Issue Task: Exploring the complexity of a claim

A GRE study program suggests the following to explore the complexity of a claim and help guide the essay process:

• What precisely is central issue?
• Do I agree with all or with part of the claim? Why? Why not?
• Does the claim make certain assumptions? If so, are they reasonable?
• Is the claim valid only under certain circumstances/conditions? If so, what are those conditions?
• Do I need to explain how I interpret certain terms or concepts used in the claim?
• If I take a certain position on the issue, what reasons support my position?
• What examples - either real or hypothetical - could I use to illustrate those reasons and advance my point of view? Which examples are most compelling?
• What reasons might someone use to refute or undermine my position? How should I acknowledge or defend against those views in my essay?