If you don't mind, here is a bit of propaganda. I critiqued an argument on GRE argument for the fun. It was not timed, being a practice mode. I took time. I believe GRE is only of a limited validity. That being so, enjoy it if you will. IT scored perfect 6.

"The University of Claria is generally considered one of the best universities in the world because of its instructors' reputation, which is based primarily on the extensive research and publishing record of certaiTn faculty members. In addition, several faculty members are internationally renowned as leaders in their fields. For example, many of the faculty from the English department are regularly invited to teach at universities in other countries. Furthermore, two recent graduates of the physics department have gone on to become candidates for the Nobel Prize in Physics. And 75 percent of the students are able to find employment after graduating. Therefore, because of the reputation of its faculty, the University of Claria should be the obvious choice for anyone seeking a quality education."

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The argument is flawed on several counts. For the University to be top choice of the students, it should have several facilities in terms of quality of faculty and research, to name a few. Certainly, the University of Claria does have this quality to some extent. But the claim that the University of Claria is one of the best universities in the world and obvious choice for students is not convincing enough in light of the information given.

The reputation of some faculties and their research is a good indicator of the strength of the University of Claria. The fact that many of the faculty from the English department are offered teaching position around the world is also to be praised. By all indication, Physics department and English department are strong enough. More importantly, having two alumni of physics department win Nobel Prizes is indeed a great feat. The information that 75 percent of the graduates are able to find employment upon graduation. The employment rate of the Claria?s graduates overlooks the state of economy. The graduates of other school school also find employment, which does not necessarily make these schools among the best in the world. It is a good measure but not sufficient. Although the reputation of school plays a role in determining the future of its graduates, it alone is not sufficient.

The statement also fails to provide other important information about the University of Claria. We do not know how other departments are, besides English and Physics. Also missing is the information about the state of funding for research in other departments. Even the among the best universities like Harvard, MIT or Oxford do not have all the world class departments, but majority of them are world leaders. The brochure also does not talk about the facilities like library, gym and scholarship for students, and the opportunity for the international students. Again, the brochure does not tell about quality of undergraduate and graduate programs in various departments and what the admission criteria are. Unless a university attracts the best and brightest students, it can?t claim to be one of the best schools.

For the students to choose the University of Claria, there is no compelling attraction. Students are not even told about the setting of the school whether it is urban, rural or city. Not all students like the atomosphere of the best university. That is why other less prestigious schools also attract large number of the students.

To sum up, the claim that the University of Claria is among the best schools in the world and the obvious choice for students can?t be substantiated.