---
title: "Divorcing Argument from Materials Definition"
description: "'Divorcing argument from materials' is a flaw in Shenlun essays where candidates use clichés instead of evidence, impacting civil-service exam scores."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/fifth-divorcing-argument-from-materials"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- "Divorcing argument from materials" is a common Shenlun essay flaw where the writer states a thesis but supports it with generic clichés instead of evidence drawn from the provided source materials (给定资料).
- Why do graders penalize divorcing argument from materials so heavily?
- How does this flaw differ from 'fabricating materials' (编造材料)?
- What essay structure prevents this flaw?
- Can candidates use outside examples in Shenlun essays?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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