Please rate this essay

This topic has expert replies
Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts
Posts: 1
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 8:44 am

Please rate this essay

by himanshukalia » Sat Aug 11, 2012 3:24 am
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.


Ans:-


The argument that the game industry and companies violating the rating system should be prohibited from releasing game for two years omits several important concerns that must be substantiated. The argument above is based on some questionable premises and unspecified assumptions, which must be sorted out.

First, the author compares the rating system of electronic games with that of movies that helps in determining the content and matter of the game. This premise fails to specify the difference between parameters on which movie and games are rated. For example, rating system of movies is based on the cast, box office collections, plot of the movie, whereas the rating system of games is based on its graphic performance, availability on various platforms (Windows, Mac, Play station, Xbox, Wii etc). Furthermore, the author states that the rating system of electronic games is not working because it is self regulate and fines are nominal. In this premise author fails to explain that how this system has failed, how this system is regulated and what fines are imposed.

Second, the author has based this argument on some assumptions, which are not specified in the argument. While concluding that an independent body should oversee the game industry and companies, the author assumes that the body will have access to the information regarding who or how the games are being rated. Further, the author also assumes that fines are not enough to stop the companies from influencing the rating system and these companies should be prohibited from releasing a game for two years. However, there is no specific evidence that such a ban would stop the companies from controlling the rating system.

Because this argument leaves several important issues, it is flawed and not persuasive enough for readers. Hence, it must be substantiated with above mentions points.

User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 578
Joined: Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:00 pm
Thanked: 136 times
Followed by:62 members

by KapTeacherEli » Tue Aug 14, 2012 7:21 pm
Hi himanshukalia,

This essay unfortunately gets a 2. Make sure you read the stem carefully! You wrote about the rating of movies being based on "box office performance" and of video games being based on "graphical" standards. However, the prompt makes it clear that it isn't discussing critical rating or ratings of quality. It's discussing "subject matter and contents" ratings, ratings about whether violence and language in a game or movie is appropriate for children. Since a significant portion of your essay was off-topic, it can't do better than a 2 or 3.

Make sure you take the time to understand question prompts! Some students rush through the text, to "save time" for more writing. Such haste never actually pays off, since simple misunderstandings like this one can have a drastic impact on your score.

Keep trying, and take your time next time!

Regards,
Eli Meyer
Kaplan GMAT Teacher
Cambridge, MA
www.kaptest.com/gmat

ImageImageImage