How to write better sentences?
Structure your sentences - then flesh them out
1. Make compounds with and, or, and the like
The argument omits both concerns and criticisms
The argument omits concerns, and it downplays criticisms
2. Add modifiers to describe parts of the sentence
Single words:
The author's argument completely omits valid concern
Phrase:
The argument of the author omits concerns about implementation
Clause:
The argument that the author makes omits concerns that must be addressed
Extended to reach 20-25 words per sentence:
The argument that this warning system will virtually solve the problem of midair plane collisions ommits some important concerns that must be addressed to substantiate the argument.
***To add modifiers. ask questions of the parts you already have in place:
Which argument?
What kinds of concerns?
How, why, to what degree, for what purpose?
3. Add sentence-level surbodinate clauses:
Words such as because, since, if, and although indicate logical connection between your thoughts, acting like tendons between muscles and bones:
Although the argument has merits, it omits concerns. For instance ...
Choose your words - and Vary them
- Signal words
- Substance words: contain real content
1. Argument is good: sound, persuasive, thorough, convincing, logical, compelling, credible, effective
2. Argument is perfect: airtight, watertight
3. Argument is bad: flawed, defective, imperfect, faulty, fallacious, unpersuasive, unconvincing, ineffective, it over-generalizes, makes an extreme claim, takes a logical leap, makes an unwarranted assumptions, fails to justify X or prove Y or address Z
4. Argument is really bad: unsound, illogical, specious, erroneous, invalid, unfounded, baseless
5. Argument is maliciously bad: misleading, deceptive
6. Flaw: defect, fault, error, failing, imperfection, concern, issue, area, aspect, feature to be addressed, opportunity for improvement
7. Assess an argument: judge, evaluate, critique, examine, scrutinize, weigh
8. Strengthen an argument: support, bolster, substantiate, reinforce, improve, fortify, justify, address concerns, fix issues, reduce or eliminate defects, prove
9. Weaken an argument: undermine, damage, harm, water down, impair, remove support for, disprove, destroy, demolish, annihilate, obliterate
(from GMAT Manhattan - Guide 9)
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