GMAT Essays (AWA)

ESSAY QUESTION:
The following appeared in the editorial section of a national news magazine:

"The rating system for electronic games is similar to the movie rating system in that it provides consumers with a quick reference so that they can determine if the subject matter and contents are appropriate. This electronic game rating system is not working because it is self regulated and the fines for violating the rating system are nominal. As a result an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies that knowingly violate the rating system should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years."

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 author's claim that rating system in electronic games is working as expected. His line of reasoning is that since the fines for violating the rating system are nominal, gaming companies do not follow the ratings properly. The argument is unconvincing for several reason, in that it reveals examples of poor reasoning and vague or unclear explanations. It also fails to mention or take into consideration several facts on the basis of which the statement could be evaluated properly. The authors conclusion could be better served by establishing how the companies are violating the ratings. Hence the argument is weak and has several flaws.

First of all, the author makes a comparison between ratings of movies to that of electronic games. He illustrates that game industry is violating the ratings but does not mention if the same is happening with movie ratings. If yes, then both need to overseen by an independent body. If no, then how are movie ratings different from game ratings. He needs to specify with facts and examples. So the same can be applied to game ratings. He needs to be clear and make valid assumptions. The argument would have been much clearer if he explicitly stated why he compared the two and if both need to be treated the same way. An explanation of the mutual relationship between the two would have helped.

Secondly, the author readily assumes that the game rating system is not working. He needs to provide concrete examples to show why the ratings are being violated and how the gaming industry is doing this. Unless he specifies this, its hard to understand or come to a conclusion why its not working. If the author provided evidence that the companies are indeed violating the ratings and increasing fines would stop this, the argument would have been convincing.

Finally, even for a moment we accept that gaming industry is violating the ratings and we need a governing body, the author does not list or mention how this governing body will bring in the necessary change. How it will impose rules and regulations. Will the game industry then follow these rules and not violate any after that. He needs to specify these with good illustrations so we are convinced that indeed this would be helpful. By providing these illustrations, author could have solidified his conclusion.

In sum, the argument is not convincing for above mentioned reasons. Because the argument leaves out several key issues, it is not sound or persuasive. It could have been considerably strengthened if author had shown a that comparison between movie and game ratings are similar, and the reasons why the current rating system is not working and how a governing body will enforce regulations then the argument would have been convincing. Therefore, author needs to provide additional evidence to establish his claims.