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GMAT备考精华-作文篇
GMAT备考精华-作文篇
共分二部分：
1. 孙远--GMAT作文--讲义
2. 800SCORE作文模板
第一部分：孙远--GMAT作文--讲义
一、考试指南
GMAT作文考两篇作文，一篇是一个是非问题分析（Analysis of an Issue）; 另一篇作文是一个逻辑问题分析（Analysis of an Argument）。两篇作文各考30分钟，加起来共一个小时。简单地说，第一篇作文是立论，第二篇作文是驳论。
1. 逻辑问题分析例文
The following appeared in a memorandum from the Director of Human Resources to the executive officers of Company X.
“Last year, we surveyed our employees on improvements needed at Company X by having them rank, in order of importance, the issues presented in a list of possible improvements. Improved communications between employees and management was consistently ranked as the issue of highest importance by the employees who responded to the survey. As you know, we have since instituted regular communications sessions conducted by high-level management, which the employees can attend on a voluntary basis. Therefore, it is likely that most employees at Company X now feel that the improvement most needed at the company has been made.”
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative, explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
2. 是非问题分析例文
“Employees should keep their private lives and personal activities as separate as possible from the workplace.”
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
GMAT作文题库是怎么回事
GMAT作文的评分标准
GMAT作文如何阅卷和评分
二、课程安排
1. 教学内容
Part One: Analysis of an Argument
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Case Study 3
Case Study 4
Part Tw Analysis of an Issue
Case Study 1
Case Study 2
Case Study 3
Case Study 4
Part Three: Summary
1. Language Skills
2. Prep Tips
2. 教学方法
(1)案例分析
逻辑分析(4个)
是非分析(4个)
(2)作文的结构和模式
(3)论证方法
(4)语言问题
Part One
三、逻辑问题例文分析
Case Study 1：
The following appeared as part of an article in a daily newspaper.
“The computerized onboard warning system that will be installed in commercial airliners will virtually solve the problem of midair plane collisions. One plane’s warning system can receive signals from another’s transponder--a radio set that signals a plane’s course--in order to determine the likelihood of a collision and recommend evasive action.”
Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. In your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. For example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative, explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. You can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
2分作文:
This argument has no information about air collisions. I think most cases happen is new airports because the air traffic is heavy. In this case sound airport control could solve the problem.
I think this argument is logically reasonable. Its assumption is that plane collisions are caused by planes that don’t know each others positions. So pilots can do nothing, if they know each other’s position through the system it will solve the problem. If it can provide evidence the problem is lack of knowledge of each other’s positions, it will be more sound and persuasive.
More information about air collisions is helpful, (the reason for air collisions)
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4分作文
The argument is not logically convincing. It does not state whether all planes can receive signals from each other. It does not state whether planes constantly receive signals. If they only receive signals once every certain time interval, collisions will not definitely be prevented. Further if they receive a signal right before they are about to crash, they cannot avoid each other.
The main flaw in the argument is that it assumes that the two planes, upon receiving each other’s signals, will know which evasive action to take. For example, the two planes could be going towards each other and then receive the signals. If one turns at an angle to the left and the other turns at an angle to the right, the two planes will still crash. Even if they receive an updated signal, they will not have time, to avoid each other.
The following argument would be more sound and persuasive. The new warning system will solve the problem of midair plane collisions. Each plane will receive constant, continual signals from each other. If the two planes are headed in a direction where they will crash, the system will coordinate the signals and tell one plane to go one way, and the other plane to go another way. The new system will ensure that the two planes will turn in different directions so they don’t crash by trying to prevent the original crash. In addition, the planes will be able to see themselves and the other on a computer screen, to aid in the evasive action.
6分作文：
The argument that this warning system will virtually solve the problem of midair plane collisions omits some important concerns that be addressed to substantiate the argument. The statement that follows the des cription of what this warning system will do simply describes the system and how it operates. This alone does not constitute a logical argument in favor of the warning system, and it certainly does not provide support or proof of the main argument.
Most conspicuously, the argument does not address the cause of the problem of air plane collisions, the use of the system by pilots and flight specialists, or who is involved in the midair plane collisions. First, the argument assumes that the cause of the problem is that the planes’ courses, the likelihood of collisions, and actions to avoid collisions are unknown or inaccurate. But if the cause of the problem of midair plane collisions is that pilots are not paying attention to their computer systems or flight operations, the warning system will not solve the collision problem. Second, the argument never addresses the interface between individuals and the system and how this will affect the warning system’s objective of obliterating the problem of collisions. If the pilot or flight specialist does not conform to what the warning system suggests, air collisions will not be avoided. Finally, if planes other than commercial airliners are involved in the collisions, the problem of these collisions cannot be solved by a warning system that will not be installed on non-commercial airliners. The argument also does not address what would happen in the event that the warning system collapsed, falls, or does not work properly.
Because the argument leaves out several key issues, it is not sound or persuasive. If it included the items discussed above instead of solely explaining what the system supposedly does, the argument would have been more thorough and convincing.
Case Study 2：
The following appeared in an Avia Airlines departmental memorandum: “On average, 9 out of every 1000 passengers who traveled on Avia Airlines in 1993 filed a complaint about our luggage-handing procedures. This means that although some 1 percent of our passengers were unhappy with those procedures, the overwhelming majority were quite satisfied with them; thus it would appear that a review of the procedures is not important to our goal of maintaining or increasing the number of Avia's passengers.”
Discuss how logically convincing you find this argument. In explaining your point of view, be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. Also discuss what, if anything, would make the argument more sound and persuasive, or would help you to better evaluate its conclusion.
Student Essay
In Avia Airlines's survey, nearly 1 present of its passengers were unhappy with its baggage-handling procedures. The result sounds good. But the small pool of samples in regard with all passengers, the weakness of procedure of complaint, and other reasons below will weaken the result, or draw to an opposite conclusion .
Avia Airlines can only survive by transporting hundreds of thousands of passengers each years. Many passengers who were not satisfied with its baggage-handling procedures maybe did not write down a complaint. Assuming that only one percent of those unsatisfied passengers complained in written forms, the number of unsatisfied would be 900 out of every 1000 passenger. It is a horrible ratio. Avia Airlines could be murdered by the remaining 899 unsatisfied ones.
To 1000, 9 seems a very small ratio. But if the first of the nine unsatisfied passengers is President Clinton, the story is attactive to most reporters. In some hours or days, Avia Arline will exist in newspapers, magazines, TV sports, reports and Internet. This kind of free advertisement will surely bomb AA to sky.
Avia Airlines has too many competitors in and out of USA. Clients of other Airlines, for instance, Singapore. Airlines or Japan Airlines may have no complaints about baggage-handling procedures. AA may gradually loose more and more of its passengers and die out.
So AA' s conclusion would. be absurd through reasoning. Unsatisfied passengers who did not complain, the famous persons who complained, and competitors with no unsatisfied passengers all will make disastrous result for the Avia Airlines. So a review of the procedure is very important to its goal of maintaining or increasing the number of passengers.
Revised Essay
In this argument, the arguer concludes that a review of Avia Airline's baggage-handling procedures will not further its goal of maintaining or increasing the number of Avia passengers. To support this conclusion, the arguer points out that only one percent of passengers who traveled on Avia last year filed a complaint. In addition, the arguer reasons that the great majority of Avia passengers are happy with baggage handling at the airline. This argument suffers from two critical flaws.
In the first place, the argument turns on the assumption that the 99 percent of Avia passengers who did not complain were happy with the airline's baggage-handling procedures. However, the arguer provides no evidence to support this assumption. The fact that, on average, 9 out of 1000 passengers took the time and effort to formally complain indicates nothing about the experiences or attitudes of the remaining 991. It is possible that many passengers were displeased but too busy to formally complain, while others had no opinion at all. Lacking more complete information about passengers' attitudes, we cannot assume that the great majority of passengers who did not complain were happy.
In the second place, in the absence of information about the number of passengers per flight and about the complaint records of competing airlines, the statistics presented in the memorandum might distort the seriousness of the problem. Given that most modern aircrafts carry as many as 300 to 500 passengers, it is possible that Avia received as many as 4 or 5 complaints per flight. The arguer unfairly trivializes this record. Moreover, the arguer fails to compare Avia's record with those of its competitors. It is possible that a particular competitor received virtually no baggage-handling complaints last year. If so, Avia's one percent complaint rate might be significant enough to motivate customers to switch to another airline.
In conclusion, the arguer fails to demonstrate that a review of the baggage-handling procedures at Avia Airlines is not needed to maintain or increase the number of Avia's passengers. To strengthen the argument, the author would have to provide evidence that most Avia passengers last year were indeed happy with baggage-handling procedures. To better evaluate the argument, we would need more information about the numbers of Avia passengers per flight last year and about the baggage-handling records of Avia's competitors.
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四、Argument开头段模式训练
.写作的开头尤其重要
.事先准备一个开头模式
.进行适当调整
.已经提出的模式：
第一段（4句话）：
第一句归纳原论证结论(In this argument, the arguer concludes that)
第二句话指出原论证一个方面的论据(To support this conclusion, the arguer points out that)
第三句话指出另一个方面论据(In addition, the arguer reasons that)
第四句话表明对论述的基本判断（此判断有逻辑方面的缺陷）
Sample 1:
Argument Question :
The following appeared as part of an article in a trade magazine for breweries.
"Magic Hat Brewery recently released the results of a survey of visitors to its tasting room last year. Magic Hat reports that the majority of visitors asked to taste its low-calorie beers. To boost sales, other small breweries should brew low-calorie beers as well."
开头段:
In this argument, the arguer concludes that all small breweries should brew low-calorie beers in order to increase sales. To support this conclusion, the arguer points out that most visitors to the tasting room of Magic Hat Brewery showed interest in its low-calorie beers. In addition, the arguer reasons that since most visitors like to taste the low-calorie beers of Magic Hat Brewery, most customers of other small breweries would also like to buy low-calorie beers. A careful examination of this argument would reveal how groundless it is.
Sample 2:
Argument Question :
The following appeared as part of an article in the book section on a newspaper.
"Currently more and more books are becoming available in electronic form-either free-of-charge on the Internet or for a very low price-per-book in compact disc.* Thus literary classics are likely to be read more widely than ever before. People who couldn't have purchased these works at bookstore prices will now be able to read them for little or no money; similarly, people who find it inconvenient to visit libraries and wait for books to be returned by other patrons will now have access to whatever classic they choose from their home or work computers. This increase in access to literary classics will radically affect the public taste in reading, creating a far more sophisticated and learned reading audience than has ever existed before."
*A compact disc is a small portable disc capable of storing relatively large amounts of data that can be read by a computer.
开头段:
In this argument, the arguer concludes that the increasing availability of books in electronic form will automatically bring about a far more sophisticated and learned reading audience. To support this conclusion, the arguer points out that the Internet and compact discs have made it more convenient for readers to find, buy or read books. In addition, the arguer reasons that since more people have easier access to literary classics, tasteful readers will emerge in large numbers. This argument is flawed in two major aspects.
五、逻辑问题例文分析
Case Study 3：
The following appeared in the editorial section of a newspaper.
“As public concern over drug abuse has increased, authorities have become more vigilant in their effort to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country. Many drug traffickers have consequently switched from marijuana, which is bulky, or heroin, which has a market too small to justify the risk of severe punishment, to cocaine. Thus enforcement efforts have ironically resulted in an observed increase in the illegal use of cocaine.”
Student Essay
The argument that enforcement effort over illegal drag trade, incurred by the increase of public concern over drug abuse, resulted in an observed increase in the illegal use of cocaine sound reasonable at first. But the fact that movement against drag abuse is the venture of all human being and all the responsibility of all governments, and other reasons below will weak the result, or draw to an opposite conclusion.
Drug abuse brings us human being nothing but a disaster, mental aberration, debilitated health, career desolation, family breakage and people’s totally out of control. No doubt, however small the result will be, every government should take some action against drug abuse, make people way from illegal drugs and bring a steady and health society.
All kinds of illegal drugs, not only cocaine, endangers our lives. Considering the enforcement effort over illegal drugs, we should view the efforts over the total amount of marijuana, heroin, cocaine and other illegal drugs. Since many drug traffickers have consequently switched from marijuana and heroin to cocaine because of government’s action, We can not tell the change on the total amount of drugs if, with the dramatic decrease of marijuana and heroin, this total amount decreased as the result of enforcement. We can claim that opposite the argument, the enforcement of effort do overawe the drug traffickers.
The argument also tells us that government’s efforts to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country had effectively made drug traffickers switched form marijuana and heroin to cocaine, which means with the decrease on marijuana and heroin, the government can focus their effort on cocaine. We can see the bright future that authorities will effectively beat the cocaine traffickers just as they beat the marijuana and heroin traffickers.
So the argument’s conclusion would absurd though reasoning. The authorities action did some efforts to the illegal drug abuse they should continue the enforcement against drug abuse, with efficiency.
Revised Essay
In this argument, the arguer concludes that the government’s efforts to prevent illegal drugs from entering the country have resulted in an obvious increase in the illegal use of cocaine. To support this conclusion, the arguer points out that the authorities’ more vigilant efforts to thwart the illegal drug traffic in the country have forced drug traffickers to switch from marijuana and heroin to cocaine. In addition, the arguer reasons that the increase in the supply of cocaine has resulted in its increasing use. This argument commits two critical fallacies.
In the first place, this argument commits a fallacy of causal oversimplification. The arguer assumes that an increase in the supply of cocaine is sufficient to bring about an increase in its use. While the supply of cocaine may be one of the contributing factors to its use, it is insufficient. The presumption required to substantiate this view is that drug users are not particular about which drugs they use, so that if marijuana and heroin are not available, they will switch to whatever drug is available--cocaine in this case. This assumption is not reasonable. Marijuana, heroin, and cocaine are not alike in their effects on users; nor are they alike in the manner in which they are ingested or in their addictive properties. The view that drug users’ choice of drugs is simply a function of supply overlooks these important differences. Besides, the argument is self-contradictory. If it were true, as stated by the arguer, that cocaine trafficking is both safer than the bulky marijuana and more profitable than heroin that has a small market, this fact alone would have motivated the drug traffickers to switch to cocaine. In this case, the government enforcement effort should not be held accountable for the rise in the use of cocaine.
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In the second place, the arguer fails to provide the necessary information based on which we can evaluate the comprehensive effect of the government's action. The background of the incident is that the drug abuse has now become ever more serious a social problem than anytime in the past. And this is what motivated the government actions against drug trafficking in the first place. We, therefore, can reasonably assume that before the government took actions the abuse of all major popular drugs had been on the trend of increase, including the use of cocaine. The newspaper editorial, however, only mentions the observed increase in the use of cocaine while failing to provide any information to specify the current increase and that before the government strengthened its drug contraction efforts. We thus cannot compare the patterns of change in this aspect before and after the government actions in order to reach any valid conclusion about the impact of the government actions on the use of cocaine.
If the trend of increase in cocaine abuse has been slowed down, or if the total amount of illegal drugs in the market has been significantly reduced, even though the absolute use of cocaine is still increasing, we would say that the government efforts in apprehending drug traffickers are somehow effective.
In conclusion, the arguer oversimplifies the cause-and-effect relationship between government's increased efforts and the observed increase in the illegal use of cocaine. To strengthen the argument, the arguer would have to provide evidence that the government's enforcement efforts have directly led to the increased supply and use of cocaine. To better evaluate the argument, we would need more information about the trend of increase in the use of cocaine and other drugs before and after the government's actions.
六、Argument典型逻辑错误
1. 调查类逻辑错误
抽样的程序是否具有随机性
样品是否足够大
Example 1:
The following appeared as part of an article in a trade magazine for breweries.
“Magic Hat Brewery recently released the results of a survey of visitors to its tasting room last year. Magic Hat reports that the majority of visitors asked to taste its low-calorie beers. To boost sales, other small breweries should brew low-calorie beers as well.”
Example 2:
The following appeared in a memorandum from a member of a financial management and consulting firm.
“We have learned from an employee of Witful Ltd. that is accounting department by checking about 10% of the last month purchasing invoices for errors any inconsistencies saved the company some $10,000 in over-payments. In order to help our clients increase the net gains, we should advise each of them to institute a policy of checking all purchasing invoices for errors. Such recommendation could also help us get the Witful account by demonstrating to Witful the regressness of our methods."
A. The source of the news is not dependable.
B. The sample cannot reflect the general condition.
2. 错误类比
Example:
The following appeared in a memorandum from the owner of Carlo's Clothing to the staff.
"Since Disc Depot, the music store on the next block, began a new radio advertising campaign last year, its business has grown dramatically, as evidenced by the large increase in foot traffic into the store. While the Disc Depot's owners have apparently become wealthy enough to retire, profits at Carlo's Clothing have remained stagnant for the past three years. In order to boost our sales and profits, we should therefore switch from newspaper advertising to frequent radio advertisements like those for Disc Depot."
A. First, the argument rests on a fallacy of post hoc, ergo proper hoc.
B. Another problem with this argument is that it suffers from a false analogy.
3. 证据遗失类逻辑错误
Example:
The following appeared in the editorial section of a local paper.
"Applications for advertising spots on KMTV, our local cable television channel, decreased last year. Meanwhile a neighboring town's local channel, KOOP, changed its focus to farming issues and reported an increase in advertising applications for the year. To increase applications for advertisement its spots, KMTV should focus its programming on farming issues as well."
A. The argument is based on a false analogy.
B. In addition, the arguer ignores other ways to increase the applications for advertising spots on KMTV.
七、逻辑问题例文分析
Case Study 4:
The following appeared in the editorial section of a corporate newsletter:
“The common notion that workers are generally apathetic about management issues is false, or at least outdated: a recently published survey indicates that 79 percent of the nearly 1,200 workers who responded to survey questionnaires expressed a high level of interest in the topics of corporate restructuring and redesign of benefits programs.”
Student Essay
First, the argument does not address how the nearly 1200 workers were selected, so the representativeness of the sample is doubtful. If the workers were selected by voluntary participation, then there is possibility that these voluntary workers tended to care more about management issues.
Second, the argument does not prove the credibility of the answers of the workers. It leaves open the possibility that workers who actually did not care about management issues may in a survey gave positive answers for various reasons.
Third, the argument only confines to such management issues as corporate restructuring and redesign of benefits programs, which happen to have close and main influence on workers.
Revised Essay
Based upon a survey among workers that indicates a high level of interest in the topics of corporate restructuring and redesigning of benefits programs, the arguer concludes that workers are not apathetic about management issues. Specifically, the arguer assumes that since 79 percent of the 1200 workers who responded to the survey expressed interest in these topics, the notion that workers are generally apathetic about management issues is incorrect. The reasoning in this argument is problematic in several respects.
First, the survey itself is open to question. The argument does not indicate how the nearly 1200 workers were selected. If the workers were selected by voluntary participation instead of random sampling, then there is the possibility that these voluntary workers tended to care more about management issues. In this case, the representiveness of the sample is problematic. In addition, the statistics cited in the editorial may be misleading because the total number of workers employed by the corporation is not specified. For example, if the corporation employs 2000 workers, the fact that 79 percent of the nearly 1200 respondents showed interest in these topics provides strong support for the conclusion. On the other hand, if the corporation employs 200,000 workers, the conclusion would be much weaker. Furthermore, the survey does not involve workers of other companies throughout the country.
Another problem with the argument is that it makes a hasty generalization about the types of issues that workers are interested in. It accords with common sense that workers would be interested in corporate restructuring and redesigning of benefits programs, since these issues affect workers very directly. However, it is unfair to assume that workers would be similarly interested in other management issues, ones that do not affect them or affect them less directly.
In conclusion, this argument is not convincing as it stands. To strengthen it, the arguer would have to show that the respondents account for a significant and representative portion of all workers. Additionally, the arguer must provide evidence to prove that workers do have general interest in other management topics--not just those that affect them directly.
八、Argument结尾段模式训练
Example 1: 上文的最后一段
Example 2:
The following appeared in a letter from a staff member in the office of admissions at Argent University.
“The most recent nationwide surveys show that undergraduates choose their major field primarily based on their perception of job prospects in that field. At our university, economics is now the most popular major, so students must perceive this field as having the best job prospects. Therefore, we can increase our enrollment if we focus our advertising and recruiting on publicizing the accomplishments of our best-known economics professors and the success of our economics graduates in finding employment.”
Topic Sentence 1: First, the argument is based on a gratuitous assumption that students throughout the country must perceive economics as having the best job prospects because economics is the most popular major at Argent University.
Topic Sentence 2: Second, the arguer overemphasizes the importance of economics major and ignores other possible factors that may contribute to the enrollment.
Topic Sentence 3: Another assumption in short of legitimacy is the causal relationship claimed between publishing the accomplishments of Argent’s best-known economics professors as well as the success of its economics graduates in finding employment and the enrollment increase.
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（to continue）
In conclusion, the argument is unconvincing because the arguer oversimplifies both the problem and its possible solutions. To strengthen the argument, the arguer would have to provide evidence that the economics is indeed the most attractive major for undergraduates all over the country. To better evaluate the argument, we would need more information about the present enrollment situation of both the economics field and other fields at Argent University as well as other possible effective means for promoting enrollment.
九、Argument小结
Part Two
十、是非问题例文分析
Case Study 1：
“People often complain that products are not made to last. They feet that making products that wear out fairly quickly wastes both natural and human resources. What they fail to see, however, is that such manufacturing practices keep costs down for the consumer and stimulate demand.”
Which do you find more compelling the complaint about products that do not list or the response to it? Explain your position using relevant reasons and/or examples drawn from your own experience, observations, or reading.
2分作文：
I find the response better than the complaint of people. The response seems to originate without much thought involved. It is more of an emotional complaint than one anchored in logic or thought. Yes, it is a waste of human resources but that is without consideration to the benefits: lower costs and stimulated demand. Thus, the response fails to recognize the benefits.
The strength of the response is that it forces the reader to reconsider the complaint. It adds a new dimension to the argument. It, however, fails to address the issue of wasting human resources. Does this mean the responder agrees with the notion of wasting resources.
In all actuality both the response and complaint is ineffective. The complaint doesn’t recognize or address the benefits, like the response doesn’t address the issue of wasting resources. The response, however, does bring in a new dimension and thus weakens the argument of the complaint.
4分作文：
I find the response to the complaint more compelling. Although the complaint is valid, it is most often the case the building a product to last forever will indeed cost more than the average consumer is willing to pay. Creating such a product would require more materials and/or more heavy-duty wear resistant materials which inherently are more expensive. Another factor that would drive costs up is the fact that demand for products would decrease. The demand would decrease since people do not have to replace old products with new products as often. With the increased variable costs for materials combined with a reduction in the production volume associated with lower demand, manufacturers must raise prices to break even or maintain the current level of profits.
Although a few producers may make products to last, it is understandable how these companies can be driven out of existence. If a new competitor enters the market with a similar product that has a shorter life but a substantially lower price, then they will probably steal major portions of the other company's market share. The effects depend heavily upon the consumer’s perception of quality and what the customers requirements from the product actually are.
For example, consumers may decide between two types of automobiles. One car may be built to last a long time but may not have the performance or be as comfortable as another car that is cheaper. So most consumers would purchase the cheaper car even though it may not last-as long as the heavy-duty car. Consumers may not realize that the more expensive car is of higher quality in the sense that it will last longer and will not be willing to pay the extra cost.
Consumer decisions also depend on what consumers are actually looking for in a product. Consumers typically get tired of driving the same car for many years and want to buy new cars fairly often. This tendency forces producers to keep costs low enough to allow low enough prices for people to buy cars often. People don’t want cars to last forever.
In conclusion, producers are in the situation that they're in due to external forces from the consumers. Producers must compete and they have found the best way satisfy the majority of the consumers.
6分作文：
Many people feel that products are not made to last, and correspondingly, many natural and human resources are wasted. On the other hand, it can be noted that such manufacturing practices keep costs down and hence stimulate demand. In this discussion, I shall present arguments favoring the former statement and refuting the latter statement.
Products that are not made to last waste a great deal of natural and human resources. The exact amount of wasted natural resources depends on the specific product. For example in the automobile industry, the Yugo is the classic example of an underpriced vehicle that was not made to last. Considering that the average Yugo had (not “has” since they are no longer produced! ) a life expectancy of two years and 25, 000 miles, it was a terrible waste.
Automobile industry standards today create vehicles that are warranted for about five years and 50, 000 miles. By producing cheap Yugos that last less than half as long as most cars are warranted, the Yugo producer is wasting valuable natural resources. These same resources could be used by Ford or Toyota to produce an Escort or Tercel that will last twice as long, thereby reducing the usage of natural resources by a factor of two.
Human resources in this example are also wasteful. On the production side, manufacturers of a poor quality automobile, like the Yugo, get no personal or profession satisfaction from the fact that their product is the worst automobile in the United States. This knowledge adversely affects the productivity of the Yugo workers.
Conversely, the workers at the Saturn plants constantly receive positive feedback on their successful products. Saturn prides itself with its reputation for quality and innovation as is seen in its recent massive recall to fix a defect. This recall was handled so well that Saturn's image was actually bolstered. Had a recall occurred at a Yugo plant, the bad situation would have become even worse.
Another factor in the human resources area is the reaction by the consumer. A great deal of human resources have been wasted by Yugo owners waiting for the dreaded tow truck to show up to haul away the Yugo carcass. Any vehicle owner who is uncertain of his/her vehicle's performance at 7 AM as he/she is about to drive to work, senses a great deal of despair. This is a great waste of human resources for the consumer.
While the consumer senses the waste of natural and human resources in a poor quality product, so does the manufacturer. People who argue that low quality manufacturing processes keep costs low for the consumer and hence stimulate demand should look at the Yugo example. In the mid-1998’s the Yugo was by far the cheapest car in the United States at $ 3995. By 1991, the Yugo was no longer sold here and was synonymous with the word “lemon.”
Case Study 2：
“The best way to give advice to other people is to find out what they want and then advise them how to attain it.”
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion expressed above. Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples from your own experiences, observations, or reading.
Student Essay
When I was in Senior Middle School, I was an excellent student. And all my teachers believed that I would enter into a first-class university and would have a splendid future. Unfortunately, just before the Entrance Examination, l met an accident and laid down in bed for several months. At last, I was only admitted by a second-class university. With great disappointment, I felt that my future was nothing but darkness. And also I was afraid of being blamed by my patents.
Mother saw through my thoughts. She borrowed several instructive books for me and seldom mentioned the exams. For the first time, my parents asked for several days off and took me to Qingdao--the most famous scenic spot of China --for vacation. Along the seaside, Mother talked with me for many times. I can still clearly remember what she said: “The ways to success are different. If you keep positive and make efforts continuously, I believe that you will be no less excellent than those from first-class universities.” At last, eternity? Ask yourself what are you going to be in the future. Try your best, and you will reach your goal. "
For so many years, Mother' s words seems to have inscribed in my heart and lead me to gain successes one after another. From this personal experience, I fully understand and agree that the best way to give advice to other people is to find out what they want and then advise them how to attain it.
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Revised Essay
What is the best way to give advice to other people? The arguer claims that the best way is to find out what other people want and then advise them how to attain it. While I admit that many people do give advice by catering to other people’s desires, I maintain that this method oversimplifies the issue and often proves both harmful and ineffective.
In the first place, people very often have no clear idea of what they really want. My personal experience is a case in point. When I was in Senior Middle School, I was an excellent student. Moreover, all my teachers believed that I would enter a first-class university and would have a splendid future. Unfortunately, just before the Entrance Examination, I had an accident and had to lie in bed for several months. As a result, I was admitted only by a second-class university, which pushed me to the brink of despair. At this decisive moment of my life, my mother came to my rescue. By recommending to me instructive books on life, by talking with me heart to heart, by taking me on a trip to the beach, mother convinced me that the goal of my life was to live a successful and happy life rather than to go to a famous university, and that the ways to success are various. In this way my mother saved me out of the crisis of my life not simply by finding out what I wanted and then advising me how to attain it, but by patiently enlightening me on the essential meaning and purpose of life, making me realize that what I took for granted as my aim of life was not what I really needed.
In the second place, more often than not what people want is not what is best for them. A naive child may want to quit school; a patient suffering from TB may want to smoke; a jobless young man may want to commit suicide----this list can go on and on. In all these situations, should we simply find out what they want and advise them how to attain it? Obviously not.
Admittedly, it would be unwise to ignore the simple fact that people are different. As we know, excessive interference with other people’s life tends to threaten their freedom and independence, causing hostility and confrontation. Therefore, when offering advice to other people, we should be very sensitive to their unique feelings and desires, knowing that individual human beings have the inalienable right to make choices in their life and that they themselves will be responsible for the results of their decision-making.
In conclusion, I do not agree that the best way to advise people is simply to find out what they desire and help them achieve it. In my estimation, the pitfalls of such a technique outweigh its potential advantages. To be a responsible advisor, we should take into account far more intricate factors relevant to the person to be advised.
十一、Issue的立场问题
评分依据是：是否有效地支持了你的立场
Taking a Position:
1. Agreeing with concession
2. Disagreeing with concession
3. Refusing to take sides
4. Agreeing
5. Disagreeing
十二、是非问题例文分析
Case Study 3：
"The rise of multinational corporations is leading to global homogeneity. People everywhere arc beginning to want the same products and services, and regional difference are rapidly disappearing." "homogeneity: sameness, similarity."
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion expressed above. Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples based on your own experience, your observations, or your reading.
Student's Essay
During the past few decades, multinational corporations have successfully implemented strategies expanding themselves into almost every comer of the world. The products and services they provide are almost the same, leading to global homogeneity, indeed.
The most prominent corporation among all has to be McDonald Inc. There is really no doubt that McDonald is a pioneer in globalizing its most produced and yet very -- American -- taste hamburgers. Some 6 years ago in China, People usually did not care for foreign food. Very few people ever knew the taste of cheese, a symbol of difference in oriental and Western food. However, McDonald proved to be huge success in China. The first branch it opened in Beijing is the largest among its thousands franchises. Hamburgers, French fries, Big Mac are becoming household words in China. Especially among the younger generations, going to McDonald once in a while becomes a routine activity in life, just as kids in other parts of the world do.
There is really no better place than China that can demonstrate how homogeneous our world has become. Another great example is Coca Cola. Everyone hated the taste when they drank Coca Cola in the first time. In China, the taste is so different from the traditional soft drinks sold in China, which mainly feature sweet taste and fruit flavor. The color of the Coke is also not liked because of its similarity to most herbal medicine fluids. But it seems that people simply want Coca Cola because they see people drink it and love it in other countries. People's tastes can change, and they did gradually. Now Coca Cola is the best sold soft drink in China, and in many other countries where Coke was originally disliked.
These all have to be attributed to the financial power of multinational corporations. With superior financial strength and successful products and services, these giants are shaping the world and the people living in it into their own favor, making people want the same products and services, and regional differences have been disappearing.
Revised Essay
Why are people everywhere beginning to want the same products and services? Why are regional differences rapidly disappearing? The arguer asserts that it is the rise of multinational corporations that is leading to this global homogeneity. We don’t have to look very far to see the validity of this argument.
During the past few decades, multinational corporations have successfully implemented strategies expanding themselves into almost every corner of the world, bringing the same products and standard services to customers of different countries and regions. The most striking example among all is perhaps McDonald Inc, which has miraculously globalized its mass-produced American-flavored hamburger all over the world. Take China for an example. Some 6 years ago, Chinese people did not care for foreign food; very few people knew the taste of cheese--a symbol of difference between Oriental and Western food. However, with its overwhelming advertising campaigns, with its efficient management, with its standardized foods and services, McDonald’s has proved to be a great success, turning Hamburger, French fries, Big Mac into household words in China.
In addition to McDonald’s, Coca-Cola is another striking example of the globalizing trend in world culture. Today almost in every country of the world, people instinctively think of Coca-Cola when they want to drink something. Obviously, with the rapid emergence of numerous multinational corporations like McDonald and Coca-Cola, people of different races and cultures are more and more likely to eat, drink, wear and use uniform commodities.
Admittedly, the rise of multinational corporations is not the only factor that has contributed to the global homogeneity. First, the more and more prosperous international travel has provided people of every nation with more and more opportunities to visit and learn from foreign cultures. Second, television has made it possible for people of different places to understand and imitate each other’s way of life. Last but not least, the Internet is connecting every office and family, turning the whole world into a global village.
In conclusion, while numerous other factors have contributed to and are still adding to the globalizing trend, the rise of multinational corporations is certainly one major force in shaping a homogeneous world.
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Case Study 4：
"Every business decision is based on the profit motive. Even charity has as its ultimate goal generating good will for the person or group doing the charity."
Assuming that the term "business decision" is broad enough to include the decisions of any decision-making authority--an individual, a family, a small business or a large corporation--explain whether you think that this point is valid. In your discussion, use reasons and/or examples drawn from your own experience, observation, or reading.
Student’s Essay
Many people believe that profit motive is the base of every business decision. Even ultimate goal of people or groups is to make profit when they are doing charity. I think that sometimes people make decision based on profit , but it is not always true.
The claims may be real and understandable under certain circumstances. In order to remain in existence, people or organizations must get profit. For example, a food-processing company may donor its products to Africa children, so it can solve its excessive store, get a good reputation and publicity its products. At last, it can gain ultimate its aim--making more money.
Although this thing may be happening in our lives, I think it is not consistent with general facts. I believe many people's decision rests on love sympathy, humanity and other things. The famous nurse--Nightingale is a good example: She was born in a rich family and she could live in a cozy, fortunate life. But she chose to be a nurse and devoted her life to the wound and the poor. Nobody can say what all she did is to make profit.
In conclusion, I hold that business decision sometimes is based on the profit motive, but in most cases, it is based on people's emotion or character.
Revised Essay
Many people believe that profit motive is the basis of every business decision. Furthermore, they claim that the ultimate goal of every people or group including charity organizations is to make profit. In my opinion, it is true that people often make decisions by calculating profit, but it is unfounded to assert that any decision-making is motivated by profit.
The arguer's claim may be true and understandable under certain circumstances. For one thing, in order to survive in the economic world, people or organizations have to make profit. As we know, the first thing that people must do on earth is to survive. Without adequate profit out of investment, no single human being or organization can make a living. For another, individuals or organizations are instinctively dissatisfied with what they have already achieved. They strive for further development, for greater success and hence for higher profit. For example, a food-processing company may donate its products to African children so that it can not only reduce its overstocking products, but also win a good reputation and publicize its products. As it turns out, the ultimate result is always expectedly rewarding--big bucks.
Although people all over the world spare no pains to seek fortune through various means, it is unwise for us to conclude that any decision-making is necessarily profit-oriented. First, some examples of altruism are difficult to explain in terms of self-interest alone. The famous nurse Nightingale is a good example. Born in a rich family, she could naturally live a cozy, fortunate life. But she chose to be a nurse and devoted all her life to the wounded and the poor. Nobody can say for sure that all she did is to make profit. Second, this argument is not consistent with the fact that human motivation is far too complex. Many of our daily decisions rest on love, sympathy, humanity and other things. Finally, it is ridiculous to lump together "profit" and "good will". Obviously, these two terms are not interchangeable.
In conclusion, the arguer oversimplifies human nature. Although business decisions and many of our daily decisions are based on the profit motive, it would be too cynical to assume that profit is the only thing that motivates people in the world. I wonder if the speaker has any hidden profit motive in making this argument, which is certainly not a profitable idea.
Part Three: Summary
十三、Language Skills
1. Sentence Variety
Example 1:
Change: Beijing’s streets are crowded with taxis, company cars and private vehicles owned by the newly affluent. The number has been rising rapidly in the last few years. The latest statistics show there are now 1.2 million vehicles in Beijing alone.
T Taxis, company cars and private vehicles owned by the newly affluent have crammed Beijing’s streets in rising numbers in the last few years--1.2 million vehicles at last count.
Example 2:
Change: Thousands of buildings met the same fate. This alone is now being preserved. It marks the center of the nuclear explosion. It is being preserved as a symbol. It symbolizes our wish that there be no more Hiroshimas.
T Of the thousands of buildings that met the same fate, this alone, marking the center of the nuclear explosion, is now being preserved to symbolize our wish that there be no more Hiroshimas.
Example 3:
Change: It was quite obvious at that time that IQ equals intelligence. Since then, however, many people have seriously criticized the idea.
T The idea that IQ equals intelligence seemed obvious at the time but has since come under much criticism.
2. Parallel Structure
Example 1:
Change: He retired respected by his associates, admired by his friends, and his employees loved him.
T He retired respected by his associates, admired by his friends, and Loved by his employees.
Example 2:
Change: As a young man he had been to Shanghai, had fought in the Anti-Japanese War, and following the Nationalist Party to Chongking.
T As a young man he had been to Shanghai, had fought in the Anti-Japanese War, and had followed the Nationalist Party to Chongking.
Example 3:
Change: This could be a problem for both the winners and for those who lose.
T This could be a problem for both the winners and the losers.
Example 4:
Change: The sentences are difficult to understand, not because they are long but they are obscure.
T The sentences are difficult to understand, not because they are long but because they are obscure.
Example 5:
Change: He explained that the advertising campaign had been successful, business had increased more than forty percent, and additional capital was sorely needed.
T He explained that the advertising campaign had been successful, that business had increased more than forty percent, and that additional capital was sorely needed.
3. Attributive Clause
Example 1:
Change: It is a truth that is universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
T It is a truth that is universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.
Example 2:
Change: Only a person who is oblivious to the facts of modern life would doubt the need of vocational education today.
T Only a person oblivious to the facts of modern life would doubt the need of vocational education today.
4. Pronouns
1) Change: He wanted his teachers to think he was above average, as he could have been if he had used it to advantage.
T He wanted his teachers to think he was above average, as he could have been if he had used his ability to advantage.
2) Change: My sister is a biology teacher, it is a profession I know nothing about.
T My sister is a biology teacher, but the teaching of biology is a profession I know nothing about.
3) Change: We should have prepared for our examination earlier. It is too late to do it now.
T We should have prepared for our examination earlier. It is too late now.
5. Punctuation Marks
冒号:
1) Most sports programs, despite their excesses, manage to promote the old virtues such as self-confidence, personal responsibility, teamwork, persistence, the ability to win and lose with grace.
2) For Omar Khayyam, a Persian Poet, three things are necessary for a paradise on earth: a loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and one’s beloved.
破折号:
1) What he lacked in intelligence--and he lacked a good deal--he made up for in physical strength.
2) In many parts of the developing world, life’s basic necessities--food, clothing, shelter, and taxes--gobble up people’s earnings.
3) Every afternoon, Larry has two hours of track practice. He has followed the same routine five days a week since he was seven--all in hopes of winning a college athletic scholarship and eventually a shot at the Olympics.
4) Government is only as good as the man in it--which is why it needs more women.
分号:
1) The world is a comedy to those that think; a tragedy to those that feed.
2) Science needs to live alongside religion, philosophy, history and esthetic experience; alone it can lead to great harm.
3) According to one national survey, high school boys expected a starting salary of $19,500 for their first full-time job; on the other hand, high school girls expected a starting salary of only $15,000.
括号:
1) For a long time (too long as far as I’m concerned), women were thought to be inferior to men.
2) We think (unless we live in a research laboratory), that we have nothing to discover, and the only things of the utmost importance to us concern the present of the man.
十四、Prep Tips
1. Recite the outlines;
2. Prepare essay frames;
3. Write as many essays as possible according to your conditions;
4. Read and recite sample essays and the materials in the KIT of my book;
5. Learn to revise your own essays according to the following checklist:
作文自查清单
1)．是否针对题目写作，有没有跑题？
2)．结构是否合理，有无完整的开头、正文（2到3段）和结尾？
3)．是否在开头段提出了自己的立场？
4)．中间段落每段是否有主题句（topic sentence）？
5)．中间段落每段是否用事例或理由支持该段的主题句？
6)．是否使用连接词使文章上下文连贯、通顺？
7)．每段是否有句式变换？
8)．结尾段是否总结了自己的理由并重申了自己的立场？
9)．语言方面是否有下列错误：大小写错误、标点符号错误、拼写错误、串句、错 位修饰、排比错误、主谓语不一致、定语从句错误、时态错误、名词单复数错误、搭配错误、词性错误、用词不当，等等？
十五、Suggestions
Practice makes perfect.
Where there is a will, there is a way.
第二部分：800SCORE作文模板
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10
These essays are not "perfect" answers, but represent what could be done in a 30 minute time period to get a score of 5 or 6.
Analysis of Argument # 1: Olympia Foods
The author argues, using facts from the color-film processing industry's downward trend in cost over 24 years, that Olympic Foods will be able to cut costs and thus maximize profits in the future. The author bases his conclusion on the generalization that organizations learn to reduce costs over time and, since Olympic Foods has 25 years experience in the food processing industry, its costs should have declined considerably. There are two serious flaws in the argument.
First, the argument uses a faulty analogy between the color-film processing industry and the food processing industry. Analogies drawn between the two fields are highly suspect because there are many serious differences. While the film processing industry faces a relatively simply processing challenge, food producers must contend with contamination, transportation and farm production (much more serious challenges). Thus, it is likely much more difficult to wring efficiency improvements in the food industry.
Second, the author uses a sweeping generalization. the author's prediction of margin improvements relies on the optimistic assumption that Olympic Foods' 25 years of experience will automatically result in operational efficiencies. The problem with this is that improvements in processes do not occur automatically over time, they require tremendous effort at continuous improvement and they require potential room for improvement. It is possible Olympic Food has limited room for improvement or lacks the managerial will to improve its operations. Thus, there is no guarantee of improved operational efficiency over time.
The author's argument has two seriously flawed assumptions. The author could strengthen his conclusion by providing examples of how the company has learned how to improve its operations over 25 years and implemented those changes.
Analysis of Argument # 2: Centralization of Sales
The argument concludes that the Apogee Company should shut down its field offices and use a centralized location because the company was more profitable when it had a single central location. The argument has two serious flaws.
First, the author commits the "After This, Therefore, Because of This" fallacy where the author assumes that because a decline in profitability occurred after the field offices were created, the field offices were responsible for the decline. However, there may be other factors that could have caused the decline. Could a industry-wide decline, poor management, or poor marketing have caused the decline? There are many factors that could have caused or contributed to the decline. Without ruling out other factors or presenting stronger evidence, the author cannot conclusively blame the field offices.
Second, the author assumes that eliminating the field offices would improve profitability by streamlining the management of employees and cutting costs. There is no evidence to support this assumption. Perhaps the field offices cut travel costs from the central office and allowed better management of sales to far-flung clients. The author could support his assumption with cost-cutting and or profit-enhancing strategies.
In summary, to strengthen the conclusion that Apogee should close field offices and centralize, this author must rule out factors other than decentralization that might be affecting current profits negatively and demonstrate how decentralization would cut costs.
Analysis of Argument # 3 : Funding of Arts
The author concludes in this argument that the city should shift some of its arts funding to public television for two reasons. The author argues that public television is being threatened by severe cuts in corporate funding and attendance at the city's art museum has increased proportionately with increases in visual-arts program viewing on public television. There are a few problems with this argument.
First, the argument assumes that a correlation proves causality. Simply because there was an increase in television exposure to the visual arts, mainly public television, has caused a similar increase in local art museum attendance. The author uses the statistical relationship between increased art museum attendance and similar increases in television viewing of visual arts programs to establish causality. However, a statistical correlation does not mean causality, there may be other factors driving the increased art museum attendance, such as new shows, a new wing added to the museum, or possibly interest in art has risen overall in society.
On the other hand, the author makes a fair assumption that television programs impact behavior. This is a common sense assumption, after all, advertisers spend billions of dollars on television ad time because they trust this assumption as well.
In conclusion, the author's reasoning is somewhat persuasive. The author could strengthen his argument by eliminating other potential causes to increase in visits to the local art museum.
Analysis of Argument # 4: Declining Revenues and Delays
The report recommends replacing the manager of the purchasing department in response to a relationship between falling revenues and delays in manufacturing. The grounds for this action are that the delays are traced to poor planning in purchasing metals and cause of the poor planning might be the purchasing manager's lack of knowledge of the properties of metals. The author suggests that the position of purchasing manager should be filled by a scientist from the research division and that the current purchasing manager should be reassigned to the sales department. The report supports this latter recommendation pointing out that the purchasing manager's background in general business, psychology, and sociology equip him for this new assignment. The report's recommendations have two serious questionable assumptions.
The first problem is that the report fails to establish a causal connection between the falling revenues of the company and the delays in manufacturing. The fact that falling revenues coincide with delays in manufacturing does not necessarily prove that the delays caused the decline in revenue. The report's recommendations are not worthy of consideration if there is no compelling evidence to support the causal connection between these two events.
Second, the report assumes that knowledge of the properties of metals is necessary for planning in purchasing metals. No evidence is stated in the report to support this crucial assumption. Moreover, it is not obvious that such knowledge would be required to perform this task because planning is essentially a logistical function.
The author could strengthen argument that the manager of the purchasing department be replaced by demonstrating that the falling revenues were a result of the delays in manufacturing. Additionally, the author would have to show that knowledge of the properties of metals would improve planning the purchasing of metals.
Analysis of Argument # 5: Increasing Circulation
The publisher of the Mercury newspaper is suggesting that its price be reduced below the price of The Bugle, a competing newspaper. The circulation of the Mercury has declined during the 5-year period following The Bugle's introduction. The publisher believes that lowering the price of The Mercury will increase its readership, thereby increasing profits because a wider readership attracts more advertisers. The publisher's reasoning has two serious problems.
First, although it is obvious that increased circulation would make the paper more attractive to potential advertisers, it is not clear that lowering the subscription price is the most effective way to gain new readers. The publisher assumes that price is the only factor that caused the decline in readership. There is no evidence given to support this claim. In addition, given that The Mercury was the established local paper, it is doubtful that the large-scale subscription dropping of its readers would be explained by subscription price alone.
It is possible that there are other reasons for The Mercury's decline in readership. The Bugle could have much better writing and layout than the Mercury. Or, readers may not be satisfied with the news reporting's accuracy, or the balance of local to national/statewide news coverage. Either way, it is unclear that lowering prices will drive up readership.
In conclusion, this argument depends on a simplified assumption about the price of the paper and its popularity. The author could strengthen the argument by discussing other factors beyond cost before concluding that lowering subscription prices will increase circulation and, thereby, increase advertising revenues.
Analysis of Argument # 6: City of Helios
This advertisement for the city of Helios makes several arguments for locating companies in Helios. The advertisement states that Helios is an industrial center and and enjoys a lower than average unemployment rate. In addition, the advertisement states that the city is "attempting" to expand its base by attracting companies that focus on technologies. This argument is problematic for three reasons. Moreover, it is argued, efforts are currently underway to expand the economic base of the city by attracting companies that focus on research and development of innovative technologies. This argument is problematic for several reasons.
First, the argument presents no reason to believe that the city is equipped to handle non-manufacturing related businesses. The status of the city as a manufacturing center will likely mean that the it is equipped to handle manufacturing businesses. Its labor supply, energy resources, regulatory environment, support businesses, and infrastructure are likely well suited to manufacturing companies. However, there is no reason to believe, based on the argument that Helios offers any attractive benefits to technology companies.
In addition, since the city lacks any specific benefit to technology companies, the use of the statement "Helios is attempting its economic base" is a non sequitur in the context of the overall argument. The statement offers no benefit to technology companies to move there other than an expressed interest in attracting those companies. This argument could be strengthened if they actually provided real benefits to technology companies
Another ineffective argument made is the city's low employment rate. The low unemployment rate during a recession suggests that the city has a labor shortage. This means that companies moving to the city will have to probably pay above average labor rates to attract labor in a tight market.
The advertisement for the city of Helios fails to provide any compelling reason for non-manufacturing businesses in Helios. The low unemployment rate actually suggests that the city is a poor place to locate a business. Based on the advertisement, the only companies that could plausibly benefit from the city are manufacturing companies.
Analysis of Argument # 7: Aspartame or Sugar
The author in this argument is trying to establish that people are better off trying to lose weight with sugar rather than the artificial sweetener aspartame. This conclusion is based on the assertion that aspartame can indirectly cause weight gain by triggering food cravings, while sugar benefits weight loss by enhancing the body's ability to burn fat actually enhances the body's ability to burn fat. The details of the claim however, prevent making an effective generalization about Aspartame's weight-loss benefits.
The argument states that "high" dosages are required to deplete the brain chemicals responsible for registering a sense of being sated, or full. The problems is that a "high" dosage is not defined. Is this high dosage reached during normal consumption? Without the dosage defined, it is impossible to determine how often or how significant of a side effect the food craving is.
The second statement, that sugar burns fat, also is qualified and not universally applicable. In this instance, the benefits of sugar only arise after at least 45 minutes of continuous exercise. However, it is a fair assumption that many exercisers will not actually exercise for 45 minutes. Thus, the author cannot make the generalization that all exercisers should prefer Aspartame over sugar after exercise.
In conclusion, each of the studies cited in the argument cannot be extended to make a generalization that Aspartame is preferable to sugar. Instead, the exercise claim must be qualified by "after 45 minutes" and the dosage indicated by "high" must be defined.
Analysis of Argument # 8: Worker interest
This argument uses a survey of workers to show that workers are indeed interested in management issues. The argument is solely based on a survey of 1200 workers that showed that 79% of the workers surveyed expressed interest in the topics of corporate restructuring and the redesign of worker benefits. This argument has several flaws.
The first objection to this argument is the validity of the survey. The statement is incomplete because it does not adequately describe the conditions of the survey. One issue is the sample. Were the workers chosen for the survey chosen randomly or did they volunteer for the survey? This question is relevant here since apathetic workers would obviously not respond to a survey of worker apathy!
In addition, are the 1200 people used in the survey representative of the company's employees and an adequate sample size. Perhaps the 1200 workers are part of a major company with several hundred thousand employees. Or, the workers surveyed may not be representative of the company at large. For example, what if they were part of a management trainee program for workers who wanted to move into management positions?
Aside from any issues relating to the quality of the survey, the argument makes a false generalization about the results of the survey. The survey asks specifically about the worker's interest in corporate restructuring and redesign of benefits programs. These issues could be reasonably construed as worker's issues since they would directly impact worker benefits and job security (restructuring often implies layoffs). Thus, the survey cannot be extended to demonstrate an interest in management issues.
In sum, the conclusion about worker interest in management issues cannot be reasonably drawn from the survey's information. The survey's accuracy is not adequately explained and the surveys results are illogically extended to draw an unsupported generalization.
Analysis of Argument # 9: Consumer demographics
The author argues that department store sales will increase significantly over the next few years because their core market of middle aged people will increase in size over the next decade. The author uses the statistic that 39 percent of the retail expenditures of middle-aged people are through department stores. The author additionally argues that stores should take advantage of this trend by carrying more products aimed at middle-aged customers. This argument has two serious flaws.
The argument falsely assumes that an increase in middle-aged people will automatically translate into an increase in sales. The argument errs because it does not acknowledge that the younger generation consists of a different population cohort, which may not favor department stores. Indeed, this generation may favor stores such as the GAP, that became prominent in the 1980's. Thus, the younger generation's preference for non-department store retailers may be a generational phenomenon rather than an age-related issue.
The argument further suggests that department store's inventories should be changed to reflect the tastes of middle-aged Americans. This is problematic because the younger population, although preferring non-department stores, may be growing at a faster rate than the middle-aged Americans and therefore represents a more attractive market. In addition, it is possible, as stated in the prior paragraph, that the younger generation's tastes have indeed changed and that when they age they will not shop at department stores.
In sum, this argument is not strong as it currently stands. The argument needs more information about the growth rates of the younger market and their tastes.
Analysis of Argument # 10: Funding cuts
The argument states that the state legislature does not have to consider the views of protesting students. The author supports this conclusion by pointing out that only 200 of the 12,000 students actually went to the state capitol to protest the cuts in college programs. The other concludes that since an overwhelming majority of the students did not take part in the survey, they must not be interested in the issue. This argument has two serious flaws.
The author attempts to make a statistical inference from the fact that only 200 out of 12,000 showed up for the rally. This is not a valid statistical survey. If, for example, the students had been randomly surveyed to get a fair sample of the overall population, this would have been a valid survey.
Second, the author uses the fact 12,000 students stayed on campus or left for winter break to show that they were not concerned about education cuts. In fact, if the protest was during winter break, it suggests a large level of inconvenience for the students to protest the cuts (since many could return home to distant locations). A low turnout does not suggest a low level of interest, but instead implies a high level of organizational opposition since students could be recruited during their vacation time.
As it stands the argument is not well reasoned. To make it logically acceptable, the author would have to demonstrate that the protesting students had some characteristic in common that biases their views, thereby nullifying their protest as representative of the entire college.
Analysis of Issue
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10
These essays are not "perfect" answers, but represent what could be done in a 30 minute time period to get a score of 5 or 6.
Issue #1: Radio and TV Censorship
The censorship and regulation of broadcast media for offensive material involves a conflict between the freedom of expression and the duty of government to protect its citizenry from potential harm. I believe that our societal interest in preventing the harm that exposure to obscenity produces takes precedence over the freedoms of individual broadcasters.
Firstly, I believe exposure to obscene and offensive language and behavior causes people to mimic such behavior. There is anecdotal and scientific evidence to support this contention.
Secondly, I believe that obscene and offensive behavior is damaging to a society. It weakens moral character and weakens human relationships and it promotes a tendency toward immoral and antisocial behavior. These effects weaken the civil cords that hold a democratic society together.
Some argue for that free speech is the basis of a democratic society. However, the founding fathers never intended the constitution to mean an unrestricted license to wanton profanity. Advocates of free expression might also point out difficulties in defining "obscene" or "offensive" language or behavior. But, however difficult it may be to agree on standards, the effort is beneficial insofar as it helps to maintain the civil cords of a democratic society.
In conclusion, government should take a role in regulating speech, but only speech that is patently offensive. Regulation of media may infringe on freedom of speech, but it is worthwhile if it can restrict the exposure of damaging offensive material.
Issue #2: Energy Sources and International Effort
The statement argues that international leadership is necessary to conserve energy for the future. The passage makes the reasonable assumption that individual nations will not unilaterally cut their energy usage, and that international cooperation is necessary to conserve resources. However, the sub text of the argument, that resources are diminishing and that international regulation is the only way to protect resource availability may not be valid. This calls into question the legitimacy of the statement.
It is reasonable to expect that many individual nations will act in a rational (self-interested) manner. Some nations, such as the U.S and the E.U. may cooperate to reduce resource depletion, but rogue nations such as the P.R.C. and North Korea will likely not comply with cuts on a volunteer basis. Thus, an international organization would indeed be necessary to apply sanctions and compel compliance. In this respect, I agree with the argument.
However, the argument is too vague and fails to define (1) what resources are approaching depletion and (2) if regulation restricting usage is the most effective means of conservation. Oil reserves, for example, have been increasing, not decreasing, over time because of improved technology used in drilling has allowed greater access. In addition, if technology can improve access to resources, provide access to renewable resources (such as solar power), and improve conservation (energy efficiency), then regulations that could impede technological advancement could exacerbate the situation. Thus, an international regulatory regime may not be effective at maintaining adequate resource supplies.
In sum, it is likely true that an international regulatory regime would be required to regulate global resource consumption. However, it is unclear that such a regime would be necessary or effective to maintain adequate resource supplies globally.
Issue #3: Flat or Pyramid Organization
The author tries to argue that corporations should use a "flat" structure and eliminate salary grades. This, according to the author, would benefit worker morale and encourage camaraderie. I disagree with the author because it is likely that such a corporate structure would diminish corporate profits and potentially decrease worker morale.
The principal flaw with such a structure is that it fails to incentivize workers and reward them for their own performance. Without individual merit, workers have no self-interest in their own performance and results. In a dynamic business environment, workers must be able to take initiative and effect change. In a flat organizational structure, such behavior would be indirectly discouraged because the risk-taking necessary to catalyze change would not be rewarded. Thus, companies with such a structure would likely have less motivated and entrepreneurial employees.
The speaker also assumes that such a flat structure would increase camaraderie. While it is true that such a structure may reduce envy among employees by reducing inequality, it is not clear that such a structure is conducive to decisive leadership. In a organization where all are equals, there are no leaders. Without leaders, there are no arbiters in times of disagreement or leaders in times of change. Thus, the flat organizational structure may devolve into an anarchistic one.
In sum, the opinion that a "flat" organizational structure conducive to collegiality and cooperation is likely inaccurate. Such a structure would probably reduce profitability and create a chaotic work environment that lacked a decisive decision-making capability.
Issue #4: Power
This quote states that people admire those who show restraint in exercising power. Rather than a sweeping statement, this statement is sometimes true and sometimes not. The statement's truth depends on the context of popular opinion at the time.
The most famous example of a man relinquishing power at the height of his power is George Washington. During his presidency he could used his fame to take absolute control of the early United States. But unlike Caesar, George Washington did not destroy the republic to become dictator. Instead, he refused much of the power that was being offered to him. This was one of the few times in human history that a man did this (Napoleon certainly did not) and it set a precedent of governmental restraint that continues to this day in the United States. At the time, people around the world were awestruck and the poet Lord Byron romanticized Washington as the "Cincinnatus of the West."
However, another great man, Winston Churchill, lost political power for his restraint. In 1946, Winston Churchill, the brilliant war leader during World War II, lost an election for Prime Minister to his socialist opponents who argued for the nationalization of industries. Churchill could have certainly used his prestige to nationalize industries or offer a host of entitlements to Britain's citizens, but instead he refused to exercise power in such a way and ended up losing an election to a candidate who argued for much greater use of governmental intervention in the economy.
In conclusion, showing restraint in exercising political power is often admirable and romanticized. However, for a politician it may be a dangerous and risky move that could endanger their power. In some circumstances it is appropriate, but often politicians must exercise all the power they have at their disposal in order to retain power.
Issue 5: Decision-Making in an Organization
This author argues that responsibilities should be collective and that individuals are not effective at getting things done. I agree that in certain circumstances a team approach is more effective, but in other instances the flexibility, creativity and accountability of individuals is more effective. Both approaches have strengths and weaknesses.
Complex tasks that require a variety of skills and viewpoints are generally better done by teams. For example, if a project required skills in marketing, computer programming and finance, it is unlikely that a single individual could execute the project effectively. For those projects a team would be highly effective.
On the other hand, tasks that require high degrees of creativity, quick response time and intuition while also requiring tight accountability, should be done by individuals. A good example is stock trading. Traders need to act quickly and decisively to changing market conditions. Often, there is no time to call a meeting and come to a group conclusion about what to do. In addition, by having the responsibility handled by a single individual, there is a high degree of accountability since that single individual is completely responsible for his actions.
In conclusion, the statement makes an inaccurate generalization. Certain circumstances favor teamwork while others favor individual action depending on the responsibilities and duties the position requires.
Issue #6: The definition of success
The author of this statement defines success by the ability to "spend life in your own way." It is freedom to act and the ability to choose your own destiny free from direct accountability. This is highly attractive lifestyle to many people and makes a reasonable definition of success. However, it seems that freedom alone is not an indicator of success.
When we think of individuals who spend life in their own way we think of great people who have earned independence and freedom through their successes. A good example is Jim Clark, who founded Silicon Graphics, Netscape and Healtheon. He is arguably the most successful entrepreneur in history and is in complete control of his life and destiny. He has the ability to create new ventures from nothing and create companies with billion-dollar capitalizations. His life, by this definition, has been a remarkable success.
However, extending the Jim Clark example reveals problems with this definition. He has had many difficulties in his personal life, and in this respect his life has not been a success. Success is often a function of our effectiveness working within a structure, whether that be a marriage or an organization.
In addition, individuals may acquire high degrees of freedom without any accomplishments of their own merit. Many people inherit money or come into freedom through no merit of their own. Thus, freedom itself may not be an accurate indicator of success.
Perhaps the author's original statement could be qualified. Being able to "spend life in your own way" is not necessarily a definition of success, but a benefit that success often entails.
Issue # 7: Giving advice to other people
Is the best way to advise people to simply find out what it is they want and help them attain it? This is a sound policy to helping people and should always be the concern when offering assistance. Make sure that you are indeed helping the person rather than your misconception of what that person wants. This approach is usually valid unless the person does not know what is best for himself.
The main problem with giving advise to other people is that you may confuse what is good for yourself and apply it to that individual. The person you are trying to help, however, may be in a situation you do not understand. The best way to help that person is to first find out what that person wants.
However, the author's suggestion will often not apply to circumstances where the person being given advice is in no position to judge what he or she wants. For example, an adult should not always advise a child about how to get what he wants. In these situation, the best advise is obviously not to find out what they want and help them attain it, but to instead advise them on what is best for them.
In conclusion, giving advise to people should depend on the person you are trying to help. If the person is capable of determining what is in his best interests, then advise should be given to help them. Otherwise, you should be careful advising someone about what they want.
Issue # 8: Monetary System
This is an interesting concept for changing the world's monetary system of metal coins and printed paper into a computerized system of credits and debits. However, this system is already largely implemented. The final step would be to create digital cash cards.
Much of the world's wealth is already tracked digitally. Every day trillions of dollars are shifted digitally around the world. This argument is somewhat confused insofar as it poses its argument as if wealth and monetary transactions have not already been digitized.
The last step in implementing digital monetary transactions are smart cards that contain a chip that links to an account. This would act as a credit card for small transactions. This would provide a wonderful convenience and from a symbolic point, it would ultimately mean that cash would be unnecessary.
However, I believe that technology should never be implemented for technology's sake. Old fashioned cash and coins have great convenient value. If I want to pay my nephew to mow my lawn, I can't pay him in a digital manner. Can I tip a coat check girl with a digital card. Indeed, under close inspection it becomes apparent that coins and money have been around thousands of years and should remain for thousands more.
Changing all money to a digital format is inconvenient and represents technology for technology's sake. Cash and coins are highly convenient and do not need to be replaced by an inconvenient and impractical solution.
Issue #9: Personal Lives of Employees
Should employees leave their personal lives entirely behind them when they enter the workplace, as the author suggests here? While it is true that employees should not allow their personal lives to interfere with their jobs, the author fails to consider that personal issues can help to foster a workplace atmosphere that helps everyone do a better job.
Bringing in personal interests and activities can help build collegiality among workers. Discussing personal activities helps to establish a rapport with co-workers. Company-sponsored social activities help to produce greater cohesiveness in an organization, by allowing relationships to develop among workers.
However, employees be aware that personal lives could intrude on job performance. At worst, personal lives could become a distraction to work performance. Romantic relationships between coworkers could create sexual harassment liability and also need to be kept confidential. Another problem with interjecting personal lives into work is that employees who do not share their personal lives could be viewed as aloof and may be resented by coworkers who perceive them as arrogant, unfriendly or uncooperative. Thus, interjecting personal lives into work presents risks.
In the final analysis, employees should strike a careful balance when they mix their personal lives with their jobs. Although there are some circumstances in which bringing one's personal life to the job may be counterproductive, for many reasons it is a good idea to inject small doses of personal life into the workplace.
Issue # 10: Process vs. Product
The passage states that "in an enterprise the process of doing something is more important than the final product itself." I wholeheartedly agree with this statement, the process of doing something, if handled properly will insure the final product, in this way, the process is what makes the final product.
The quality of the process will insure the quality of the results. For example, if a company is processing its tax returns, then it must assure the legitimacy of the processes of calculating those results. Were qualified accountants used? Were they given the proper accounting process? What is important is not the final return but the process that leads to the final tax calculation.
In addition, in research the process is often more valuable than the final results. For example, at Bell Labs in the 1940s several scientists were trying to develop transistor technology that could be demonstrable. Instead, while developing the transistor the scientists stumbled upon a design that laid the groundwork for the microchip. The process of research led to a radical new design that was highly cost effective.
Finally, there is an ennobling element to the process associated with any great accomplishment, whether it be winning World War II, building the Hoover Dam, or the Wright brothers development of motorized flight, in each case the value of an accomplishment becomes especially sweet in light of the sacrifices required to make it. When we collectively reflect on these accomplishments, we cannot help dwell on the courage required in the processes to make the final accomplishment.
In conclusion, the process of doing something often is more critical and important than the final product. It is the effort and brilliance in the process that itself produces the result. |
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