Mastering Issue-Based Analytical Writing Topics for the GRE
The Issue Task in the GRE Analytical Writing section is designed to assess your ability to articulate a clear, well-reasoned argument on a broad issue. You will be presented with a statement on a social, political, or cultural topic, and your task is to take a stance on that issue and support it with logical reasoning and examples.
Here’s everything you need to know to excel in the Issue Task, including some common topics to help guide your preparation.
1. What Is the Issue Task?
In the Issue Task, you are given a general statement or claim about a topic. Your job is to respond to this statement by taking a clear position (agree or disagree) and supporting your stance with relevant examples, facts, and logical reasoning. The response should be well-organized, concise, and free of errors.
Key Skills Tested in the Issue Task:
- Clarity and Coherence: Can you clearly express your opinion and organize your ideas logically?
- Argumentation: Can you build a well-supported argument using relevant examples?
- Critical Thinking: Can you think critically about the issue and provide thoughtful analysis?
- Language Proficiency: Can you write clearly, using proper grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary?
2. Common Issue Task Topics
Below are some common Issue Task topics to help you practice. These topics are drawn from a wide range of areas, including society, technology, education, government, and culture.
| Topic | Example |
|---|---|
| Society | “It is better to live in a large city than in a small town.” |
| Technology | “The widespread use of technology has improved communication in the modern world.” |
| Education | “Education is the key to solving most of the world’s problems.” |
| Progress and Change | “It is more important to preserve traditional values than to embrace new ideas.” |
| Government and Society | “A government’s role is to provide its citizens with the opportunity for personal happiness.” |
| Culture | “Art and literature are essential to a nation’s development.” |
| Environmental Concerns | “Individuals can do more to address environmental challenges than governments can.” |
| Success and Achievement | “Success is the result of individual effort, not luck.” |
| Science and Technology | “The benefits of technological advancements outweigh the potential risks.” |
| Business and Economics | “Business leaders have a responsibility to act in the best interest of society.” |
3. Approach to Writing the Issue Task
- Read the Prompt Carefully: Understand what is being asked and ensure you address all aspects of the statement.
- State Your Position: Decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement. Your response should clearly reflect your stance.
- Plan Your Essay: Spend a few minutes outlining your argument. Decide on 2-3 main points to support your position.
- Write the Introduction: Introduce the issue and clearly state your position in a concise thesis statement.
- Develop the Body: Each paragraph should present a separate idea that supports your position. Use relevant examples to back up each point.
- Conclude: Summarize your argument and restate your stance in the conclusion. Reinforce your key points and leave a lasting impression.
4. Tips for Writing a High-Scoring Issue Task Essay
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Choose a Clear Position | Be sure to take a definite stance on the issue. Avoid being wishy-washy. |
| Use Relevant Examples | Draw from personal experience, history, or current events to support your argument. |
| Be Organized | Use clear paragraphing with a logical flow of ideas. A well-structured essay will make a better impression. |
| Write a Strong Thesis | Your introduction should contain a strong thesis statement that summarizes your stance. |
| Stay Focused on the Task | Avoid going off-topic. Stick to the issue and support your argument throughout. |
| Proofread | Leave a few minutes to review your essay for grammatical errors or clarity issues. |
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the Prompt: Ensure that your response directly addresses the given issue. Don’t veer off-topic.
- Weak Structure: Essays lacking clear organization can confuse readers. Maintain a strong introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Overgeneralization: Avoid vague or overly broad statements. Use specific examples to back up your points.
- Repetition: Don’t repeat the same idea over and over. Be concise and focus on making different, strong points.
- Grammar and Spelling Errors: Careless mistakes can lower your score. Proofread your essay before submitting it.
6. Practice Topics for Issue Task
Here are additional practice topics for the Issue Task that you can use to hone your skills:
| Topic | Example |
|---|---|
| Society | “The government should provide free healthcare for all citizens.” |
| Technology | “Social media has a more negative impact on society than positive.” |
| Education | “Students should be required to take physical education classes.” |
| Government and Society | “Government surveillance is necessary to ensure public safety.” |
| Culture and Society | “Cultural diversity is a strength of a society.” |
| Environment | “Climate change is the most pressing global issue today.” |
| Workplace | “Remote work is more productive than working in an office.” |
| Leadership | “Effective leadership is about taking risks and challenging the status quo.” |
| Technology and Society | “Technology makes people more isolated and less connected to others.” |
Conclusion
The Issue Task on the GRE Analytical Writing section challenges your ability to construct a clear, well-supported argument on a broad topic. By practicing a wide variety of topics and applying the strategies above, you can improve your ability to think critically, organize your thoughts, and write compelling essays.
Remember, a well-reasoned argument, clear structure, and proper grammar are the keys to success in the Issue Task. Keep practicing and refining your skills to achieve a high score in the Analytical Writing section.