GMAT Essays (AWA)

From MGMAT CAT 1

"Americans spend far too much of their time buying and consuming non-essential goods. Studies show that, on average Americans spend over a quarter of their leisure time shopping. As such, it is no secret why America is losing its competitive edge relative to other countries. Instead of spending their time productively, Americans are wasting time through frivolous consumption. In order to counteract this trend, Americans should spend more time focused on personal and communal development--by, for example, pursuing educational advancement or participating in volunteer opportunities."

MY RESPONSE

The argument concludes that Americans should spend less time shopping for non-essential good and spend this saved time on pursuing educational advancement or participating in volunteer opportunities. The author states that this increased time shopping is the reason that America is losing its competive edge relative to other countries. This argument is weak and has logical gaps which are outlined below.

The author assumes that the increased time shopping is the reason for America is losing its competitive edge. There is no evidence shown that proves that America is losing its edge in the first place, and if that were true, that increasing consumer behaviour is the cause. Consumer behaviour cannot be definitely linked to the fall in America's competitive edge. If the author can provide evidence to show this is the case, the argument would be strengthened considerably

The author does not provide further detail on the survey conducted. The definition of average American is absent, thus making it extremely difficult to extrapolate these findings to the entire country. Further details on the sample size and the method of this survey would help to strengthen this argument

The author assume that consumers are frivolous and that there is no benefit from their behaviour. However consumers play a vital role in any economy and without them,a vibrant market for produced goods, would cease to exist. This would have an extremely detrimental effect on domestic American business, forcing American companies to become increasingly dependent on the foreign consumer.

Lastly the author does not explain why increased time on personal and communal development would help to increase America's competitive advantage. While this might benefit an individual, it is not clear how this will help America regain the advantage which the author claims it has lost.

The argument as it stands is weak and the author could strengthen it considerably by addressing the above concerns