When it comes to the GRE, one of the most important parts of the exam is the Analytical Writing section. This section consists of two essays: the Issue essay and the Argument essay. The purpose of these essays is to evaluate the writing and analytical skills of the test-taker, as well as their ability to present and support a cohesive argument. In this blog post, we will discuss the essay topics for GRE and provide some tips on how to prepare for this section of the exam.
Issue Essay Topics
The Issue essay requires the test-taker to respond to a prompt that presents a general statement or assertion about a topic of general interest. The test-taker must then take a position on the statement and provide evidence and reasoning to support their argument. Some sample Issue essay topics include:
- To be an effective leader, a person must be willing to take risks.
- The most effective way to learn is through experience.
- Governments should prioritize environmental protection over economic growth.
- Technology is making us more isolated and less social.
- Success is best measured by one's contributions to society rather than personal achievements.
When approaching an Issue essay prompt, it is important to read the prompt carefully and identify the key elements of the statement. From there, the test-taker should develop a clear position on the statement and brainstorm evidence and examples to support their argument. It is also important to consider potential counterarguments and address them in the essay.
Argument Essay Topics
The Argument essay requires the test-taker to analyze and evaluate a given argument. The argument will be presented in the form of a paragraph or two, and the test-taker must identify the key assumptions, evidence, and reasoning used to support the argument. They must then provide a critique of the argument and offer their own perspective on the issue. Some sample Argument essay topics include:
The following appeared in a memo from the CEO of a company: "The company's profits have been declining over the past several years, and we must take action to reverse this trend. We should reduce our workforce by 10% in order to increase efficiency and improve profitability." Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the memo and explain your reasoning.
The following appeared in a newspaper editorial: "The city council should invest in new public transportation infrastructure, such as light rail and bus rapid transit. This will reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve access to employment and education." Evaluate the argument and explain whether you agree or disagree with the recommendation.
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The following appeared in a memo from the director of a museum: "In order to attract more visitors, we should focus on acquiring more contemporary art, rather than investing in the conservation of historical artifacts." Evaluate the argument and explain whether you agree or disagree with the recommendation.
The following appeared in a letter to the editor of a newspaper: "The government should prioritize funding for scientific research over funding for the arts. Scientific research has the potential to improve human health and well-being, while the arts are a luxury that only benefits a small segment of the population." Evaluate the argument and explain whether you agree or disagree with the recommendation.
The following appeared in a memo from the director of a nonprofit organization: "We should focus our fundraising efforts on individual donors rather than corporations. Individual donors are more likely to give to our cause because they have a personal connection to it, while corporations are only interested in promoting their brand." Evaluate the argument and explain whether you agree or disagree with the recommendation.
When approaching an Argument essay prompt, it is important to read the prompt carefully and identify the key assumptions, evidence, and reasoning used in the argument. From there, the test-taker should provide a critique of the argument and offer their own perspective on the issue. It is important to consider the logical structure of the argument and the evidence provided to support it, as well as any potential weaknesses or counterarguments that could be used against it.
Tips for Preparing for the GRE Essay Section
Preparing for the GRE essay section can be a daunting task, but there are several things that test-takers can do to improve their performance on this part of the exam.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Make sure you understand the format and instructions for the Issue and Argument essays. Practice writing essays within the time limit, so you can get used to writing under pressure.
The GRE essay topics cover a wide range of subjects, so it is important to read widely and critically. Stay informed about current events and social issues, and practice analyzing and evaluating arguments from different sources.
In both the Issue and Argument essays, it is important to have a clear thesis statement that states your position on the topic and provides a roadmap for the rest of the essay. Make sure your thesis statement is specific, concise, and focused on the prompt.
To support your arguments, it is important to use specific evidence and examples from a variety of sources. This helps to demonstrate your understanding of the topic and shows that you can think critically about complex issues.
To make your argument more persuasive, it is important to consider potential counterarguments and address them in your essay. This shows that you are aware of other perspectives on the issue and can think critically about different viewpoints.
A well-organized essay is easier to follow and more persuasive. Use strong transitions between paragraphs and sections to create a cohesive argument that flows logically from one point to the next.
The best way to prepare for the GRE essay section is to practice writing essays. Use sample prompts to develop your skills, and seek feedback from others to help you improve.
Conclusion
The essay section of the GRE can be challenging, but with the right preparation and practice, test-takers can improve their performance and demonstrate their writing and analytical skills. Whether responding to an Issue prompt or analyzing an Argument, it is important to read the prompt carefully, develop a clear thesis statement, use specific evidence and examples, and consider potential counterarguments. By following these tips and practicing regularly, test-takers can improve their essay-writing skills and feel more confident on exam day.
Here are some FAQs related to GRE essay topics
What are the types of essay prompts in the GRE exam?
There are two types of essay prompts in the GRE exam: Issue and Argument. In the Issue task, you will be asked to respond to a statement and provide your opinion on the topic. In the Argument task, you will be asked to analyze an argument and provide evidence to support your evaluation.
How long do I have to complete the essay section of the GRE exam?
You will have 30 minutes to complete each essay prompt, which includes reading the prompt, planning and organizing your response, writing the essay, and editing and revising your work.
How are the GRE essays scored?
The essays are scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments. The scores are based on the overall quality of the writing, including the development of the thesis, the use of evidence and examples, and the coherence and organization of the argument.
Can I use outside knowledge or research in my GRE essays?
No, you should not use outside knowledge or research in your GRE essays. The essays are designed to test your ability to analyze and evaluate arguments based on the information provided in the prompts.
How important are the GRE essays for graduate school admissions?
While the essays are just one part of the GRE exam, they can be an important factor in the admissions process. Admissions committees may use the essays to evaluate your writing skills, analytical thinking, and ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
