The “too / too much / far too much” questions appear reasonably often. Like the common absolute terms, these questions can also be treated as a type of absolute question. Like comparative questions (types (a), (b) and (c)), a recommended approach would be to use a yardstick that is appropriate for such questions. Thus, this question has elements of they typically less demanding ABSOLUTE questions, and the typically more demanding COMPARATIVE questions. Overall, they are moderately recommended for students who frequently fail their essays.
Recommended approach:
[This approach is highly recommended for students who frequently fail their essays and who decide to do this question type]
STAND: Disagree, and state:
Although it is true that (e.g. a lot of faith is placed in statistics / the world is highly dependent on oil), it has not crossed the line to become too much.
[For those of you who frequently fail your essays, please ensure that you phrase your stand in this way]
YARDSTICK: Define the yardstick as one (or more) of the following. Choose the one(s) that apply best to the question.
- unnecessary
- harmful / detrimental
Therefore, you should argue that it is not too much because
- The current state is necessary and/or
- There are no real harmful/detrimental effects
- either because the harm/detrimental effects do not actually exist,
- because they’re not as harmful/detrimental as opponents would claim,
- or (and this is a particularly useful argument) because the harm/detrimental effects can be managed/alleviated/reduced with sensible actions/decisions/policies.
3.
Too /
Too much /
Far too much
[See http://thegeneralpaper.wordpress.com/2011/05/15/essay-skill-setting-a-yardstick-to-address-far-too-much/ for tips on how to approach such questions]
2008
- Discuss the view that too much faith is placed in statistics. (2008)
2005
- Examine the claim that the world is too dependent on oil. (2005)
- ‘Too much attention is given to criminals; not enough to their victims.’ Is this true? (2005) [Note: Also a “two clause” question]
- ‘Medical science has been so successful that people now expect too much of it.’ Discuss. (2005)
2004
- ‘Far too much attention is given to beauty products and treatments.’ Do you agree? (2004)
2003
- Does the modern world place too much reliance on technology? (2003)
2001
- Is sport too closely linked to money these days? (2001)
- Do you think that life today offers us too many choices? (2001)
Recent comments