GRE analyze an argument task tests the writing capabilities of a candidate through an essay response. GRE analyze an argument task consisting of an argument which the candidate needs to study and provide their thoughts, ideas, and pieces of evidence. This GRE analyze an argument sample essay - WWAC radio station focuses on the decline in listener number despite population growth.

Candidates will get similar topics in GRE writing practice papers to practice from.

Topic:

"To reverse a decline in listener numbers, our owners have decided that WWAC must change from its current rock-music format. The decline has occurred despite population growth in our listening area, but that growth has resulted mainly from people moving here after their retirement. We must make listeners of these new residents. We could switch to a music format tailored to their tastes, but a continuing decline in local sales of recorded music suggests limited interest in music. Instead, we should change to a news and talk format, a form of radio that is increasingly popular in our area."

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 radio station’s manager claims that there needs to be a change in getting listeners hooked upon, and suggests that more listeners will be received by the news and talk format of radio. The point is well-argued and at first glance looks relatively sound because a reduced number of listeners and sales of recorded music implies a decline in the interest in rock music and hence the WWAC radio station's manager can probably conclude that its present format should change to a news-and-talk format. However, as more details come to light, the lack of explanation through the argument makes me question its validity. Although a drive like what is recommended could be successful, he needs to show that the new residents wish to listen to its radio station and that changes will not lead to a decline in the number of listeners, and much more.

First of all the author must answer the question of whether the reduction in listener numbers is particularly due to the rock format. The author assumes rashly that this rock format is the main cause of the decline of the WWAC radio station. However, it is probable that it is not because people are disappointed with the current format that they opted to not listen to the WWAC but due to the increased competition among radio stations. In other words, people could listen to other radio stations because they have better hosts than the WWAC. The author's demand for a format change may be challenged in this case.

Also, Check

Secondly, the author should adequately show that the reduction in sales of recorded music in local stores represents a lack of interest in music for the residents. The author should bear in mind that sales may have fallen, not specifically because people do not want to listen to music, but because music can now be obtained from the internet using formats such as softcopy. This trend could have led to a decrease in recorded music sales. Therefore, the author's statement that changing to other types of music is not cogent unless he can support his statement with statistics showing that the residents have no other sources of getting records.

Thirdly, the radio manager must affirm that changing from rock music format to news format will not result in a reduction in the number of radio listeners already available. These changes may not be favorable for younger listeners who like rock music and may indeed find news and talk shows tedious. They can even migrate to other radio stations offering their preferences. The manager of WWAC needs to demonstrate that this change will not affect its current audience, and it would be useful to survey the number of young listeners who tuned into WWAC.

It is also problematic to naturally assume that the retirees moving to the city would tune into WWAC, and it must be proved that these old people prefer to actually listen to talk shows rather than watch TV or read newspapers. They may very well not be interested in the current issues. Besides which there must be actual numbers of these retirees in relation to the number of radio stations present, because the harsh competition may once again impede the improvement of WWE's listening base.

In conclusion, he must simultaneously prove with the help of detailed statistics that residents tune into similar programs before implementing the new format, also taking into consideration the fact that since this format is already prevalent in other radio stations, it would be better to put on something that matches their actual taste. In short, the radio station’s manager’s argument falls short of many perspectives. The author should confirm his conclusion with additional data, in order to support this argument.