Analysis of Issue - strategy

[GMIHIR]

If a given topic for Analysis of Issue has a premise and an argument based on it, is it wiser to directly disagree with the premise iteslf ? OR should we always agree/disagree with the argument/conclusion only ?

Thanks for your suggestions!!

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

If a given topic for Analysis of Issue has a premise and an argument based on it, is it wiser to directly disagree with the premise iteslf ? OR should we always agree/disagree with the argument/conclusion only ?

Thanks for your suggestions!!

Hmm, I'm not entirely sure what you mean. Are you referring to an essay prompt that has a stated premise? I'd say that any information in an Issue essay prompt is a possible target for disagreement... just be sure to back it up.

Here are all of the possible Issue prompts on the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/the-gmat/test-struct ... 00606.ashx

Is there one in particular that you're referring to?

Cheers,
Brent

[GMIHIR]

Thanks Brent! Yes, for example: "Businesses are as likely as are governments to establish large bureaucracies, but bureaucracy is far more damaging to a business than it is to a government." For this particular topic, is it worth attacking a premise by showing reasons that businesses are unlikely to adopt bureaucracy in first place?

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Thanks Brent! Yes, for example: "Businesses are as likely as are governments to establish large bureaucracies, but bureaucracy is far more damaging to a business than it is to a government." For this particular topic, is it worth attacking a premise by showing reasons that businesses are unlikely to adopt bureaucracy in first place?

Ah, I see.
I wouldn't question the idea that businesses are as likely as are governments to establish large bureaucracies.
The issue here is whether or not bureaucracy is far more damaging to a business than it is to a government. So, the issue is all about the level of damage. As such, it really makes no difference whether or not businesses are as likely as are governments to establish large bureaucracies.

I'd say, stick with the issue. Attack a premise only if it will support your position on the issue.

Cheers,
Brent

[GMIHIR]

Thanks Brent, that helps indeed. On some other GMAT forum, an expert had posted an essay on this same topic, attacking the premise and not discussing the claim made. I didn't find that idea much convincing so just wanted to clarify.