Step by step..oooh
baby New
Kids on the Block with
PICTURES!
You've read Oren's great material on
Analysis of an Issue, now we're going to give you a step by
step guide on how to prepare for these essays -
There's more you can do than just writing to prepare for these
questions. The Princeton Review has done a great job getting down
to the bare bones of prepping for this section.
If you can remember back to when you were in middle school, there
was a certain format of essay you were supposed to follow. A
framework if you will that will be the outline in which you
construct your essay. Just framework let you fill in your own
words to complete sentences and ideas that would strengthen your
essay. In the same way, you can use a standard framework to just
plug in your arguments and facts to create a successful
essay.
Analysis of an
Issue
Step 1
Read the Topic
Each topic will be different, so you can't really prepare that
part, but you should be able to skim what's given to you and come
up with a general basis or opinion on the piece.
Step 2
Decide your Position
Take a stand! Read the passage and pick which side you want to
defend. Do you agree with one side? Do you outright disagree with
the other? Why?
Step 3
Brainstorm
What supporting statements can you come up with? Do you have
personal examples? Which are the most persuasive? What are the
reasons you believe that _ is the best
opinion/answer to give?
Step 4
Pick and Choose
Pick out your best arguments from the ones you've already
brainstormed. Discard the ones that don't have a lot to back them
up. Do your choices all relate back to the argument? Do they each
have their own bit of evidence and reasoning on why you've picked
it? Do you have at least three arguments/reasons for your essay
now?
Step 5
Start Writing
This is where that template we first talked about comes in. Start
your paragraph with a simple starter such as: The issue
of __ is significant. Then state the
two sides: Although some believe
_, others tend to believe
__. Conclude
your first paragraph by stating the side you have sided
with: However,after consideration of the options, I
believe that
_.
You can then write out your three body
paragraphs using your best arguments as the introductory sentence
of each. Back each argument up with sufficient points.
In your conclusion use framework such as: In conclusion, I
believe that. You can then summarize your points and finish
off strong.
Edit your paper,
even though they can't take marks off for spelling, it's a good
idea.
Now you've got it, the argument, the structure and a good length
to boot. Remember, you have 30 minutes to brainstorm, write and
edit your paper. So try to be quick, clear and focussed.
Now, here's an
exercise…
Write out a short essay using the steps above
as well as the template or a similar structure used in these
steps. Submit your practice essay by posting below this lesson. I
will then read your essay and go over the strengths and ways to
improve. This is a great opportunity to get some feedback on your
work.
Good luck!
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"Some believe that violent
television programs and music lyrics are the cause of increased
violence and crime in our cities, and should be censored - but in
fact, there is no correlation between violence in popular culture
and violence in real life".
Discuss the extent to
which you agree or disagree with the opinion expressed above.
Support your point of view with reasons and/or examples from your
own experience, observations, or reading.
------------------------------------------------------------
This question and others can be found in The Princeton Review's
Cracking the GMAT 2008 Edition.
Now, get writing!! I can't
wait to see your progress!
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