[GRE writing] Mar. 25, 2024

Task:

According to a recent study, the consumption of fish oil supplements has been shown to improve cognitive function in adults over the age of 60.

According to a recent study, the consumption of fish oil supplements has been shown to improve a cognitive function in adults over the age of 60.

According to a recent study, the consumption of fish oil supplements has been shown to improve a cognitive function in adults over the age of 60.

 

However, the study failed to account for potential confounding variables such as participants' overall diet, lifestyle factors, and pre-existing health conditions.

However, the study failed to account for potential confounding variables such as participants' overall diet, lifestyle factors, and pre-existing health conditions.

 

Therefore, the conclusion that fish oil supplements directly enhance cognitive function may be premature and oversimplified.

Therefore, the conclusion that fish oil supplements directly enhance cognitive function may be premature and oversimplified.

 

Evaluate the argument presented, considering its logical soundness and the evidence provided.

Evaluate the argument presented, considering its logical soundness and the evidence provided.

 

Model Answer:

The argument posits that the consumption of fish oil supplements improves cognitive function in adults over 60, citing a recent study.

 

 

However, the conclusion drawn from this study is weakened by several critical flaws in its methodology and reasoning.

 

Firstly, the argument fails to consider the presence of confounding variables that could influence the relationship between fish oil supplementation and cognitive function.

Firstly, the argument fails to consider the presence of confounding variables that could influence the relationship between fish oil supplementation and cognitive function.

 

For instance, participants' overall diet and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity levels and socioeconomic status, could significantly impact cognitive health.

For instance, participants' overall diet and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity levels and socioeconomic status, could significantly impact cognitive health.

 

Without controlling for these variables, it is challenging to attribute any observed improvements in cognitive function solely to fish oil supplementation.

Without controlling for these variables, it is challenging to attribute any observed improvements in cognitive function solely to fish oil supplementation.

Without controlling for these variables, it is challenging to attribute any observed improvements in cognitive function solely to fish oil supplementation.

 

Additionally, the argument overlooks the potential influence of pre-existing health conditions on cognitive function.

 

Participants in the study may have had underlying medical conditions or genetic predispositions that could affect their cognitive performance independently of fish oil supplementation.

Participants in the study may have had underlying medical conditions or genetic predispositions that could affect their cognitive performance independently of fish oil supplementation.

 

Without accounting for these factors, it is impossible to isolate the specific effects of fish oil on cognitive function.

Without accounting for these factors, it is impossible to isolate the specific effects of fish oil on cognitive function.

 

Furthermore, the argument assumes a causal relationship between fish oil supplementation and cognitive improvement without sufficient evidence to support this claim.

Furthermore, the argument assumes a causal relationship between fish oil supplementation and cognitive improvement without sufficient evidence to support this claim.

 

While the study may have found a correlation between the two variables, correlation does not imply causation.

While the study may have found a correlation between the two variables, correlation does not imply causation.

 

Other factors not accounted for in the study could be responsible for any observed changes in cognitive function.

Other factors not accounted for in the study could be responsible for any observed changes in cognitive function.

Other factors not accounted for in the study could be responsible for any observed changed in cognitive function.

 

In conclusion, the argument that fish oil supplements enhance cognitive function in adults over 60 is undermined by its failure to address confounding variables, account for pre-existing health conditions, and establish causality.

 

To strengthen the conclusion, future researach should employ rigorous methodology, control for potential confounders, and consider alternative explanations for any observed associations between fish oil supplementation and cognitive health.

To strengthen the conclusion, future research should employ rigorous methodology, control for potential confounders, and consider alternative explanations for any observed associations between fish oil supplementation and cognitive health.