GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A university is considering implementing a new policy requiring all undergraduate students to complete a 'global citizenship' course before graduation. Proponents argue this will broaden students' perspectives and prepare them for an interconnected world. Opponents claim this will unnecessarily burden students' schedules and detract from their major-specific studies. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the opponents' claim?
- AThe university's current general education requirements already include several courses with global themes.
- BA survey of employers indicates that 'global citizenship' skills are highly valued in new hires.
- CThe proposed 'global citizenship' course is a full-semester, three-credit course, and most departmental majors already require the maximum allowable credits for graduation.
- DMany students at the university already participate in international exchange programs or study abroad.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The proposed 'global citizenship' course is a full-semester, three-credit course, and most departmental majors already require the maximum allowable credits for graduation.
If most majors already require the maximum allowable credits, then adding a new full-semester, three-credit course would indeed create a significant burden, either by extending the time to graduation or forcing students to drop required major courses. This directly supports the opponents' claim.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This might suggest the new course is redundant, but doesn't directly support the 'burden' or 'detract from major studies' aspect of the opponents' claim as strongly as D.
- B. This strengthens the proponents' argument, not the opponents'.
- D. This suggests students are already gaining global perspectives, potentially making the course unnecessary, but doesn't directly address the 'burden' on schedules or major studies.
Strengthening a Counter-Argument
To strengthen a counter-argument means to introduce new information, evidence, or reasoning that makes the opposing claim more valid, impactful, or likely to be true.
- Reinforce the core premise or conclusion of the opposing argument.
- Provide evidence that supports the negative consequences or flaws identified by the counter-argument.
- Show that the counter-argument's concerns are well-founded and significant.
Memory trick: EVALUATE: Examine all Valid Arguments, Look Underneath, Assess The Evidence.