In the GRE argument task, candidates need to study the topic and find out the flaws, assumptions, and weak statements. In this particular GRE argument task - Calatrava focuses on the declining rate of birth rate.

Go through GRE writing practice papers for numerous similar topics for practicing.

Topic: Calatrava

"The birth rate in our city is declining: in fact, last year's birth rate was only one-half that of five years ago. Thus the number of students enrolled in our public schools will soon decrease dramatically, and we can safely reduce the funds budgeted for education during the next decade. At the same time, we can reduce funding for athletic playing fields and other recreational facilities. As a result, we will have sufficient money to fund city facilities and programs used primarily by adults, since we can expect the adult population of the city to increase."

Write a response in which you discuss what specific evidence is needed to evaluate the argument and explain how the evidence would weaken or strengthen the argument.

Answer:

In this argument, it is recommended that Calatrava's government should decrease the funds allocated to education while increasing the ones allocated for adult programs and city facilities. It appeared as a recommendation by a committee that was planning a ten-year budget for the city of Calatrava. But the committee's recommendation seems to be unwise and short-sighted.

The decreased birth rate in the last year does not mean that there has been a declining trend in childbirth. In fact, it might have been due to the spread of diseases. Thus, in order to make sense of the whole situation, the writer must have provided more concrete information about the birth rates in the last five years. Also, there has been no mention of a reliable source in the report, thus, the committee should include details of the survey conducted and scientific data on child births in Calatrava.

Check:

By citing the decline in Calatrava's birth rate, the author wrongly assumes that the number of students in public schools will decrease. Instead, it might be the opposite. For eg, if 5 babies were given by 25 adults and 10 babies by 70 adults, this means that the birth rate has decreased but it has led to an increase in the number of children from 5 to 10. Therefore, a more accurate survey is required to evaluate the argument. It might also be possible that due to a fall in economic development, parents have no money to send their children to expensive private schools which might result in an increase in the number of students in public schools, thereby proving the decision to reduce funds towards education as inappropriate.

A decrease in birth rates last year does not predict anything about future birth rates. It is quite unreliable to foretell the increase or decrease of birth rates as well as the reduction in the number of students enrolling in schools in the next few years in Calatrava without scientific data. With the coming of new technologies in the field of pharmacy, it is possible that the birth rates will increase instead during the next decade with the step of reducing funds for education in the next years turning out to be an unwise decision.

Further, the argument assumes that the playing fields are just used by children, ignoring the fact that it is also used by several adults, and the negative impacts it can bring due to a reduction in funding. It also puts forth the ill-considered statement of increasing funds for the adult population as there is no mention of the adult mortality rate or its variation over the last few years. It also overlooks possibilities of newer technology and smarter practices, population influx, or a changing economy that might have an impact on the birth rates.

There is another drawback to the reduction of funds for playing fields. Since youth are the pillar of the nation, any disturbance in its foundation can lead to a decline in the overall economic growth of the country. If athletic facilities are not provided to the students, then they can become lethargic and less sportive, resulting in a deteriorated career. Also, the reduction in recreational activities will lead to a limited spectrum of knowledge and subjects among students.

Finally, even if they decide to reduce funding towards education and recreation activities, there is no evidence that it will be sufficient to fund the adult programs and city facilities. Thus, transferring funds from children's education to city facilities does not seem convincing and detailed surveys and scientific data are required to estimate the changes in birth rates before the application of the proposal. The author might not be completely wrong, as every parent wants their child to receive quality education and due to reduction of funds, they might transfer the children to other cities in order to get a better education, resulting in an increase in the adult population in near future. There is however a need for more conclusive evidence in order to support the statement.