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Using Argument Topics to Prepare for GRE Reading Comprehension

The passages in GRE Reading Comprehension frequently present arguments, though it's important to clarify that in this context, "argument" refers to an attempt to provide reasons (premises) supporting a new or disputable claim (a conclusion), rather than a dispute. Developing the skill to analyze these arguments is crucial for the Reading Comprehension section. Fortunately, the creators of the GRE offer numerous free practice passages in the official pool of Argument topics for the Analytical Writing section, which can be valuable for preparation.


Analyzing an argument entails identifying, at the very least, the conclusion and the premise(s), which may sometimes be implicit or unstated. Implicit premises are often encountered in GRE passages, requiring careful detection. Once the components of an argument are identified, the task is to assess how well the premises support the conclusion. False premises offer no support, while true premises offer at least some support, provided they are reasonably relevant to the conclusion. The GRE does not require fact-checking of premises; rather, the focus is on considering what kind of information could potentially strengthen or weaken an argument.


Illustrating the Breakdown

To demonstrate, let's analyze an excerpt from an argument in the official GRE Argument topics pool. Here's the initial sentence of the passage along with the context:


The passage is from a health magazine published in Corpora.


“According to medical experts, only one-quarter of Corpora’s citizens meet the current standards for adequate physical fitness, whereas twenty years ago, one-half of all of Corpora’s citizens met the standards as then defined …”


Initially, there's no argument presented. Instead, the magazine excerpt begins with an observation about Corpora. It notes a decrease in the percentage of physically fit residents over the past two decades, as stated by medical experts. The reason for this decline is subject to debate. The passage continues:


“… But these experts are incorrect in suggesting that excessive computer usage is responsible for the decline in fitness. Since fitness levels are highest in regions of Corpora with the highest computer ownership rates, it's clear that computer use hasn't led to decreased physical fitness …”


Now, an argument is presented. The conclusion is stated twice: first between "but" and "since," and then reiterated after "it is clear that." Following the word "since," which often serves as a premise indicator, is the premise. Let's rephrase the argument to enhance clarity:


Premise: The regions with the highest levels of computer ownership in Corpora also exhibit the highest levels of overall fitness.

Conclusion: Excessive computer use did not contribute to the decline in physical fitness among Corpora's residents.


Analysis and Response Preparation

Now that we've completed our analysis of the passage, envision it as a full Reading Comp passage. Our examination thus far equips us for questions regarding the main idea, point, or conclusion, as well as inquiries about the purpose or function of different sections, such as identifying premises. We can characterize the purpose of the initial sentence as "presenting a statistic whose interpretation is under dispute."


Nevertheless, we still need to uncover the implicit premises of the argument. In some Reading Comp passages, the test might prompt you to identify the author's implicit assumptions. It's essential to pinpoint these for the Argument task passage. Below are the instructions that accompany the magazine excerpt about Corpora.


Compose a response in which you scrutinize the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument. Make sure to elucidate how the argument relies on these assumptions and the ramifications if they are unfounded.


Let's adhere to the instructions and dissect the argument's assumptions, particularly the implicit ones. Here are at least two:


Implicit Premise 1: There is a correlation between computer overuse and the prevalence of computer users. Higher levels of computer ownership correspond to more frequent computer overuse.

Implicit Premise 2: If computer overuse were responsible for the decline in physical fitness among Corpora's citizens, then overall fitness levels and computer ownership levels would not coincide in the same regions of Corpora.

Premise: The regions with the highest levels of overall fitness also exhibit the highest levels of computer ownership in Corpora.

Conclusion: Excessive computer use did not lead to the decrease in physical fitness among Corpora's citizens.


The first implicit premise bridges the gap between the stated premise regarding computer ownership and the conclusion regarding computer overuse. The second implicit premise proposes a method to challenge the hypothesis put forth by the medical experts. As per the stated premise, their hypothesis is invalidated, thus rejected.


Pay Attention to the Instructions

Consider the scenario where, in line with the essay instructions, the assumptions underlying the argument are questionable. In such a case, these assumptions fail to provide sound justification for accepting the conclusion. While this response is accurate in principle, it pertains specifically to the premises of the argument under consideration. Therefore, let's formulate a critique that specifically addresses the assigned argument.


"The stated premise seems to assert that the percentage of physically fit citizens is highest in parts of Corpora where the percentage of computer owners is also highest. Even if this assertion is true, the decline in physical fitness across Corpora still could’ve been caused by excessive computer use. Perhaps the regions that the author cites are mostly elderly but, relative to their age, physically fit adults who own but don’t often use computers. Moreover, perhaps the given regions also have many younger but physically unfit adults who own and overuse computers. If so, then implicit premise #2 offers an unreliable test for the medical experts’ hypothesis, and the stated premise—again, even if true—lacks relevance to the conclusion."


Let's once again envision ourselves engaging with a Reading Comp passage. If tasked with weakening the author's argument, a suitable response could mirror our delineation of the specific aspects of Corpora mentioned by the author. Conversely, if asked to strengthen the argument, an appropriate answer might negate our critique.


The passage continues beyond what we've discussed. Here's the concluding segment:


"... Instead, as evidenced by this year's notably decreased spending on fitness-related products and services, the recent economic downturn is likely the primary factor, and fitness levels will likely rebound with economic recovery."


The excerpt from the magazine concludes with another argument put forth by the author. Try to identify the components of the argument, including any implicit premises, and formulate one or two criticisms. In doing so, you'll be preparing for both the Analyze an Argument task and various types of Reading Comprehension questions. This approach offers double the educational value from a single passage, which is just one among many freely accessible from ETS.

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