Sample GMAT Question Turned Post
I've been studying full time for the GMAT. I've also been putting off the Analytical Writing Assessment section. That is, until today. I decided to pick a sample question at random and just go for it. The test will allow me 30 minutes to develop a well-structured analysis of a given issue. So I closed my eyes and pointed to the follwing:
"Nations should cooperate to develop regulations that limit children's access to adult material on the Internet."
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
Given this was my first try, it took longer than I will have on the test, but I liked the outcome so here you get to see what I came up with:
So yes, I did some additional editing and added some links because no post would be complete without them. Hope you enjoy!
--And on a grading scale of 1-6 (6 being the best), how would you rank my "ability to formulate an appropriate and constructive critique of a specific conclusion based upon a specific line of thinking?"
"Nations should cooperate to develop regulations that limit children's access to adult material on the Internet."
Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the opinion stated above. Support your views with reasons and/or examples from your own experience, observations, or reading.
Given this was my first try, it took longer than I will have on the test, but I liked the outcome so here you get to see what I came up with:
As the Internet sees more and more birthdays, the debate regarding restrictions on adult sites and adult material continues unresolved. Although several committees and organizations are involved in the structure and maintenance of the Internet, it is still a very “open” form of communication. In all reality, anyone with a connection and a couple dollars a month can set up a site with any content he or she desires—surely a regulator’s worst nightmare!
A major obstacle has been in the ability to guarantee foolproof restriction—programmers and novices alike are sure to find ways around any rules. Additionally, Malicious "hackers" are consistently highlighted, and even praised, for their ability to break into systems and weasel themselves around restrictions.
There have been attempts to control how adult material is hosted. However, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently voted against efforts to establish a top-level domain for adult related sites (.xxx), accurately citing that, among other reasons, this method does not address the problem at its root. Many realize the dangers and problems associated with open access to adult material online, but developing regulations has, for the most part, proved unfruitful.
Unlike movies or television shows, there are no major corporations or organizations that can ultimately be held responsible for broadcast of inappropriate content. TV and movie rating systems help inform parents of potentially objectionable content and provide a means of measurement in decision-making. While this may be considered as a solution for the Internet, implementation and enforcement would be nearly impossible given the sheer size and existing open structure of the World Wide Web.
While international regulation is a good goal to work toward, it seems unfeasible given the current nature of the Internet. In addition regulatory efforts, nations should consider alternative solutions in the fight to protect children from unwelcome adult material.
Addiction is a major problem for many, whether it be to alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or pornography. Its effects are felt not only by the individual, but also his or her family members, friends, and associates. Recently many organizations have increased their efforts in educating youth and adults against the dangers of tobacco. The tagline “Tobacco Lies” can be seen on TV, billboards, posters, and bumper stickers. Educating people, especially youth, against the dangers of pornography addiction could potentially reap the same benefits.
Filtering software is readily available and attempts to “block” any objectionable content. However, as millions of bytes a day are added to the Internet, current filters quickly find themselves obsolete and require constant updating to remain even somewhat accurate and effective. An alternative to blocking sites is that of “allowing” sites. For example, Apple’s Safari browser allows for parental control of a user account by initially blocking all Internet sites for that user. If a child wants to visit a website, it gives an administrator (the parent) the option of adding it to a list of allowed sites. This reverse approach provides a greater amount of protection.
As the Internet continues to increase and evolve, worldwide regulation of adult material continues to be a daunting task—although, it should not be written off as an impossible dream. Protecting our children should remain a top priority. As we work to develop effective regulation, we can also search out and implement other helpful methods that can be used immediately to guard children’s access to adult material.
A major obstacle has been in the ability to guarantee foolproof restriction—programmers and novices alike are sure to find ways around any rules. Additionally, Malicious "hackers" are consistently highlighted, and even praised, for their ability to break into systems and weasel themselves around restrictions.
There have been attempts to control how adult material is hosted. However, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) recently voted against efforts to establish a top-level domain for adult related sites (.xxx), accurately citing that, among other reasons, this method does not address the problem at its root. Many realize the dangers and problems associated with open access to adult material online, but developing regulations has, for the most part, proved unfruitful.
Unlike movies or television shows, there are no major corporations or organizations that can ultimately be held responsible for broadcast of inappropriate content. TV and movie rating systems help inform parents of potentially objectionable content and provide a means of measurement in decision-making. While this may be considered as a solution for the Internet, implementation and enforcement would be nearly impossible given the sheer size and existing open structure of the World Wide Web.
While international regulation is a good goal to work toward, it seems unfeasible given the current nature of the Internet. In addition regulatory efforts, nations should consider alternative solutions in the fight to protect children from unwelcome adult material.
Addiction is a major problem for many, whether it be to alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, or pornography. Its effects are felt not only by the individual, but also his or her family members, friends, and associates. Recently many organizations have increased their efforts in educating youth and adults against the dangers of tobacco. The tagline “Tobacco Lies” can be seen on TV, billboards, posters, and bumper stickers. Educating people, especially youth, against the dangers of pornography addiction could potentially reap the same benefits.
Filtering software is readily available and attempts to “block” any objectionable content. However, as millions of bytes a day are added to the Internet, current filters quickly find themselves obsolete and require constant updating to remain even somewhat accurate and effective. An alternative to blocking sites is that of “allowing” sites. For example, Apple’s Safari browser allows for parental control of a user account by initially blocking all Internet sites for that user. If a child wants to visit a website, it gives an administrator (the parent) the option of adding it to a list of allowed sites. This reverse approach provides a greater amount of protection.
As the Internet continues to increase and evolve, worldwide regulation of adult material continues to be a daunting task—although, it should not be written off as an impossible dream. Protecting our children should remain a top priority. As we work to develop effective regulation, we can also search out and implement other helpful methods that can be used immediately to guard children’s access to adult material.
So yes, I did some additional editing and added some links because no post would be complete without them. Hope you enjoy!
--And on a grading scale of 1-6 (6 being the best), how would you rank my "ability to formulate an appropriate and constructive critique of a specific conclusion based upon a specific line of thinking?"
posted by Robs at 3:50 PM
5 Comments:
Interesting post. Good to see you back. I was beginning to wonder if you would ever blog again.
You were very thorough. When I was done reading, I got the impression that you would like to see some sort of regulation, but for you it seemed impossible right now. Was this what you were aiming for?
I give it a (high) 5.
@alan
I don't think he's back, one post per year doesn't count. :)
i would tend to agree with blake. :) maybe i'll think of interesting things to say.
or not...
yeah I guess you're right. I was trying to be optimistic.
wow, i think this is the most comments ever on a post of mine. maybe that's motivation to keep it up :)
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