Studying the gre 5 pptx

Critiquing Tips

■ Evaluate any statistics or data in relation to the sample size and population. The numbers might not actu￾ally represent what the author claims they do.

■ Keep in mind that an argument must have a premise and a conclusion, but the premise or conclusion may

be unstated.

■ If the premise is missing, ask yourself if there are any assumptions that must be true for the argument to

be valid. Find the missing link between the premise and conclusion.

■ Remember that a premise for one conclusion can be the conclusion of a subargument.

■ Conclusions must be based on the evidence in the passage. If there is no relevant evidence for an option,

it cannot be the correct answer.

■ Stick to the statements and claims in the argument that has been presented. Do not let your opinion on

the matter influence your critique of the argument.

■ You do not need to name a fallacy or flaw in logic—you just need to be able to recognize that something

is wrong with the argument.

60

Claiming that most people do something, so it must be OK

Example: It is OK to take office supplies from your office because everyone does it, so it is

not stealing.

Using a biased or inadequate sample of data as evidence

Example: I know five people from Los Angeles and they are all superficial, so everyone from

L.A. must be superficial.

Suggesting only one or two alternatives when the issue is more complex and might have more alter￾natives than those described

Example: I did well in school because my brother did, too.

Presenting a non sequitur, where the second part of the claim does not logically follow the first

Example: Dayjon has an IQ of 180, so he will get an A on the test.

Attacking a person instead of that person’s ideas

Example: You are young; therefore, you do not know what you are talking about.

Using someone’s popularity to prove a point about which he or she might have little or no authority

Example: That NBA superstar says that standardized tests will improve schools’ accounta￾bility, and that is why we should implement standardized tests in every school in

the country.