GMAT Essays (AWA)

AWA ESSAYS: Analyze Argument

ESSAY QUESTION:
The following appeared in a strategy memorandum of an investment company:

"Over the past several years, investment in precious metals, such as gold and silver, has proven to be one of the most profitable investment strategies for our firm. Over the next decade, the demand for these metals is expected to be strong, largely driven by the economic growth of large emerging markets--China, India, and Russia. Thus, our investors are best served by increasing their exposure to precious metals to take advantage of this unique profit-making opportunity."

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.

YOUR RESPONSE:
The argument claims that investment in precious metals is a profitable investments. According to the above arguments the demand for these precious metals will increase in next 10 years, hence the investors will be inclined towards investing in these metals. Stated in this way, the argument fails to explain the critical key factor based on which this can be derive. The argument is assuming that the precious metals demand will grow in the emerging economy without considering other factors for these emerging economy. The conclusion is rather very broad without crisp evidence.

First, the argument readily assumes that the demand of precious metals will be increasing in emerging markets. There are numerous example, across the world, which can explain the flaw in this assumption. The impact of globalization is one way to explain the demand and supply of these precious metals is not dependent on only few emerging markets, but across the globe. Due to these globalization the precious metals can be available from different sector compare to the assumption of the argument in which it assumes the precious metal demand will exceed in emerging economy.

Second, the precious metal is hard to manage. The precious metal is difficult to get. The firm has to find solid source which can keep up the demand. Moreover, not only the demand, but also the quality of the precious metal is something which cannot be discarded. More demand of these precious metals means there will be more compromise on the metal quality and it will be difficult for the investors to test the quality of these precious metals.

Finally, The argument concludes the investor will be best served by increasing the exposure to precious metals. This statement by itself has multiple flaws. If the investors start investing more and more in these precious metals, it will be difficult for them to get a sell these precious metals in case of investing in some other commodities. Since the consumer of these precious metals are not available readily, investor will find it difficult to move the investment if needed. Thus the mobility of the investments will be at high risk. The investor while investing had to keep in mind of mobility of the investments.

In summary, the argument is flawed and therefor unconvincing. It could be considerably strengthened if the author mentioned all the supporting facts. In order to assess the merits of a certain situation, it is essential to have full knowledge of all the contributing factors.




AWA ESSAYS: Analyze Issues

ESSAY QUESTION:
"Despite the convenience of distance learning and online educational programs, they will never replace in-class instruction."

Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the position stated above. Support your viewpoint using reasons and examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.

YOUR RESPONSE:
Some people think that the distance learning and online educational programs can be sufficient to learn about a topic. According to them the course materials are same for distance and online or classroom. On the other hand many people think otherwise. According to them, even if the course material is same for the program or a topic, in-class instruction is much more involved. The focus on the material and professor is highly concentrated in room compare to distance learning or online class. Both community has a valid points, but if you take a closer look, you will notice the latter has advantage.

One reason is that people find it more focus and discipline while attending the in-class instruction compare to online education. In the in-class you have a proper schedule which you had to follow for the duration of the course. The online is highly flexible on this. Hence the driving force is less when student follow instruction for the online education. The online programs can be a distraction as it does not have a closed control atmosphere.

Another reason is that while you attend a in-call instruction you meet many more people and they all are very involved and focus. Many people find it very interactive and much more focus when all of the student are sitting in a close and controlled environment. The in-class helps to motivate people. For example, Say if the group of 5 people are very enthusiastic and they are asking questions, discussing certain topic, this will give positive energy to others who are sitting in same class. This gives opportunity to interact with one another and understand the topic better without the student itself is directly asking question. A greater degree of involvement can be visible in in-class versus online or distance education program.

Perhaps the best reason is the industry welcomes more to the people who attended the in-class education program vs online education program. As one can see the material itself is important but the greater level of understanding comes when the students are involve in discussion and relating the topic with the practical approach. The industry will prefer the student from in-class education program compare to online education program as it understands the involvement of a in-class program is always very high compare to distance program.

In summary, while there are arguments to be made for both sides of the issue, it is clear that greater advantages comes from the in-class education program. While the distance learning has its own advantage since the infrastructure involvement is low in online education programs. Also the logistic impact is very less for distance learning compare to in-class the in-class education program still wins over the online education program.


Thanks in advance.

You have to work hard on arguing with better reasons.

Second, the precious metal is hard to manage. The precious metal is difficult to get. The firm has to find solid source which can keep up the demand. Moreover, not only the demand, but also the quality of the precious metal is something which cannot be discarded. More demand of these precious metals means there will be more compromise on the metal quality and it will be difficult for the investors to test the quality of these precious metals.

This argument is flawed.

Finally, The argument concludes the investor will be best served by increasing the exposure to precious metals. This statement by itself has multiple flaws. If the investors start investing more and more in these precious metals, it will be difficult for them to get a sell these precious metals in case of investing in some other commodities. Since the consumer of these precious metals are not available readily, investor will find it difficult to move the investment if needed. Thus the mobility of the investments will be at high risk. The investor while investing had to keep in mind of mobility of the investments.

This makes no sense.

I think you are from different background.