1.3　GRE寫作試題分析

　 GRE General Test第一部分為分析性寫作（Analytical Writing），該部分由兩個任務構成：任務一為Analyze an Issue，任務二為Analyze an Argument，時間各為30分鐘。Issue寫作對考生分析理解能力、邏輯思維能力和運用各種技巧增強文章說服力能力進行綜合考查，主要是要求考生對題目中觀點進行評估，并提出自己的觀點以展開論證。Argument寫作主要要求考生依據具體題目要求對已有論證（即別人觀點）進行評估。

2011年8月GRE General Test改革在寫作方面主要體現在作文題庫、題目要求和寫作時間方面的變動。Issue話題題庫和Argument話題題庫在題目數量上均作了調整，Issue話題調整之后變為149道題目（見附錄1），而Argument話題縮減為174道題目（見附錄2）。此外，寫作題目增加了具體的要求，而Issue寫作部分的時間也減少至30分鐘（之前為45分鐘）。

Issue和Argument寫作的具體題目要求分別如下：

　 ◆Issue寫作的六種不同題目要求

　 1. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations shape your position.

2. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.

3. Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.

4. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your position.

5. Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.

6. Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.

對于Issue寫作的六種題目，前五種均包含給出自己的立場（position）的要求，而最后一種雖未直接提出該要求，但也包含了這層意思。前3種題目比較相似，其不同之處在于需根據不同性質題目的具體要求進行回答：第1種題目中可能給出了判斷或評價；第2種題目中可能給出了勸告或建議；第3題目中可能給出了政策或策略。第4種題目要求的特別之處在于要求考慮與自己觀點相反的另一種看法并給出該不同看法的原因和例子。第5種題目要求對兩個不同的觀點均進行考慮。第6種題目要求分析是否同意題目中的觀點，并給出原因。

◆Argument寫作的八種不同題目要求

1. Write a response in which you examine the stated and/or unstated assumptions of the argument. Be sure to explain how the argument depends on these assumptions, and what the implications are for the argument if the assumptions prove unwarranted.

2. Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation.

3. Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the advice and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the advice.

4. Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the recommendation is likely to have the predicted result. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the recommendation.

5. Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be answered in order to decide whether the prediction and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to these questions would help to evaluate the prediction.

6. Write a response in which you discuss what questions would need to be addressed in order to decide whether the conclusion and the argument on which it is based are reasonable. Be sure to explain how the answers to the questions would help to evaluate the conclusion.

7. 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.

8. Write a response in which you discuss one or more alternative explanations that could rival the proposed explanation and explain how your explanation(s) can plausibly account for the facts presented in the argument.

　 通過分析可以發現，Argument八種不同的寫作要求可以大體上分類四類：分析假設類（Examine Assumptions）、回答問題類（Answer/Address Questions）、提供證據類（Discuss Evidence）和提出其他可能性解釋類（Discuss Alternative Explanation）。本書第3章會按照該分類對不同題目要求的Argument寫作提供針對性訓練。