威威學長的寫作教室：GRE Analytical Writing

Section 1：Issue Essay Format and Scoring

1.1 什麼是 Issue Essay？

題目把「一個社會推崇什麼英雄」和「這個社會的性格」連在一起。你可以同意，也可以懷疑這樣看夠不夠全面。GRE Issue Essay 要你在 30 分鐘內把立場寫清楚，再用理由和例子支撐。

題目範例：

"The best way to understand the character of a society is to examine the character of the men and women that the society chooses as its heroes."

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim.

1.2 評分標準

GRE AW 分數範圍：0-6 分，以 0.5 分為單位。

1.3 Issue Essay 結構

┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Introduction（引言）               │
│  - Background / Context            │
│  - Thesis（你的立場）                │
│  - Roadmap（預告論點）               │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Body Paragraph 1（論點一）          │
│  - 主旨句                           │
│  - 理由 + 具體例子                   │
│  - 分析（為何此例支持論點）            │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Body Paragraph 2（論點二）          │
│  - 主旨句                           │
│  - 理由 + 具體例子                   │
│  - 分析                             │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Body Paragraph 3（論點三/反駁）     │
│  - 反方觀點                         │
│  - 承認其部分合理性                   │
│  - 反駁並重申己方立場                │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Conclusion（結論）                  │
│  - 重申論點                         │
│  - 綜合主要論據                     │
│  - 最後的思考（ broader implication）│
└────────────────────────────────────┘

1.4 Issue Essay 寫作要點

先決定自己同意到什麼程度。部分同意也可以，但要說清楚哪些情況成立、哪些不成立，別讓讀者猜你站哪邊。

歷史事件、文學、科學或生活情境都能拿來當例子，前提是你真的了解它。寫完例子，再追問：這件事怎麼支持我的立場？這一步省掉了，文章就只剩故事。

也試著替反方想一個合理的疑慮。能回應它，論證會更完整；不必為了套格式，硬塞一個自己也不相信的反對意見。

Section 2：Argument Essay Format and Scoring

2.1 什麼是 Argument Essay？

這裡把 Argument Essay 留作論證分析練習；準備 GRE 時，實際題型請核對當期官方說明。它和 Issue Essay 的任務不同：下面這段說學校該蓋宿舍，你要檢查的是「招生增加、租金上漲」能不能推到這個結論，不必另寫一篇自己贊不贊成蓋宿舍的文章。

題目範例：

"The following appeared in a memo from the director of student housing at Buckingham College." "To serve the housing needs of our students, Buckingham College should build a number of new dormitories. Buckingham's enrollment is growing and, based on current trends, will double over the next 50 years, thus making existing dormitory space inadequate. Moreover, the average rent for an apartment in our town has risen in recent years. Consequently, students will find it increasingly difficult to afford off-campus housing."

Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument.

2.2 Argument Essay 結構

┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Introduction（引言）               │
│  - 簡述原論證的結論和前提             │
│  - 指出論證有邏輯問題                │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Body 1： flaw 1                    │
│  - 指出一個假設或邏輯問題             │
│  - 解釋為何此假設有問題               │
│  - 提出反例或替代解釋                │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Body 2： flaw 2                    │
│  - 指出第二個問題                    │
│  - 解釋和反例                       │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Body 3： flaw 3                    │
│  - 指出第三個問題                    │
│  - 解釋和反例                       │
├────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Conclusion（結論）                  │
│  - 總結論證的弱點                   │
│  - 建議需要什麼額外資訊才能評估       │
└────────────────────────────────────┘

2.3 Argument Essay 常見邏輯缺陷

Section 3：Templates and Strategies

3.1 Issue Essay Template

Introduction: The issue of [topic] is one that invites careful consideration. While some may argue that [opposing view], I [agree/disagree/partially agree] with the statement that [restated claim] because [reason 1], [reason 2], and [reason 3].

Body Paragraph: One compelling reason to support this view is [reason]. For example, [specific example]. This demonstrates that [analysis of why the example supports the argument]. Without [element discussed], [consequence of not having this element].

Counterargument: Admittedly, [opposing viewpoint] has some merit. [Acknowledge the point]. However, [refutation]. The evidence more strongly supports [your position].

Conclusion: In conclusion, while [acknowledge complexity], the weight of evidence supports [your position]. [Broader implication or final thought].

3.2 Argument Essay Template

Introduction: The argument concludes that [state conclusion] based on [state key premise(s)]. However, this argument relies on several questionable assumptions that, upon closer examination, significantly weaken its logical soundness.

Body Paragraph: First, the argument assumes that [state assumption]. This assumption is problematic because [explain why]. For instance, [provide counterexample or alternative explanation]. If [alternative scenario], then the conclusion would not follow.

Conclusion: In sum, the argument is unpersuasive as it stands. To strengthen it, the author would need to provide evidence that [what is needed]. Without this additional information, the argument remains logically flawed.

3.3 Time Management Strategy

可以先照這個分配計時，再看自己卡在構思還是寫作。修改時間也要留，至少回頭檢查每個例子有沒有接回論點。

Section 4：Practice Prompts with Model Essays

下列英文範文用來看段落怎麼展開，不宜直接當作事實來源。其中的研究、歷史人物軼事與數字未附出處，練習時請改用自己能確認的材料；題目中的公司與城鎮則按題幹給定的情境分析。

Issue Prompt 1

Prompt: "The primary goal of technological advancement should be to increase people's efficiency so that they have more leisure time."

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning.

Model Essay:

The relationship between technological advancement and human leisure is more complex than the statement suggests. While increasing efficiency is certainly one important goal of technology, I disagree with the claim that it should be the primary goal, because technology serves multiple essential purposes, including improving health, expanding knowledge, and promoting justice, that are at least as important as, if not more important than, creating leisure time.

First, technology has historically served goals far nobler than mere efficiency. The development of vaccines, antibiotics, and medical imaging devices has saved billions of lives, an achievement whose value transcends any measure of leisure time. The invention of the printing press, the telescope, and the computer expanded human knowledge in ways that enriched civilization itself. To reduce the purpose of technology to "efficiency" is to overlook its most transformative contributions.

Second, the assumption that increased efficiency automatically leads to more leisure time is historically dubious. The Industrial Revolution dramatically increased manufacturing efficiency, yet factory workers often labored longer hours under worse conditions than before. Today, smartphones and laptops have made communication vastly more efficient, but many professionals find themselves working around the clock, unable to disconnect from the office. Efficiency gains are frequently channeled into greater productivity expectations rather than leisure.

Third, technology should also aim to address fundamental inequalities. Clean energy technology, affordable water purification systems, and accessible educational platforms serve goals of justice and equity that are at least as important as leisure. A society that prioritizes leisure over equity would be using its most powerful tools for a comparatively narrow purpose.

In conclusion, while efficiency is a worthy goal, it should not be the primary purpose of technological advancement. Technology's greatest promise lies in its capacity to improve the human condition in all its dimensions: health, knowledge, justice, and yes, sometimes leisure as well. (289 words)

Issue Prompt 2

Prompt: "Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed."

Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim.

Model Essay:

The question of whether educational institutions should actively discourage students from pursuing certain fields of study is a delicate balance between responsible guidance and respect for individual autonomy. While I agree that educators should provide honest counsel about the challenges students may face, I fundamentally disagree with the notion that institutions should dissuade students from their chosen paths, because doing so would undermine personal growth, reinforce harmful biases, and ignore the unpredictable nature of success.

First, the concept of "unlikely to succeed" is inherently subjective and often inaccurate. History is filled with individuals who were told they lacked aptitude for their chosen field but went on to achieve extraordinary things. Albert Einstein was initially deemed a poor student. Walt Disney was fired for "lacking imagination." If educational institutions had successfully dissuaded these individuals, the world would have lost some of its greatest contributors. Success depends on factors (passion, perseverance, timing, and opportunity) that no institution can fully predict.

Second, actively discouraging students risks reinforcing existing social and economic inequalities. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may already face systemic barriers and self-doubt. If institutions tell these students that they are "unlikely to succeed," they may be perpetuating the very inequalities that education should aim to overcome. A first-generation college student interested in engineering should receive encouragement and support, not discouragement based on statistical probabilities.

That said, I do believe educators have a responsibility to provide realistic guidance. Informing students about the competitive nature of certain fields, the job market outlook, and the skills required is valuable and ethical. There is an important distinction between providing honest information and actively dissuading, between saying "this path is challenging" and "you should not pursue this path."

In conclusion, educational institutions should serve as guides, not gatekeepers. Their role is to equip students with the information and skills they need to make informed decisions, not to make those decisions for them. (300 words)

Argument Prompt 1

Prompt: The following appeared in a memo from the vice president of marketing at Dura-Socks, a company that manufactures socks.

"A recent study of our customers suggests that our company is wasting the money it spends on its patented Endure manufacturing process, which ensures that our socks are strong enough to last for two years. In our most recent customer survey, which was conducted by an independent research firm, 60 percent of respondents reported that they had purchased Dura-Socks specifically for durability. However, the survey also revealed that the average Dura-Socks customer purchases new socks every three months. Therefore, we can increase our profits by discontinuing the Endure manufacturing process, since customers clearly do not value the extra durability."

Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument.

Model Essay:

The vice president's argument concludes that Dura-Socks should discontinue the Endure manufacturing process to increase profits, based on survey data showing that customers replace their socks every three months despite valuing durability. However, this argument relies on several questionable assumptions that undermine its conclusion.

First, the argument assumes that because customers replace their socks frequently, they do not value durability. This assumption is logically flawed. Customers may purchase new socks for reasons entirely unrelated to durability, such as wanting different colors or styles, replacing socks that have been lost in the laundry, or simply enjoying the feeling of new socks. The fact that customers buy new socks every three months does not necessarily mean that their existing socks have worn out. In fact, if 60 percent of customers specifically cite durability as a reason for choosing Dura-Socks, discontinuing the feature that provides this durability could alienate the company's core customer base.

Second, the argument assumes that eliminating the Endure process would increase profits. This requires two additional assumptions: that the Endure process adds significant cost to production, and that no customers would switch to competitors if durability were reduced. The memo provides no evidence about the actual cost of the Endure process or how its elimination would affect customer retention. If even a moderate percentage of customers switched to competing brands because Dura-Socks lost its durability advantage, the resulting revenue loss could easily exceed the cost savings.

Third, the argument assumes that the survey results are representative and reliable. We are not told how many customers were surveyed, how they were selected, or whether the survey methodology was sound. A survey of a small or biased sample might not accurately reflect the preferences of the broader customer base.

In sum, the argument is unconvincing as presented. To evaluate the recommendation, we would need information about the actual cost of the Endure process, the reasons customers purchase new socks frequently, and whether eliminating durability would affect customer loyalty. Without this evidence, the conclusion is premature. (328 words)

Argument Prompt 2

Prompt: The following appeared in a letter to the editor of a local newspaper.

"The town of Masonville should follow the example of the nearby town of Clearview, which recently built a new public golf course and tennis facility. Since the facilities were built, Clearview has seen a 20 percent increase in tourism and a corresponding rise in hotel occupancy rates. Additionally, Clearview's new sports complex has generated substantial revenue through membership fees and event hosting. By investing in similar recreational facilities, Masonville can boost its tourism industry and increase its tax revenue."

Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument.

Model Essay:

The letter recommends that Masonville invest in recreational facilities similar to those built by Clearview, arguing that such investment will boost tourism and tax revenue. However, the argument depends on several assumptions that, upon closer examination, weaken its logical foundation.

The most significant assumption is that Clearview's increase in tourism was caused by the new golf course and tennis facility. The author presents correlation (tourism rose after the facilities were built) as evidence of causation, but this reasoning is flawed. The increase in tourism could have been driven by numerous other factors: an improved economy, a marketing campaign, favorable weather conditions, or the opening of other attractions in the area. Without ruling out these alternative explanations, we cannot conclude that the sports facilities were responsible for the tourism increase.

Even if we grant that the facilities attracted tourists to Clearview, the argument further assumes that Masonville would experience similar results. This assumption overlooks important differences between the two towns. Masonville may lack the hotel infrastructure, transportation access, or natural attractions that complement Clearview's sports facilities. A golf course in a remote location without adequate lodging or dining options may fail to attract visitors regardless of its quality. The argument also ignores the possibility that Clearview's success depended on unique factors (such as hosting a major tournament or being located near a large urban population) that Masonville cannot replicate.

Additionally, the argument assumes that the revenue generated by Clearview's facilities exceeds the cost of building and maintaining them. The letter mentions "substantial revenue" but provides no comparison to the construction and operational costs. If the facilities cost more to build and maintain than they generate in revenue and tax income, the investment would be a financial loss rather than a gain.

In conclusion, the recommendation is not adequately supported. Before committing resources to recreational facilities, Masonville's leaders should conduct a thorough analysis of their town's specific conditions, the true cause of Clearview's tourism growth, and the projected costs and revenues of such a project. (318 words)

計時前，先拆一段論證

回到 Dura-Socks 那題，把「每三個月買襪子」到「不重視耐用度」之間缺的那一步寫出來。再問：如果客人只是想換顏色，原來的結論還成立嗎？先用中文說通，再寫成英文的一段。

寫 Issue Essay 時也做同樣的檢查：每個例子後面，都要交代它支持了什麼。I think、I believe 可以表達立場，但後面的理由得由你補上，不能讓這幾個字替你做分析。