1. Planning and Writing
an Argumentative Essay
Elena González Rivera, Ed. D.
March 7, 2014

2. Objectives
• Discuss assessment criteria used to evaluate a
critique or argument essay
• Refresh the 4 basic principles of GRE writing
• Apply Kaplan’s 5-Step Method for GRE Writing
• Complete a 30 minute argumentative essay

3. Reference
• Kaplan. (2011). 7th Ed. New Kaplan GRE
Verbal Workbook. New York: Kaplan
Publishing. pps. 329-352.

4. GRE Scoring Guide: Analyze an Argument
A score of 6
A 6 paper presents a cogent, well-articulated
critique of the argument and conveys
meaning skillfully.
A typical paper in this category
• clearly identifies important features of the
argument and analyzes them insightfully
• develops ideas cogently, organizes them
logically, and connects them with clear
transitions
• Effectively supports the main points of the
critique
• Demonstrates control of language, including
appropriate word choice and sentence
variety
• Demonstrates facility with the conventions
(i.e., grammar, usage, and mechanics) of
standard written English but may have minor
errors
A score of 5
A 5 paper presents a generally thoughtful, well-
developed critique of the argument and
conveys meaning clearly.
A typical paper in this category
• Clearly identifies important features of an
argument and analyzes them in a generally
perceptive way
• Develops ideas clearly, organizes them
logically, and connects them with
appropriate transitions
• Sensibly supports the main points of the
critique
• Demonstrates control of language, including
appropriate word choice and sentence
variety
• Demonstrates facility with the conventions
of standard written English but may have
minor errors

5. GRE Scoring Guide: Analyze an Argument
Score 4
A 4 paper presents a competent critique
of the argument and conveys
meaning adequately.
A typical paper in this category
• Identifies and analyses important
features of an argument
• Develops and organizes ideas
satisfactorily but may not connect
them with transitions
• Demonstrates sufficient control of
language to express ideas with
reasonable clarity
• Generally demonstrates control of
the conventions of written English
but may have some errors
Score of 3
A 3 paper demonstrates some competence in its
critique of the argument and in conveying
meaning but is obviously flawed.
A typical paper in this category exhibits ONE OR
MORE of the following characteristics:
• Does not identify or analyze most of the
important features of the argument,
although some analysis of the argument is
present
• Mainly analyzes tangential or irrelevant
matters, or reasons poorly
• Is limited in the logical development and
organization of ideas
• Offers support of little relevance and value
for points of the critique
• Lacks clarity in expressing ideas
• Contains occasional major errors or frequent
minor errors in grammar, usage, or
mechanics that can interfere with meaning

6. Four Basic Principles of GRE Writing
• Demonstrate control of language
• Value simplicity
• Not worried about making minor mistakes
• Remain focused on your goal

7. Demonstrate Control of Language
• Superior language control
– Grammar – rules of English
– Concise not wordy
– Direct
– Persuasive
– Varied and correct use of syntax – sentence
structure
– Careful with word choice -diction

8. What You Need to Do
• Discuss how sound the argument is by
examining “the line of reasoning”
• Pay attention to
a. Conclusions
b. Evidence
c. Assumptions
d. The structure of the argument (transitional words
help you see the structure of the argument)

9. Do’s and Don’ts
Not being asked to do
• Do not discuss if the
arguments are true or
accurate
• Do not agree or disagree
with the position
• Do not express your own
views on the topic
Being asked to do
• Tell us if conclusions and
inferences are validly drawn
• Comment on the thinking
that underlies the position
(the assumptions)
• Evaluate the logical
soundness of the argument

10. HOW
• Apply Kaplan’s 5 Step Method to an Argument
Essay
1. Take the argument apart (2 minutes)
2. Select the points you will make (4 minutes)
3. Organize your essay using Kaplan’s templates
(2 minutes)
1. Write your essay (20 minutes)
2. Proofread your essay (2 minutes)

11. 5-Step Method for GRE Writing
• Step 1. Take the issue/argument apart (2 minutes)
– Deconstruct* an argument
• First, identify the conclusion
• Next, point out supporting evidence
• Finally, infer the underlying **assumptions
– Make note of ambiguous or undefined terms
* “In philosophy and literary criticism, to deconstruct an idea or text means
to show the contradictions in its meaning, and to show how it does not
fully explain what it claims to explain” (Collins Cobuild English Dictionary
for Advanced Learners, 2003).
** Assumptions are implicit or unmentioned bit of evidence, and they are
unspoken and underlying conditions or beliefs necessary for the
supporting evidence to validly lead to the conclusion.

12. Step 1: Take it Apart
• Prompt: Taken from Kaplan verbal workbook 2011 ed.
“This year, in view of our pledge to be more environmentally conscious, we will be requiring all
homeowners within the city limits to recycle their glass, plastic, and paper waste. According to a
recent study by Edwintown University, the volume of litter in Edwintown and its surrounding
environs has increased by 20 percent over the past 15 years. The only way to combat this blight* is
for our citizens to actively make an effort to recycle their trash. By enforcing recycling laws for all
houses within the city limits, we will improve the aesthetics and public health conditions of our
area.”
(blight= something that impairs or destroys.)
Conclusion: (“The point the author is trying to make”)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Evidence: (“Premises or facts offered to support the conclusion”)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Assumptions: (“Unspoken condition or beliefs necessary for the conclusion to make
sense in light of the evidence.”)
___________________________________________________________________________________

13. Step 1: Take it Apart
• Prompt: Taken from Kaplan verbal workbook 2011 ed.
“This year, in view of our pledge to be more environmentally conscious, we will be requiring all
homeowners within the city limits to recycle their glass, plastic, and paper waste. According to a
recent study by Edwintown University, the volume of litter in Edwintown and its surrounding
environmentss has increased by 20 percent over the past 15 years. The only way to combat this
blight* is for our citizens to actively make an effort to recycle their trash. By enforcing recycling
laws for all houses within the city limits, we will improve the aesthetics and public health conditions
of our area.”
(blight= something that impairs or destroys.)
Conclusion: (“The point the author is trying to make”)
The only way to combat the increase in litter is for citizens to actively make the effort to recycle
their trash, therefore, enforcing recycling laws will improve town conditions.
Evidence: (“Premises or facts offered to support the conclusion”)
According to a study by Edwinton University, the volume of litter in Edwinton and its surrounding
environment has increased by 20 percent over the past 15 years.
Assumptions: (“Unspoken condition or beliefs necessary for the conclusion to make
sense in light of the evidence.”)
1. A city-wide required program for glass, paper, and plastic recycling will help citizens become
more aware of the environment.
2. The recycling program will improve upon ”the aesthetic and public health conditions” in the
area.
3. The households not commerce is responsible for the increase in litter.

14. Step 2: Select the Points You Will Make
Analyze the use of evidence in the argument.
(Look for things that have not been discussed.)
1.
2.
3.
4.

15. Step 2: Select the Points You Will Make
Analyze the use of evidence in the argument.
(Look for things not discussed.)
• Whether or not there had been any environmental regulations in the
past
• If the study showed habits that contributed to an increase in the litter
volume
• If residents had recycled in the past
• Whether or not the type of trash produced could be recycled
• Whether or not the trash has been disposed of in a way that is a risk
to public health or esthetically unpleasing
• Whether or not limiting the recycling program to homeowners would
have a large enough impact – Why not include businesses, non-profit
organizations, and government agencies.

16. Step 2: Select the Points You Will Make
• Analyze the use of evidence in the argument
(to make the argument stronger)
• 1.
• 2.
• 3.

17. Step 2: Select the Points You Will Make
Analyze the use of evidence in the argument
(Determine what types of evidence would make the argument stronger)
• Evidence indicating that the government will compensate the
efforts of citizens to recycle.
• Evidence of government support to citizens so that they will
be able to comply with the new regulation.
• Evidence of the effectiveness of the program guidelines – ex.
They have been already implemented somewhere else.

18. Step 3: Organize Your Essay (2 min.)
Use Kaplan’s Argumentative essay template
• Paragraph 1: paraphrase the argument (The author’s conclusion
and evidence). Summarize the goal of your essay, according to
specific instructions.
• Paragraph 2: State and evaluate the most important assumption
the author makes, question to be answered, or possible alternative
explanation (depending on the specific instructions).
• Paragraph 3: State and evaluate another assumption the author
makes, question to be answered, or possible alternative
explanation (depending on the specific instructions).
• Additional paragraphs as time permits: State a piece of evidence
not included that would make the argument stronger.
• Last paragraph: Conclude by summarizing your main points.
Directly answer the task given in the specific instructions.

19. Outline of Your Essay
Use Kaplan’s Argumentative essay template
• Paragraph 1:The memorandum from the city council exemplifies a positive
strategy for impacting the local government, but without more concrete
evidence, the results predicted by the city council are speculative at best.
The city council argues that recycling regulations for households will help
improve the overall environment of the surrounding area.
• Paragraph 2: The Edwinton University study needs to release additional
details and findings.
• Paragraph 3: The city council needs to describe more recycling strategies
• Paragraph 4: What incentives will community members have for following
the recycling program?
• Last paragraph: For community support, the city council needs to release
more evidence and strategies for its environmental improvement plan.

20. Step 4: Type your Essay
• (20 minutes)

21. Step 5: Proofread Your Essay (2 min.)
• Take a few minutes to re-read your essay and
eliminate obvious errors.
– A few minor grammatical errors are no problem.
– A few severe grammatical errors that change the
significance of the essay can affect your score.
– Many grammatical errors will affect your score.

22. Criterion
• Go to Criterion through Google
• Log in Criterion as a student
Access Username is the first art of your email
Access Password is the first part of your email
• Complete the essay entitled “Silver Screen
Movies”.
GOOD LUCK!

23. Prompt
• Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument.
• The following is taken from a memo from the advertising director of the
Silver Screen Movie Production Company.
• "According to a recent report from our marketing department, fewer
people attended movies produced by Silver Screen during the past year
than in any other year. And yet the percentage of generally favorable
comments by movie reviewers about specific Silver Screen movies actually
increased during this period. Clearly, the contents of these reviews are not
reaching enough of our prospective viewers; so the problem lies not with
the quality of our movies but with the public's lack of awareness that
movies of good quality are available. Silver Screen should therefore spend
more of its budget next year on reaching the public through advertising
and less on producing new movies."