CAPÍTULO 2. A VUELTAS CON HEIDEGGER. LA FILOSOFÍA COMO TERAPIA
2. U NA PROPUESTA TERAPÉUTICA HACIA LA EMANCIPACIÓN DEL SUJETO
2.2. El papel del pensamiento ante la ambigüedad del Ge-stell
All the prompts in the argument task have two parts: the argument and the specific instructions. The first part of the prompt states a brief argument, expressed completely in just a few sentences, which may end with a conclusion, a recommendation, a bit of advice, or a prediction. For example, the argument might suggest how funds are to be spent, a new policy that should be instituted, or why things would go better if a particular plan or action were implemented.
Think about this description of the first part of the prompt. An argument expressed in just a few sentences has to lack evidence—or enough evidence. Indeed, it has to be big on assertions and small on explanation and development. In short, it has to be a flawed argument.
If you’re taking the
TIP
paper-and-pencil
Chapter 5: The Argument Task 157
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UNdERSTANd ThE PROmPT: ThE WRITING INSTRUCTIONS
The second part of the prompt states the task or special instructions that define your response. These instructions will begin with the words “Write a response. . .” and then explain how that response should be shaped. Typically, you’ll be told to be specific in explaining your analysis, that is, you’ll need to provide examples, reasons, questions to answer, or alternative explanations, depending on the prompt. The sets of instructions for responding to an argument task will have wording similar to the following:
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Discuss the evidence needed to assess the argument. Include specific examples and an expla-nation of how the evidence might weaken or strengthen the argument.•
Discuss the stated and/or unstated assumptions and explain how the argument is based on these assumptions and the implications for the argument if the assumptions are shown to be unjustified.•
Discuss the questions that need to be asked and answered to determine if the recommendation and its argument are reasonable. As part of your response, describe how the answers would help in the evaluation process.•
Discuss the questions that need to be asked and answered to determine if the advice and its argument are reasonable. As part of your response, explain how the answers would help in the evaluation process.•
Discuss the questions that need to be asked and answered to determine if the recommendation is likely to result in the outcome that is projected. As part of your response, explain how the answers would help in the evaluation process.•
Discuss the questions that need to be asked and answered to determine if the prediction and its argument are reasonable. As part of your response, explain how the answers would help in the evaluation process.•
Presented with an explanation, discuss one or more alternative explanations that could reasonably compete with the proposed explanation. Explain how your explanation(s) account for the facts in the argument that is proposed.•
Discuss the questions that need to be asked and answered to determine if the conclusion and the argument it is derived from are reasonable. As part of your response, explain how the answers would help in the evaluation process.If the task asks you to raise questions, don’t fail to raise them. If it asks you to provide alternative explanations, be sure you include them. And, above all, remember that you’re being asked to analyze and evaluate a flawed or, at best, an incomplete argument. That knowledge can help you focus your thinking.
Master the GRE® 2014
UNdERSTANd ThE SCORING RUBRIC
Before we go any further, let’s look at the scoring rubric for the argument task against which your response will be evaluated. Two readers will read and analyze your response using a six-point scale. The readers are your audience, and scoring high is your purpose. Scores range from 6 as the maximum to 0. Scores are whole numbers.
6 Points
To earn 6 points, your response should exhibit these characteristics:
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A logically sound, well-focused answer to the specific task that is particularly insightful, thoughtful, deep, or sophisticated.•
Fully developed, persuasive support for the main point or points of your response. At this high level of response, examples and other illustrations are particularly apt or well chosen, and their relationship to the focus of your analysis is extremely clear and/or well articulated.•
A method of organization that complements the main ideas of the analysis by effectively cre-ating a flow of well-organized paragraphs and easing the reader’s progress through the paper from first word to last. Connections between and among ideas are logical and may also be as subtle as they are effective.•
A formal grace that is a product primarily of well-constructed, varied sentences, and exact and rhetorically effective word choices.•
Adherence to almost all the conventions of Standard Written English, including grammar, usage, and mechanics. If there are any errors, they are minor.5 Points
To earn 5 points, your response will likely have these characteristics, though it may exceed one or more of them yet fall short on another:
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A logically sound, focused answer to the specific task that reflects insight and evidences some deep thought.•
Well-developed, persuasive support for the main point or points of your response. Examples and other illustrations are well chosen, and their relationship to the focus of your analysis are clear.•
A method of organization that complements main ideas and connects ideas clearly and in a logical order.•
Well-constructed, varied sentences and appropriate word choices that help create clarity as well as interest.•
Adherence to almost all the conventions of Standard Written English, including grammar, usage, and mechanics. If there are any errors, they are minor.4 Points
To earn 4 points, a response will have these characteristics:
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A generally focused answer to the specific task.•
Varying degrees of adequate and inadequate support.•
A logical method of organization, although some linkages may be missing or unclear.Chapter 5: The Argument Task 159
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Sentences and word choices that generally create clarity, though some problems may exist with structure or usage.•
General adherence to the conventions of Standard Written English. Some errors may occur.3 Points
Your response will earn only 3 points if it has one or more of the following characteristics:
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An inadequate answer to the specific task. It may not quite respond to the task or all aspects of it; it may be limited in its scope or number of points; or it may be vague or confusing in places.•
Inadequate support for the main point or points of your response or support that is illogical.•
A pattern of organization that does not complement the main ideas or causes confusion for the reader.•
Sentences and word choices that occasionally interfere with clarity.•
One or more errors in the conventions of Standard Written English that are so significant that they obstruct meaning, or very frequent minor errors.2 Points
Your response will earn only 2 points if it has one or more of the following characteristics:
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An inadequate or unclear answer to the specific task. It may not quite respond to the task or all aspects of it; or it may be too vague or confusing to answer the task adequately.•
Little, if any, support, or support that is illogical.•
Confusing or inadequate organization.•
Sentences and word choices that interfere with clarity.•
Repeated errors in the conventions of Standard Written English that are so significant that they obstruct meaning.1 Point
Your response will earn only 1 point if it has one or more of the following characteristics:
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Almost no response to, or minimal understanding of, the specific task.•
A total lack of support or only illogical or flawed support.•
No pattern of organization or confusing organization.•
Many sentences and word choices that interfere with clarity.•
So many errors in the conventions of Standard Written English that they obstruct meaning throughout the response.0 Points
This score is possible under the following circumstances:
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The response does not answer the task in any way.•
The response is written in a foreign language.•
The response simply copies the argument.•
The response is not legible.•
The response is nonverbal.Master the GRE® 2014
From these criteria, you can draw or reaffirm the following four conclusions about your task:
1. You must answer the prompt completely.
2. Your ideas, support, and analysis must be in-depth, sophisticated, and well-developed to earn the highest score.
3. To dramatically affect your score, grammar, usage, and mechanics errors must be both numerous and serious. (However, that doesn’t mean you can be sloppy.)
4. The quality of your ideas is far more important than the quantity. However, in order to identify significant problems or flaws and to examine them in adequate, if not dense, detail, you’ll need to write a response of some length. Although there is no magic number for success, aim for well-elaborated coverage of at least three flaws in the argument.