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Issue essay: be decisive or see both sides?

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Issue essay: be decisive or see both sides?

by jhd » Thu Jun 12, 2008 1:02 pm
When doing the Analysis of an Issue essay, how much room is there for acknowledging that there isn't a clear "right answer", and both sides have pros and cons? Is it better to pretend the issue is black and white, and clearly argue for one side over the other? Or is there room to try to find a middle ground between the two sides?

In other words, does a "6" essay usually just pick a side and argue it, or does it sometimes admit that both sides have merit, and try to examine what is good and bad about both sides?

Thanks! First time poster, and this looks like a great forum.
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by VP_Jim » Sun Jun 15, 2008 8:36 pm
A strong essay typically develops a position on the issue at hand, and supports it with well-reasoned examples. That said, I would recommend picking one side and sticking to it. This will give you enough time to think up concrete examples, substantiate each example fully, write your intro and conclusion paragraphs, AND proofread your essay for spelling and grammatical errors.

Also, it's really just easier (and more time-friendly) on your part to support just one side, instead of trying to find enough examples and reasoning for both.

Hope this helps!
Jim S. | GMAT Instructor | Veritas Prep
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