Lesson 11.3: Developing and Supporting the Argument

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore how to effectively develop and support your arguments when writing in response to GRE's Analytical Writing prompt, specifically in the Analyze an Issue task.

Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students, you will be able to:

1. Build body paragraphs around distinct, well-developed reasons.
2. Use relevant, specific examples and explain their relevance.
3. Acknowledge complexity and counter-positions when useful.
4. Develop each paragraph around one clear reason.
5. Support claims with specific, relevant evidence.

Throughout this lesson, we will emphasize the importance of structure in your writing, along with the need to clearly articulate your thoughts and provide an adequate backing to your arguments. Let’s get started!

Section 1: Structuring Body Paragraphs

One of the core skills in analytical writing is the ability to create a coherent structure for your essay. Each paragraph should be dedicated to a single main idea or reason that supports your overall argument.

Core Principle

A well-structured body paragraph typically includes:

1. A topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
2. Evidence and examples that support this claim.
3. Explanation that connects the evidence back to your overall argument.

Example

Let’s say the issue you are discussing is: "Social media has a negative impact on personal relationships."

You might write a paragraph like this:

Topic Sentence: While social media platforms enable communication, they often hinder meaningful relationships.

Evidence and Example: For instance, a study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that individuals who spend more than two hours a day on social media are more likely to experience feelings of loneliness. This is primarily because the relationships that are formed online can lack depth compared to face-to-face interactions.

Explanation: The mere act of communicating through screens often replaces the rich experience of personal interactions, leading to a superficial connection rather than the profound relationships that human beings naturally seek. Thus, while social media seems to enhance connectivity, it paradoxically diminishes quality of interpersonal relationships.

Common Misconception

A common misconception is that adding more examples makes the paragraph stronger. However, it is essential to note that clarity and depth are more critical than quantity. Each example must be tightly connected to the main argument of the paragraph.

Section 2: Using Relevant, Specific Examples

When crafting your essay, specific examples laced throughout your argument can bring your points to life and make them more persuasive.

Core Principle

An example is effective when it is both:

1. Relevant: directly relates to the argument being made.
2. Specific: detailed enough to provide clear insight into your point.

Example

Returning to our topic about social media’s negative impact:

General Example: “Social media is known to cause issues in relationships.”

Specific Example: “One notable instance is the relationship struggles encountered by adolescents, as highlighted in the book Alone Together by Sherry Turkle. The author cites that teenagers who rely on texting and social media for communication often feel less secure in their friendships, resulting in misunderstandings and conflict.”

Making Relevance Clear

To clarify the relevance of the example, you can include a sentence like:

“This specifically illustrates how reliance on technology leads to miscommunication, thereby weakening the foundation of essential friendships.”

Section 3: Acknowledging Complexity and Counter-Positions

A nuanced viewpoint can demonstrate critical thinking and strengthen your argument. By acknowledging potential counterarguments or complexities, you show that you can view the issue from multiple dimensions.

Why It Matters

1. Enhances credibility: It shows you have considered different angles.
2. Strengthens your argument: By countering opposing views, you can solidify your position.

Example

Continuing with the earlier topic:

Counterargument: Some may argue that social media can foster relationships through online communities.

Acknowledgment and Rebuttal: While it is true that social media can help people connect over shared interests, it often does so at the expense of local, face-to-face interactions. In the same way that a virtual community can support individuals, it can also create a false sense of community that fails to provide the emotional support of real human interaction. Therefore, the benefits of these online relationships seldom outweigh the drawbacks of diminished real-life connections.

Conclusion

In summary, students, developing and supporting your arguments is a crucial part of constructing your essay for the GRE Analytical Writing task. By structuring your paragraphs well, providing specific and relevant examples, and acknowledging complexity, you can construct a compelling and persuasive response.

Key Takeaways

• Create body paragraphs around a distinct main idea.
• Use specific examples that tie closely to your argument.
• Clearly explain the relevance of each example.
• Acknowledge counter-positions to add depth to your analysis.
• Make sure each paragraph centers around one clear reason.

Study Notes

• Demonstrate clear understanding through structured arguments in your essays.
• Use relevant examples to make your reasoning compelling and relatable.
• Acknowledge and address potential counterarguments for a thorough analysis.
• Ensure each paragraph maintains focus on a singular main point to enhance clarity and impact.