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."

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.


Though at the first glance it seems that the argument is well supported by facts and logic, a closer examination of the argument reveals various loop holes in the argument presented and also in extreme conclusions from the supporting data. In order to prove that the conclusion presented is valid,the author needs to present a lot more facts and figures.

Firstly, the biggest flaw comes with the terms "non-essential" goods and "frivolous consumption". The author seems to fail to cite out what goods exactly qualify as "non-essential". In consumer market, "non-essential" goods is a very relative term. Goods which are non-essential for one set of people can be of utmost importance to another set of people. For example, candy bars can qualify as a "non-essential" item for children who are tempted by candies while as "essential" for some one suffering with extremely low sugar levels. The author needs to clearly present relevant figures to clearly mark a commodity as "non-essential".

Secondly, the term "shopping" is also ambiguous. Shopping can also be categorized into essential and non-essential. It is "essential" when one needs to buy products for daily house hold needs while "non-essential" when its done when one has other activities to indulge into but chooses shopping as a better pastime.
Thus the author needs to point out what kind of shopping is he/she referring to and present relevant data herewith.

Thirdly, the author needs to be clear whether or not the people using a quarter of their time in shopping are spending the rest of their leisure time in personal development,volunteer activities etcetera. The author fails to consider various other reasons for America losing its competitive edge relative to other countries.There could be various other more important reasons for this than just "frivolous" shopping. The argument fails to bring forward which section of the society is indulging in frivolous shopping. If more number of youngsters are indulging in too much shopping and neglecting their education, then it might be a big concern for sure.

As we can see, nothing stated in the argument brings out a clear picture of that data presented as well as the conclusion stated. Thus only with a precise and specific set of facts and figures we can agree with the conclusion stated by the author.

Please let me know the feedback guys!!.. M taking Gmat on the 4th!!