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ESSAY QUESTION:
The following appeared in the editorial section of a national news magazine:

"The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self regulated and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years."

Discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. Point out flaws in the argument's logic and analyze the argument's underlying assumptions. In addition, evaluate how supporting evidence is used and what evidence might counter the argument's conclusion. You may also discuss what additional evidence could be used to strengthen the argument or what changes would make the argument more logically sound.

MY RESPONSE:
The argument concludes that an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years. In order to support the above conclusion the argument provides evidence that the electronic game rating system is not working because it if self regulated and fines for violating the rating system are nominal. The electronic games rating system is similar to the movie rating system. There are several flaws in the argument.

First, The argument supports the conclusion by stating that the electronic games rating system is similar to the movie rating system, but it does not provide any evidence about in what aspects they are similar. Electronic rating system is based on the age group its targeting. The age group that mostly plays the games are between 10 - 40 years and the movies have a much wider range of age group. So the rating system that is applicable to movies may not be applicable to the electronic games rating system.

Second, The argument mentions that the only reason for the electronic game rating system not working is its self regulated and the fines for violation are nominal. The argument does not provide evidence that the other possible causes such as no proper guidelines or standards set for the rating system, this could result in the companies unknowingly violating the rating system, the rating system might be complicated for the companies to understand.

Third, The author mentions that the companies that violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years. Its does not provide any evidence that the above mentioned punishment will have a desired effect on the company and it stops the company from violating the rating system in future.

Therefore if the author had mentioned the above discussed items in the argument it would have made the argument more logically sound.