GRE General TestAnalytical WritingHard
A school district implemented a new educational software package, expecting it to significantly improve student engagement and test scores. After one year, a report indicates no measurable improvement in either area. The school board argues that the software needs more time to demonstrate its benefits and that teachers require more training to integrate it effectively. Which of the following, if true, would most weaken the school board's argument that the software needs more time and training?
- AThe software vendor provided extensive training sessions to all teachers prior to implementation, which were well-attended.
- BStudent surveys reveal that a majority of students found the software difficult to use and unengaging.
- CThe district's budget for professional development has been significantly reduced for the upcoming academic year.
- DOther school districts using the same software reported significant improvements in student outcomes within the first six months.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The software vendor provided extensive training sessions to all teachers prior to implementation, which were well-attended.
The board argues for 'more time and training.' Option B directly refutes the 'more training' part of the argument by stating that extensive training was already provided and well-attended. This undermines one of the key excuses for the software's lack of performance.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This weakens the core premise that the software is inherently good, but doesn't directly address the 'more time and training' argument.
- C. This explains why more training might be difficult, but doesn't weaken the argument that more training *is needed*.
- D. This weakens the 'more time' part of the argument by showing faster results elsewhere, but doesn't address the 'training' part.
Disproving a Remedial Claim
To disprove a remedial claim (e.g., 'needs more X'), one must provide evidence that 'X' has already been adequately provided or that 'X' is not the actual solution.
- Identify the specific remedy or solution being proposed (e.g., more training, more time).
- Look for information that shows the remedy has already been applied or is irrelevant.
- Distinguish between reasons *why* a remedy might be difficult and reasons *why* it's not needed.
Memory trick: Showing the proposed 'fix' is already flawed or unnecessary.