Lesson: Writing the Argument Essay

Comment on Writing the Argument Essay

Thank you for your videos. they are really helpful. But I have a question, Is it possible to start with the body paragraphs, conclusion, and finally the introduction. I found some people recommended that term of saving time and introduce your topic with the points that you already wrote. I extremely appreciate your response.
greenlight-admin's picture

That approach sounds fine. Either way, the points that you generate during your brainstorming session will guide your writing.

I found videos on writing the argument essay extremely helpful. The example follows through with a practical approach and high-lights how it fits into a standard template.

1. When writing the essay paragraphs, is there a # of sentences that you should have to make it a complete paragraph (in school we learned to have at least 5 sent.) or is it okay to have less as long as the necessary information is given?

2. what is the easiest way to make use of time when typing essays for the electronic test since it takes some longer to type vs. write?
greenlight-admin's picture

Hi Ashley,

1) Don't worry about the number of sentence per paragraph. Just be sure to include the necessary information.

2) If you're a super slow typist, you may have to have shorter templates in mind to ensure that you can complete each writing task in 30 minutes.

Hi Brent,

What would alternative explanations be? Would it be possible for you to give an example based on the Color & White example used in this video?

Thanks!!!
greenlight-admin's picture

Hi Manmeet,

You aren't required to provide an alternate explanation for every flaw. This is just one of many ways to handle flaws.

Alternate explanations work really well with cause and effect arguments. For example, if the author argues that it rained yesterday because the local Witch Doctor was displeased with current events, you might suggest an alternate explanation for why it rained (using meteorological reasons perhaps :-)

Cheers,
Brent

Thanks for the clarification!

After seeing these videos i was able to save time and this template is very handy and easy to use. thank you Brent. but i am still struggling with the 3rd type of essay, in which we have to discuss one or more alternative explanation. can you guide me a bit please?
greenlight-admin's picture

Here's an example of the 3rd essay type:

The following memorandum is from the business manager of Happy Pancake House restaurants.

"Recently, butter has been replaced by margarine in Happy Pancake House restaurants throughout the southwestern United States. This change, however, has had little impact on our customers. In fact, only about 2 percent of customers have complained, indicating that an average of 98 people out of 100 are happy with the change. Furthermore, many servers have reported that a number of customers who ask for butter do not complain when they are given margarine instead. Clearly, either these customers do not distinguish butter from margarine or they use the term 'butter' to refer to either butter or margarine."

Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument.

One of the main points here is that, since only 2% of customers complained, it must be the case that 98 people out of 100 are happy with the change.
However, it could be the case that most people are unhappy with the change, BUT they just don't complain.

Similarly, the author concludes that "either these customers do not distinguish butter from margarine or they use the term 'butter' to refer to either butter or margarine."
Here, an alternate explanation could be that customers CAN distinguish butter from margarine, but most of them don't have a strong preference.

Does that help?

Have a question about this video?

Post your question in the Comment section below, and a GRE expert will answer it as fast as humanly possible.

Change Playback Speed

You have the option of watching the videos at various speeds (25% faster, 50% faster, etc). To change the playback speed, click the settings icon on the right side of the video status bar.

Let me Know

Have a suggestion to make the course even better? Email us today!

Free “Question of the Day” emails!