GRE Argument Analysis Essay 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary task in the GRE 'Analyze an Argument' essay?
- Present your personal opinion on the topic
- Evaluate the logical soundness of a given argument (Correct answer)
- Summarize the main points of a passage
- Compare two opposing viewpoints
Correct answer: Evaluate the logical soundness of a given argument
The 'Analyze an Argument' task requires you to critique the logical reasoning of a provided argument, not express your own views.
Question 2: Which logical flaw involves drawing broad conclusions from an insufficient or unrepresentative sample?
- False dichotomy
- Ad hominem
- Hasty generalization (Correct answer)
- Circular reasoning
Correct answer: Hasty generalization
A hasty generalization draws sweeping conclusions from too little or unrepresentative evidence.
Question 3: When an argument incorrectly assumes that because one event followed another the first caused the second, this fallacy is called:
- Straw man
- Post hoc ergo propter hoc (Correct answer)
- Appeal to authority
- Red herring
Correct answer: Post hoc ergo propter hoc
Post hoc ergo propter hoc is the fallacy of treating a temporal sequence as proof of causation without eliminating other explanations.
Question 4: In a GRE Argument Analysis essay, what should each body paragraph primarily address?
- Your personal stance on the topic
- A distinct logical flaw or unwarranted assumption in the argument (Correct answer)
- Historical background on the subject
- A dictionary definition of a key term
Correct answer: A distinct logical flaw or unwarranted assumption in the argument
Each body paragraph should identify and explain a specific logical weakness, keeping the analysis focused and organized.
Question 5: Which flaw occurs when an argument presents only two options when more exist?
- Slippery slope
- Appeal to popularity
- False dichotomy (Correct answer)
- Equivocation
Correct answer: False dichotomy
A false dichotomy incorrectly limits possibilities to just two when other alternatives exist.
Question 6: What score range is used for the GRE Analytical Writing section?
- 0–5
- 0–6 (Correct answer)
- 130–170
- 1–10
Correct answer: 0–6
GRE Analytical Writing is scored on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments by both a human rater and an automated e-rater.
GRE Argument Analysis Essay 1
What is the primary task in the GRE 'Analyze an Argument' essay?