GRE argument tests the candidates on their critical thinking and their ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas in a structured format. Analytical Writing is one of the three sections on the GRE. This GRE argument topic talks about how the intake of dairy products increase the risk of disease Osteoporosis. There is a wide range of such topics available in GRE writing practice papers for candidates to practice.

Topic: "Milk and dairy products are rich in vitamin D and calcium—substances essential for building and maintaining bones. Many people therefore say that a diet rich in dairy products can help prevent osteoporosis, a disease that is linked to both environmental and genetic factors and that causes the bones to weaken significantly with age. But a long-term study of a large number of people found that those who consistently consumed dairy products throughout the years of the study have a higher rate of bone fractures than any other participants in the study. Since bone fractures are symptomatic of osteoporosis, this study result shows that a diet rich in dairy products may actually increase, rather than decrease, the risk of osteoporosis."

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:

The author of the above statement assumes that the intake of dairy not only is not good for osteoporosis, it even worsens the disease. This claim is based on a doubtful observation in a study that people who regularly consumed dairy products were more prone to frequent bone fractures than other members in the study. The argument lacks several important pieces of evidence to support the authors’ conclusion.

First of all, the author's argument needs compelling evidence proving that fractures are only the signs of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is the disease in people which makes bones weak internally resulting in loss of flexibility and fragility of the bones. However, we can't connect all bone fractures to this sickness. It is conceivable that different variables are included; the fractures might be the result of being overweight, or it very well might be expected to improve physical tasks with the high risks of breaking bones. A chilly region with a cold, slippery landscape can likewise increase the chances of breaking bones without being essentially identified with osteoporosis.

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In addition, exercise is no doubt very beneficial for your health. But you must practise it according to your body structure i.e. you must exercise that only which your body can afford. This is because if you put more burden on your body, then it can damage your bones. So it can be one of the causes for bone fractures. In cases if you are overweight, i.e. you are excess in weight than you should be, then it may also lead to bone fractures. This is because increased weight causes much pressure on the bones. This pressure may lead to bone damage and as a consequence can cause bone fractures

Second, There can be various causes for this disease such as, genetic factors, gender related,less intake of calcium in diet,lifestyle habits, and accidents. For instance, if it is a hereditary disease and any person in your family and ancestors had already suffered from this disease. Then there can be chances of this disease to you. Also, Calcium is one of the important needs to increase bone density. But if you intake less calcium or are underweight i.e. your bone weight is less, then there can be more chances that you suffer from this disease.

Moreover, If you intake too much alcohol, or smoke, then it can lead to reduced bone density. Sedentary lifestyle i.e. sitting at your place and without doing much physical activity can be the reason for reduced density of bones. And not taking a balanced diet can also be the reason for reduced bone density. Therefore, there can be numerous reasons for this disease. Author should have considered all these factors before reaching the conclusion.

Finally, Calcium is known to be the best proven requirement for increasing bone health and making them strong. Milk and dairy products being one of the sources of calcium, it is considered useful to consume it to increase bone density. Though no solid evidence that it always reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Now there is no strong evidence that Consuming Milk and Dairy products will increase Osteoporosis and lead to bone fractures. Also, as discussed above, there can be many other reasons for bone fractures and osteoporosis is only one of them. This is also not scientifically proven.

Hence, considering the above points, it can be evaluated that consuming Milk and dairy products can’t be held as the reason for osteoporosis and bone fractures.