Mastering the Core: Pinpointing the Author's Argument in GRE Verbal

Identifying the Author's Argument: A Postgraduate's Guide

The GRE Verbal section frequently assesses your ability to discern the central claim or thesis of a given passage. The examiner is testing your capacity for critical reading and analytical synthesis, specifically your skill in distinguishing primary arguments from supporting details or tangential information.

The Method: A Systematic Approach

Successfully identifying the author's argument requires a structured approach. Follow these steps consistently for optimal results:

1. Initial Skim for Structure and Tone (1 unit of time):

   • Read the first and last sentences of each paragraph.
   • Identify any strong opinion words, evaluative language, or explicit statements of purpose (e.g., "I argue that...", "The primary contention here is...").
   • Note the overall tone: Is it argumentative, expository, critical, analytical, or descriptive? This helps contextualize the author's intent.

2. First Full Read-Through: Identify Key Sentences (3 units of time):

   • Read the entire passage actively.
   • Underline or mentally note topic sentences for each paragraph, as these often introduce sub-arguments or facets of the main argument.
   • Pay close attention to transition words and phrases (e.g., "however," "therefore," "in contrast," "consequently," "moreover") as they signal shifts in argument or the introduction of supporting evidence.

3. Synthesize and Formulate a Provisional Thesis (2 units of time):

   • Based on your initial skim and full read, articulate in your own words what you believe the author is trying to convince you of, or what central point they are making.
   • This provisional thesis should be a single, concise statement.

4. Test the Provisional Thesis Against the Passage (2 units of time):

   • Go back through the passage, asking: "Does every major point or piece of evidence in the passage support or elaborate on this provisional thesis?"
   • If significant portions of the passage seem unrelated to your thesis, or if your thesis only covers a small part of the passage, it's likely too narrow or incorrect.
   • Conversely, if your thesis is too broad and could apply to many different passages, it's not specific enough.
   • Refine your thesis until it accurately encompasses the main thrust of the entire passage, while excluding minor details.

5. Evaluate Answer Choices (1 unit of time):

   • Compare your refined thesis to the given answer choices.
   • Eliminate choices that are too narrow, too broad, contradict the passage, or represent only a supporting detail rather than the main argument.
   • Select the choice that most accurately and completely reflects the author's central claim.

Fully Worked Example

Passage:
"While the prevailing view among art historians attributes the radical stylistic shifts of the early twentieth century primarily to internal artistic developments—a natural evolution of form and technique—this perspective overlooks crucial external pressures. The rapid industrialization and urbanization of European societies, coupled with the psychological impact of impending global conflict, profoundly reshaped artists' perceptions of reality and their role within it. For instance, Cubism's fragmented perspectives can be seen not merely as an aesthetic innovation but as a direct artistic response to the fractured experience of modern life. Similarly, Expressionism's intense emotionality reflected anxieties far beyond the confines of the studio. Therefore, any comprehensive understanding of modern art's genesis must integrate these socio-historical determinants alongside purely aesthetic considerations."

1. Initial Skim for Structure and Tone (0.5 minutes):
* First sentence: "While the prevailing view... attributes... primarily to internal artistic developments... this perspective overlooks crucial external pressures." (Signals a counter-argument).
* Last sentence: "Therefore, any comprehensive understanding... must integrate these socio-historical determinants alongside purely aesthetic considerations." (Strong concluding statement, emphasizes integration).
* Tone: Argumentative, analytical, critical of a prevailing view.

2. First Full Read-Through: Identify Key Sentences (1.5 minutes):
* Paragraph 1: "While the prevailing view... attributes... primarily to internal artistic developments—a natural evolution of form and technique—this perspective overlooks crucial external pressures." (Author's main point begins here). "The rapid industrialization and urbanization... coupled with the psychological impact of impending global conflict, profoundly reshaped artists' perceptions..." (Elaboration of external pressures).
* Paragraph 2: "For instance, Cubism's fragmented perspectives can be seen not merely as an aesthetic innovation but as a direct artistic response to the fractured experience of modern life." (Example supporting external pressures). "Similarly, Expressionism's intense emotionality reflected anxieties far beyond the confines of the studio." (Another example).
* Paragraph 3: "Therefore, any comprehensive understanding of modern art's genesis must integrate these socio-historical determinants alongside purely aesthetic considerations." (Reiteration and synthesis of the main argument).

3. Synthesize and Formulate a Provisional Thesis (1 minute):
"The author argues that modern art's development was not just due to internal artistic changes but was significantly influenced by external socio-historical factors, and both must be considered for a full understanding."

4. Test the Provisional Thesis Against the Passage (1 minute):
* Does the passage discuss internal artistic developments? Yes, to contrast with.
* Does it discuss external socio-historical factors? Yes, extensively.
* Does it argue for integrating both? Yes, explicitly in the last sentence.
* The examples of Cubism and Expressionism directly support the idea that external factors influenced artistic form.
* The thesis seems to cover all major points and the overall thrust of the passage.

5. Evaluate Answer Choices (0.5 minutes):
(Assume hypothetical choices)
* A) Cubism and Expressionism were direct responses to modern life. (Too narrow; a supporting detail).
* B) Internal artistic developments are insufficient to explain modern art. (True, but incomplete; doesn't state what is sufficient).
* C) Art historians have traditionally ignored the socio-historical context of art. (True, but a premise, not the full argument for a comprehensive understanding).
* D) A complete understanding of early twentieth-century art requires acknowledging the significant role of socio-historical factors in conjunction with internal artistic evolution. (Matches our refined thesis perfectly).

Three Mistakes That Lose Marks

1. Confusing a Supporting Detail for the Main Argument: Students often latch onto a compelling example or a specific piece of evidence and mistake it for the author's overarching claim. The main argument must encompass the entire passage's purpose, not just a part of it.
2. Selecting a Statement That Is True But Not the Author's Argument: An answer choice might present a factually correct statement related to the passage, but it might not be the point the author is trying to make or prove. The argument is about the author's unique contribution or perspective.
3. Choosing an Answer That Is Too Broad or Too Narrow: A thesis that is too broad could apply to many different passages, failing to capture the specific nuance of the given text. One that is too narrow misses the full scope of the author's discussion and focuses only on a sub-point.

30-Second Recap

To identify the author's argument, first skim for structure and tone, then read fully to pinpoint key sentences and topic sentences. Formulate a provisional thesis, and critically test it against the entire passage to ensure it's comprehensive and accurate. Finally, compare your refined thesis to the answer choices, eliminating those that are too narrow, too broad, or merely supporting details. Focus on the central claim the author is trying to establish.