GRE Test (Analytical Writing)

Question 1

Which of these is the proposition explanation for the section, as a whole?
The following is part of a sample prompt for the Analyze an Argument task.

Accepted Answer

Sentence 4 states a logical consequence of the fact conveyed in sentence 3

Answer

Sentence 4 defends the claim made in sentence 3

Answer

Sentence 3 makes a claim, and sentence 4 provides a factual basis for the claim.

Answer

Sentences 3 and 4 narrate historical events in chronological order. Sentence 4 states a logical consequence of the fact conveyed in sentence 3

Question 2

Which of the following would be a good thesis statement for an essay with this paragraph in it?

The following is a sample body paragraph for the “analyze an argument” task.
The argument being analyzed supports requiring undergraduate students to study abroad.

Accepted Answer

This argument makes a case for the benefits of studying abroad, but does not convincingly argue that these benefits will be worth it for all students.

Answer

This argument presents some interesting information, but is ultimately incoherent due to the author’s unclear stance on whether study abroad programs are beneficial.

Answer

This argument persuasively addresses both the positive and negative aspects of requiring students to study abroad, ultimately concluding that the benefits outweigh the costs.

Answer

This argument is interesting but also has some flaws that the author needs to address.

Question 3

What might we anticipate the paragraph quickly preceding this one to do?

The following is a sample body paragraph for the “analyze an argument” task.
The argument being analyzed supports requiring undergraduate students to study abroad.

Accepted Answer

Argue that studying abroad for a semester is more expensive than staying at one’s home college, and give examples of added costs.

Answer

Argue that many study abroad programs are no more expensive than studying at home due to favorable exchange rates.

Answer

Argue that studying abroad helps students improve language skills and broaden their cultural perspectives.

Answer

Give examples of ways that students can increase their likelihood of obtaining a scholarship.

Question 4

Which of the following facts, if provided in the paragraph, might support the author's case?

The following is a sample body paragraph for the “analyze an argument” task.
The argument being analyzed supports requiring undergraduate students to study abroad.

Accepted Answer

Statistics detailing what proportion of current study-abroad students received scholarships.

Answer

Statistics detailing what proportion of college students currently choose to study foreign languages.

Answer

An example of a scholarship and the criteria that are used to select a recipient.

Answer

A quote from a student explaining why they chose to study abroad

Question 5

In this paragraph, which of the following writing strategies is not utilized to enhance the author's argument?

The following is a sample body paragraph for the “analyze an argument” task.
The argument being analyzed supports requiring undergraduate students to study abroad.

Accepted Answer

analogy

Answer

paraphrase

Answer

clear topic sentence

Answer

varied sentence length

Question 6

Which of the following assertations, in the event that made within the contention being talked about, would most altogether decrease the enticement of this paragraph?

The following is a sample body paragraph for the “analyze an argument” task.
The argument being analyzed supports requiring undergraduate students to study abroad.

Accepted Answer

Those interested in studying abroad should apply for available scholarships as early as possible as they can help many needy students achieve their dream of studying abroad.

Answer

Many students at elite universities come from wealthy families who do not suffer any hardship from paying tuition.

Answer

Study abroad programs enhance students’ resumes and increase their chances of getting hired.

Answer

Students who are highly intelligent and hardworking can typically succeed in getting scholarships.

Question 7

What is the reason for the opening paragraph of this passage?

The following is part of a sample prompt for the Analyze an Argument task.

Accepted Answer

to provide support for the main point by establishing that skipping needed medical care is common

Answer

to provide an example of the harms of skipping needed medical care

Answer

to establish the importance of healthcare assistance program by creating an analogy

Answer

to establish the passage’s thesis that skipping medical care can lead to worse problems

Question 8

Which of these is the proposition explanation for the section, as a whole?
The following is part of a sample prompt for the Analyze an Argument task.

Accepted Answer

“Now, more than ever, people need assistance in taking care of their health and the health of their families.”

Answer

“Short-term care cutbacks, however, could lead to more medical problems and higher spending in the long run.”

Answer

“In response to uncertain economic times and rising unemployment, Americans are cutting back on medical care, including doctors’ appointments, preventive tests and prescription drugs.”

Answer

“Forgoing necessary medications to treat chronic conditions or diseases could lead to more serious complications and even hospitalization.”

Question 9

Which of the following would be a successful thesis articulation for an exposition analyzing this argument?

The following is part of a sample prompt for the Analyze an Argument task.

Accepted Answer

The author of this essay makes a persuasive case for government assistance by citing the harm that occurs when people do not have the resources to get the care they need.

Answer

This essay ultimately is not persuasive because the author fails to justify the claim that American taxpayers can afford the added cost of assistance programs.

Answer

The author of this essay persuasively argues that healthcare is important to Americans today.

Answer

The author of this essay persuasively argues that many Americans skip going to the doctor when they cannot afford to do so.

Question 10

Which of the following pieces of data, in the event presented in the entry, may strengthen the argument?

The following is part of a sample prompt for the Analyze an Argument task.

Accepted Answer

an example of a medical condition that becomes more serious and costly if it is not treated promptly

Answer

a counterargument describing a situation where failing to go to the doctor for a minor medical problem resulted in cost savings

Answer

a description of how the Kaiser Family Foundation poll was conducted

Answer

a quote from an American voter who is undecided about prescription assistance programs