can someone please help me rate my GRE argument essay?Argument: Woven baskets characterized by a particular distinctive pattern have previously been found only in the immediate vicinity of the prehistoric village of Palea and therefore were believed to ha

The author of the argument claims that distinctively patterned woven baskets believed to be made only by Palean people of village Palea were not uniquely palean because the archaeologists discovered the same type of baskets in Lithos village across the deep and broad Brim river from Palea. Though the underlying issue certainly has merit, because of lack of evidence,weak assumptions and vague terminology. The author's argument is unsubstantiated and deeply flawed.

First, the argument readily assumes that no Palean boats were found, using what Paleans could cross the river to reach Lithos, so that Palean baskets were not uniquely belongs to Palean. This statement is a stretch and not substantiated in any way. It may possible that there was no river or probably the small river in Palean era which people can easily cross even by walking. Author does not show any evidences that in ancient Palean era river was as deep and broad as today.

Second, the most important thing which is not specified here is when did the archaeologists discovered the same "Palean" basket in lithos. Because it might possible that hundreds of years later when the boats were developed at that time some Palean may travel across the river and taken those baskets to Lithos and archaeologists just discovered it in last few years.So, if argument had provided evidences then it would be more convincing.

Finally, the woven baskets can be light weighted that it can go across the river. It may possible that somebody threw the basket into the river and basket be trapped to the other side.Without supporting evidences and convincing answers to these questions one is left with the impression that the claim is more of a wishful thinking rather than substantive evidence.

In conclusion,the argument is flawed and therefore unconvincing. It could be considerably strengthen if the author clearly mentioned all the relevant facts. In order to assess the merits of the certain situation, it is essential to have full knowledge of all contributing factors.