Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyStructural Integration of Counterarguments & Rebuttals

Read the following excerpt from a draft GRE Analytical Writing body paragraph on educational policy:

"Proponents of standardized testing contend that uniform assessments provide an objective measure of student achievement across diverse school districts. However, standardized tests fail to capture critical thinking and creativity. Therefore, schools should eliminate standardized tests entirely."

Which of the following revisions best improves the structural integration of the counterargument and rebuttal within this paragraph?

  1. While proponents of standardized testing contend that uniform assessments offer an objective metric of student achievement, this view underestimates how such tests overlook critical thinking; incorporating holistic evaluations alongside standardized metrics addresses this limitation without sacrificing comparability.Answer
  2. B
    Proponents of standardized testing contend that uniform assessments offer an objective metric. Moving on to a completely different topic, standardized testing is used in many countries worldwide.
  3. C
    Some observers foolishly claim that standardized tests provide an objective measure of achievement. This argument is completely absurd and unworthy of serious consideration by educational policymakers.
  4. D
    Standardized tests are completely useless and harmful, so educational institutions must abolish all forms of testing immediately to ensure true learning occurs.
  5. E
    Proponents of standardized testing contend that uniform assessments provide an objective measure, which conclusively proves that standardized tests are the only valid way to evaluate intelligence.

Answer

The revision that begins with 'While proponents of standardized testing contend...' provides the best structural integration by using a subordinating concession to introduce the opposing view and immediately linking it to a logical rebuttal and nuanced synthesis.
The correct revision seamlessly connects the counterargument to the rebuttal by using the subordinating conjunction 'While' to concede the initial premise before pivoting smoothly to the central critique. It then concludes with a constructive synthesis that enhances the essay's overall line of reasoning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the original draft paragraph for structural defects in counterargument integration.
The original excerpt abruptly shifts from a valid counterargument to an extreme conclusion without a logical transitional bridge or nuanced rebuttal.
Effective GRE Analytical Writing requires counterarguments to be organically integrated using clear transitional signals and insightful rebuttals.
2
Evaluate the revision options for appropriate concessionary syntax and logical progression.
The sentence starting with 'While proponents...' establishes a subordinate relationship that frames the counterargument as a concession before pivoting directly to the core rebuttal.
Subordinating structures (e.g., 'While...', 'Although...') signal to the reader how the opposing claim functions within the larger line of reasoning.
3
Confirm that the selected revision avoids structural isolation, superficial dismissal, and absolutist stances.
The correct revision maintains a formal academic tone and synthesizes the opposing view with the main thesis.
GRE AWA scoring favors balanced, multiperspective analysis over one-sided or dismissive argument structures.

Key Concept

Structural Integration of Counterarguments & Rebuttals
Rate this question

Topics

Structural Integration of Counterarguments & Rebuttals

More questions from this topic