look. (though the Physics GRE has its own problems – history? memorization?) SamuelRiv (talk) 02:26, 6 July 2014 (UTC)