Analysis of An Argument TopicsAnalysis of An Argument Index
This list consists of 140 arguments from which one will be chosen for you by the computer when you take your GMAT.
91. The following appeared as part of an article in a local newspaper.
Over the past three years the tarfish industry has changed markedly. Fishing technology has improved significantly and the demand for tarfish has grown in both domestic and foreign markets. As this trend continues, the tarfish industry on Shrimp Island can expect to experience the same over-fishing problems that are already occurring with mainland fishing industries. Without restrictions on fishing, fishers see no reason to limit their individual catches. As the catches get bigger, the tarfish population will be dangerously depleted while the surplus of tarfish will devalue the catch for fishers. Government regulation is the only answer. Tarfish-fishing should be allowed only during the three-month summer season when tarfish reproduce and thus are most numerous rather than throughout the year.
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 underline 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 in conclusion.
92. The following appeared as part of a letter to the editor of a local newspaper.
It makes no sense that in most places fifteen year olds are not eligible for their driver's license while people who are far older can retain all of their driving privileges by simply renewing their license. If older drivers can get these renewals, often without having to pass another driving test, then fifteen year olds should be eligible to get a license. Fifteen year olds typically have much better eyesight, especially at night, much better hand-eye coordination and much quicker reflexes. They are also less likely to feel confused by unexpected developments or disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings and they recover from injuries more quickly.
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 underline 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 in conclusion.
93. The following appeared in a proposal from the development office at Platonic University.
Because Platonic University had difficulty in meeting its expenses over the past three years, we need to find new ways to increase revenues. We should consider following the example of Greene University which recently renamed itself after a donor who gave it $100 million. If Platonic University were to advertise to its alumni and other wealthy people that it will rename either individual buildings or the entire university itself after the donors who give the most money, the amount of donations would undoubtedly increase.
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 underline 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 in conclusion.
94. The following appeared as part of an article in the business section of a local newspaper.
Hippocrene Pumbing Supply recently opened a wholesale outlet in the location once occupied by the Cumquat Cafe. Hippocrene has apparently been quite successful there because it is planning to open a large outlet in a nearby city. But the Cumquat Cafe, one year after moving to its new location, has been its volume of business drop somewhat from the previous year's. Clearly, the former site was the better business location and the Cumquat Cafe has made a mistake in moving to its new address.
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 underline 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 in conclusion.
95. 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 neighbouring 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 advertisements its spots, KMTV should focus its programming on farming issues as well.
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 underline 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 in conclusion.
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