Hi all,
Please rate the following if you don't mind - I write my GMAT in 6 days and have no idea where I stand on my AWA skills. I've only written about 3 of these so far, and have never had one critiqued so I figure no better time than now (the week before my exam) to get some feedback!
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!!
Analysis of an Argument:
The following appeared in the editorial section of a campus newspaper.
"Because occupancy rates for campus housing fell during the last academic year, so did housing revenues. To solve the problem, campus housing officials should reduce the number of available housing units, thereby increasing the occupancy rates. Also, to keep students from choosing to live off-campus, housing officials should lower the rents, thereby increasing demand."
Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
-------
There are a number of reasons that contribute to fluctuations in campus housing revenues for a particular year. Although it is up to the campus housing officials to coordinate housing rental rates and availability of housing, they should utilize the most effective solution in a logical manner. In the preceding statement, the author explains that a decrease in prior year housing revenues was a result of a decrease in occupancy rates for campus housing. While this may be true, he argues that the solution to mitigate the problem is simply to reduce the availability of housing units, which would in turn increase the occupancy rates. In addition, he argues that rent should be lowered, in order to increase demand. Though his claims may have some merit, the author presents a poorly reasoned argument given his questionable premises and assumptions, invalidated by a lack of evidential support. Thus, we cannot accept his argument as valid.
The primary issue with the author's argument lies in his unsubstantiated premises. The author lacks evidentiary support in his premises, as can be seen in his recommendation of solutions to the problem of decreasing housing revenues. For instance, he argues that lowering rent of on-campus housing automatically increases demand. There is no explanation of the relative quality of on-campus housing versus off-campus housing - it could be that off-campus housing is much more desirable to students due to cleaner and newer facilities, or larger space. Without any further evidence of consumer preferences and the state of the housing market, it cannot be assumed that lowering on-campus rent will automatically result in higher demand.
The secondary issue lies in the author's questionable assumptions. The author makes many connections throughout his argument -for instance, he assumes that reducing the number of available housing units will increase occupancy rates, which will in turn increase housing revenues. This connection is invalid, given the fact that while the overall percentage of housing units that are occupied (i.e. the occupancy rate) will decrease, this will not result in higher revenues since the actual value of housing units rented out will decrease when overall housing availability decreases as well. In addition, even if the housing rates were to increase and effectively increase demand for on-campus housing as well, a potential problem may arise in that the increase in demand may not be substantial enough to offset the decrease in rental rates, thus effectively contributing to lowered revenues and profit margins. As an example, if the rental rates of all on-campus housing units were to decrease by 20%, however only contributing to one additional housing units being rented, overall revenues would be worse off than before.
While the author does have some valid points in his recommendations and concerns for decreased housing revenues, his argument can be strengthened in a number of ways. For instance, by providing evidentiary support through further research and analysis with regards to the current housing market, he can better determine whether a decrease in housing rates would effectively increase demand enough to offset the lowered housing rates, and in effect increase overall housing revenues. As well, the author can further eliminate the invalidity in his assumptions by understanding that an increase in overall occupancy rates does not necessarily mean an increase in overall housing revenues. It is the increase in absolute number of rental units sold on a per-unit basis that will lead to higher housing revenues. Simply decreasing the amount of units available may make the 'occupancy rate figure' look better, but will not contribute to higher revenues.
In sum the author's illogical argument is based on unsupported premises, questionable assumptions, and inadequate evidentiary support. Without fixing the issues that are presently inherent in his argument, the author's argument must be rendered invalid for the reasons mentioned above.
Analysis of an Issue:
"In business, more than in any other social arena, men and women have learned how to share power effectively."
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above and support your views with reason or examples from your own experience, observations or reading.
-------------
In today's modern society, men and women have learned to share responsibilities, authority, and are overall on an equal level when it comes to most situations and circumstances. While there are still many people who argue that men are stronger than women in certain areas, and thus are more highly represented as a result, there are those who also argue that a harmony should exist between men and women that can utilize both gender's strengths optimally. This occurs not only in business, but areas of entertainment, artistry, athletics, teaching, etc. I feel that, while men and women have come a long way in sharing responsibilities in the business world, there are other social arenas that see just as much equality between the two sexes.
Obviously, men and women must share responsibility to be able to coexist in today's business world. Discrimination and gender profiling will still exist in many cases, however that exists with any social arena. But in business, there have been studies that women are genetically predisposed to be more naturally organized, systematic, and as a result make for excellent administrators or coordinators. They facilitate action, and can drive results very effectively. As a whole, studies have also shown that they are known to make cautious decisions while taking on less risk than their male counterparts. Men, on the other hand, are known to look at the big-picture and take greater risks while making high-level decisions. This can obviously pay large dividends or have severe consequences. As a result, utilizing the contrasting inherent nature of both men and women can result in achieving a well-balanced tandem when facing any business decision.
The same can be applied to any other social arena. For instance, in education and teaching, men generally have a different approach and personality towards in-class methods of teaching when compared to women. Women are known to be more compassionate, affectionate, and have stronger soft-skills than their male counterparts, which can play a large role in the effectiveness of their teaching quality. However, while their personality differences may be inherent, their respective skill levels at teaching and knowledge levels of the materials that they teach are not dependent of their gender. As a result, it's important that men and women share equal responsibility in teaching various classes and subjects, without prejudgement or preference to force women into teaching only certain subjects while men can only teach other subjects. It is important to utilize the resources of both male and female teachers equally, especially to maintain the respect of their students.
The entertainment industry is another example of a social arena in which men and women share equal power. Male actresses and female actresses are so reliant on each other that it's rare to ever see a movie without both male and female leading roles. Not only is it crucial to the movie's particular storyline, but the combination of males and females interacting together in a piece of entertainment is essential in making the entire piece work. Interactions between a man and woman on-screen is what captures an audience's attention in the first place, and which is why male and female actors are so highly and equally regarded in Hollywood today. You cannot have one without the other.
Society plays a large part in creating social norms as to determine which gender should gain greater importance or a stronger role, depending on the particular social arena. In business, it is very important to utilize the contrasting skill sets and personalities of both men and women equally, as can be seen with so many women and men in high-level executive positions today. However, as described above, there are several other social arenas in which this male-female equality is represented, such as in the entertainment industry as well as in teaching and education.
Please rate the following if you don't mind - I write my GMAT in 6 days and have no idea where I stand on my AWA skills. I've only written about 3 of these so far, and have never had one critiqued so I figure no better time than now (the week before my exam) to get some feedback!
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!!Analysis of an Argument:
The following appeared in the editorial section of a campus newspaper.
"Because occupancy rates for campus housing fell during the last academic year, so did housing revenues. To solve the problem, campus housing officials should reduce the number of available housing units, thereby increasing the occupancy rates. Also, to keep students from choosing to live off-campus, housing officials should lower the rents, thereby increasing demand."
Discuss how well reasoned . . . etc.
-------
There are a number of reasons that contribute to fluctuations in campus housing revenues for a particular year. Although it is up to the campus housing officials to coordinate housing rental rates and availability of housing, they should utilize the most effective solution in a logical manner. In the preceding statement, the author explains that a decrease in prior year housing revenues was a result of a decrease in occupancy rates for campus housing. While this may be true, he argues that the solution to mitigate the problem is simply to reduce the availability of housing units, which would in turn increase the occupancy rates. In addition, he argues that rent should be lowered, in order to increase demand. Though his claims may have some merit, the author presents a poorly reasoned argument given his questionable premises and assumptions, invalidated by a lack of evidential support. Thus, we cannot accept his argument as valid.
The primary issue with the author's argument lies in his unsubstantiated premises. The author lacks evidentiary support in his premises, as can be seen in his recommendation of solutions to the problem of decreasing housing revenues. For instance, he argues that lowering rent of on-campus housing automatically increases demand. There is no explanation of the relative quality of on-campus housing versus off-campus housing - it could be that off-campus housing is much more desirable to students due to cleaner and newer facilities, or larger space. Without any further evidence of consumer preferences and the state of the housing market, it cannot be assumed that lowering on-campus rent will automatically result in higher demand.
The secondary issue lies in the author's questionable assumptions. The author makes many connections throughout his argument -for instance, he assumes that reducing the number of available housing units will increase occupancy rates, which will in turn increase housing revenues. This connection is invalid, given the fact that while the overall percentage of housing units that are occupied (i.e. the occupancy rate) will decrease, this will not result in higher revenues since the actual value of housing units rented out will decrease when overall housing availability decreases as well. In addition, even if the housing rates were to increase and effectively increase demand for on-campus housing as well, a potential problem may arise in that the increase in demand may not be substantial enough to offset the decrease in rental rates, thus effectively contributing to lowered revenues and profit margins. As an example, if the rental rates of all on-campus housing units were to decrease by 20%, however only contributing to one additional housing units being rented, overall revenues would be worse off than before.
While the author does have some valid points in his recommendations and concerns for decreased housing revenues, his argument can be strengthened in a number of ways. For instance, by providing evidentiary support through further research and analysis with regards to the current housing market, he can better determine whether a decrease in housing rates would effectively increase demand enough to offset the lowered housing rates, and in effect increase overall housing revenues. As well, the author can further eliminate the invalidity in his assumptions by understanding that an increase in overall occupancy rates does not necessarily mean an increase in overall housing revenues. It is the increase in absolute number of rental units sold on a per-unit basis that will lead to higher housing revenues. Simply decreasing the amount of units available may make the 'occupancy rate figure' look better, but will not contribute to higher revenues.
In sum the author's illogical argument is based on unsupported premises, questionable assumptions, and inadequate evidentiary support. Without fixing the issues that are presently inherent in his argument, the author's argument must be rendered invalid for the reasons mentioned above.
Analysis of an Issue:
"In business, more than in any other social arena, men and women have learned how to share power effectively."
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above and support your views with reason or examples from your own experience, observations or reading.
-------------
In today's modern society, men and women have learned to share responsibilities, authority, and are overall on an equal level when it comes to most situations and circumstances. While there are still many people who argue that men are stronger than women in certain areas, and thus are more highly represented as a result, there are those who also argue that a harmony should exist between men and women that can utilize both gender's strengths optimally. This occurs not only in business, but areas of entertainment, artistry, athletics, teaching, etc. I feel that, while men and women have come a long way in sharing responsibilities in the business world, there are other social arenas that see just as much equality between the two sexes.
Obviously, men and women must share responsibility to be able to coexist in today's business world. Discrimination and gender profiling will still exist in many cases, however that exists with any social arena. But in business, there have been studies that women are genetically predisposed to be more naturally organized, systematic, and as a result make for excellent administrators or coordinators. They facilitate action, and can drive results very effectively. As a whole, studies have also shown that they are known to make cautious decisions while taking on less risk than their male counterparts. Men, on the other hand, are known to look at the big-picture and take greater risks while making high-level decisions. This can obviously pay large dividends or have severe consequences. As a result, utilizing the contrasting inherent nature of both men and women can result in achieving a well-balanced tandem when facing any business decision.
The same can be applied to any other social arena. For instance, in education and teaching, men generally have a different approach and personality towards in-class methods of teaching when compared to women. Women are known to be more compassionate, affectionate, and have stronger soft-skills than their male counterparts, which can play a large role in the effectiveness of their teaching quality. However, while their personality differences may be inherent, their respective skill levels at teaching and knowledge levels of the materials that they teach are not dependent of their gender. As a result, it's important that men and women share equal responsibility in teaching various classes and subjects, without prejudgement or preference to force women into teaching only certain subjects while men can only teach other subjects. It is important to utilize the resources of both male and female teachers equally, especially to maintain the respect of their students.
The entertainment industry is another example of a social arena in which men and women share equal power. Male actresses and female actresses are so reliant on each other that it's rare to ever see a movie without both male and female leading roles. Not only is it crucial to the movie's particular storyline, but the combination of males and females interacting together in a piece of entertainment is essential in making the entire piece work. Interactions between a man and woman on-screen is what captures an audience's attention in the first place, and which is why male and female actors are so highly and equally regarded in Hollywood today. You cannot have one without the other.
Society plays a large part in creating social norms as to determine which gender should gain greater importance or a stronger role, depending on the particular social arena. In business, it is very important to utilize the contrasting skill sets and personalities of both men and women equally, as can be seen with so many women and men in high-level executive positions today. However, as described above, there are several other social arenas in which this male-female equality is represented, such as in the entertainment industry as well as in teaching and education.
Last edited by flexed on Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:14 pm, edited 4 times in total.
