GRE General TestAnalytical WritingMedium
A school district is considering implementing a mandatory 'mindfulness break' program for all students, arguing that it will reduce stress and improve academic performance. Opponents claim that this program will take away valuable instructional time and that its benefits are unproven. Which of the following would most strengthen the opponents' claim that the benefits are unproven?
- AMany teachers in the district express enthusiasm for integrating mindfulness practices into their classrooms.
- BResearch indicates that students who regularly practice mindfulness report higher levels of emotional well-being.
- CThe proposed program lacks a clear methodology for measuring its impact on student stress levels or academic outcomes.
- DA similar mindfulness program implemented in a neighboring district led to a 10% increase in standardized test scores.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The proposed program lacks a clear methodology for measuring its impact on student stress levels or academic outcomes.
The opponents claim the benefits are unproven. If there's no clear way to measure the program's impact, then its benefits would indeed remain unproven, directly strengthening this part of the opponents' argument.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Teacher enthusiasm does not prove or disprove the benefits of the program itself.
- B. This strengthens the proponents' argument for mindfulness, not the opponents' claim that its benefits are unproven in this specific program.
- D. This weakens the opponents' claim by showing positive results from a similar program.
Strengthening a Counter-Argument
To strengthen a counter-argument, provide additional evidence or reasoning that directly supports its claims or undermines the main argument's premises.
- Focus on the specific claims made by the opposing side.
- Look for information that makes their claims more credible or impactful.
- Distinguish between strengthening the main argument and strengthening the counter-argument.
Memory trick: Bolstering a challenge, making the opposition stand firm.