analytical writing 1
analysis of an argument
time—30 minutes
directions: in this section you will be asked to write a critique of the graument presented below. you are not being asked to present your own views on the subject.
read the argument and the instructions that follow it, and then make any notes in your test booklet that will help you plan response. begin writing your response on the separate answer sheet. make sure that you use the answer sheet that goes with this writing task.
the following appeared in the opinion section of a national newsmagazine.
"to reverse the deterioration of the postal service, the government should raise the price of postage stamps. this solution will no doubt prove effective, since the price increase will generate larger revenues and will also reduce the volume of amil, thereby eliminating the strain on the existing system and contributing to improved morale"
discuss how well reasoned you find this argument. in your discussion be sure to analyze the line of reasoning and the use of evidence in the argument. for example, you may need to consider what questionable assumptions underlie the thinking and what alternative explanations or counterexamples might weaken the conclusion. you can also discuss what sort of evidence would strengthen or refute the argument, what changes in the argument would make it more logically sound, and what, if anything, would help you better evaluate its conclusion.
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analytical writing 2
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directions: in this section, you will need to analyze the issue presented below and explain your views on it. the question has no "correct" answer. instead, you should consider various perspectives as you develop your own position on the issue.
read the statement and the instructions that follow it, and then make any notes in your test booklet t hat will help you plan your response. begin writing your response on the separate answer sheet. make sure that you use the answer sheet that goes with this writing task.
"scientists are continually redefining the standards for what is beneficial or harmful to the environment. since these standards keep shifting, companies should resist changing their products and processes in response to each new recommendation until those recommendations BECome government regulations."
discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above. support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
section 1
time—25 minutes
16 questions
directions: for each question in this section, seltion, section, select the best of the answer choices given.
1. a company is considering changing its policy concerning daily working hours. currently, this company requires all employees to arrive at work at 8 a.m. the proposed policy would permit each employee to decide when to arrive—from as early as 6 a.m. to as late as 11 a.m.
the adoption this policy would be most likely to decrease employees productivity if the employees job functions required them to
(a) work without interruption from other employees
(b) consult at least once a day with employees from other companies
(c) submit their work for a supervisor s eventual approval
(d) interact frequently with each other throughout the entire workday
(e) undertake projects that take several days to complete
2. the amount of time it takes for most of a worker s occupational knowledge and skills to become obsolete has been declining because of the introduction of advanced manufacturing technology (amt). given the rate at which amt is currently being introduced in manufacturing, the average worker s old skills become obsolete and new skills are required within as little as five years.
which of the fo llowing plans, if feasible, would allow a company to prepare most effectively for the rapid obsolescence of skills described above?
(a) the company will develop a program to offer selected employees the opportunity to receive training six years after they were originally hired.
(b) the company will increase its investment in amt every year for a period of at least five years.
(c) the company will periodically survey its employecs to determine how the introduction of amt has affected them.
(d) before the introduction of amt, the company will institute an educational program to inform its employees of the probable consequences of the introduction of amt.
(e) the company will ensure that it can offer its employees any training neccessary for meeting their job requirements.
