How To Improve Your Issue Analysis Writing

How To Improve Your Issue Analysis Writing

 

Although the "Analysis Of An Issue" is specific to the GMAT, the essay writing tips below will help you on any standardized essay writing prompt.

This is the first of two writing prompts, and you will have 30 minutes to complete your essay.  You will be given an issue – typically a business-related or general interest topic – and you have to argue for or against it.  Graders are really looking for your typical 5-paragraph essay with an intro that states your opinion, 3-4 paragraphs of examples to support it and a conclusion to wrap it up.

As promised, here is a walkthrough of how to nail the Analysis of an Issue Section.

 

Example prompt from Admissions Consultants: People often complain that products are not made to last. They feel that making products that wear out fairly quickly wastes both natural and human resources. What they fail to see, however, is that such manufacturing practices keep costs down for the consumer and stimulate demand."

Which do you find more compelling, the complaint about products that do not last or the response to it? Explain your position, using relevant reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.

Here’s a walkthrough to nail this essay.

 

First paragraph: Firmly state your opinion. For example: major manufacturers have a much higher responsibility – well beyond simply turning a profit and stimulating demand – the responsibility of preserving our environment. Manufacturers need to ignore their myopic, fiscal demands and make products that last a long time, thus using a minimal amount of natural resources.

 

Add another dimension to your argument: Instead of just writing how it’s environmentally responsible, write about how companies that make an effort to preserve resources receive tons of positive publicity. That could attract new customers, which could lead to more units sold, more revenues and ultimately greater profit margins.

 

Second paragraph: You’re applying to business school; so use a business example. For this prompt, you could write about how Toyota focuses on creating more reliable, longer-lasting cars. People buy Toyotas instead of Volkswagens, Nissans or other brands because they believe they are going to get more value for what they spend. You could even bring in how the Toyota Prius brings lots of positive publicity to Toyota, increasing its customer base. This supports the point because Toyota has increased its units sold by creating cars that last longer, reducing resources. Toyota can then operate with a smaller profit margin and still keep costs low for consumers.

 

Third paragraph: Use an inverse example. Instead of writing about another company who manages resources responsibly, write about one who does not. For example, you could use Dell Computers, which is known for using tons of resources to create computers that don’t last more than a couple years, forcing people to purchase another unit – wasting even more resources. But, be sure to mention how Dell is losing ground to other computer manufacturers – like Apple – which produces longer-lasting computers. This supports the previous point because Dell is not only wasting resources, but losing customers because of it.