GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

1) As people rely more and more on technology to solve problems, the

ability of humans to think for themselves will surely deteriorate.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
2) To understand the most important characteristics of a society, one
must study its major cities.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
3) Educational institutions have a responsibility to dissuade students
from pursuing fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to
address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to
challenge your position.
4) Scandals are useful because they focus our attention on problems in
ways that no speaker or reformer ever could.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to
address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to
challenge your position.
5) Claim: Governments must ensure that their major cities receive the
financial support they need in order to thrive.
Reason: It is primarily in cities that a nation's cultural traditions are
preserved and generated.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

6) A nation should require all of its students to study the same national
curriculum until they enter college.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
7) Some people believe that government funding of the arts is necessary
to ensure that the arts can flourish and be available to all people. Others
believe that government funding of the arts threatens the integrity of the
arts.
Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with
your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In
developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the
views presented.
8) Claim: In any fieldbusiness, politics, education, governmentthose
in power should step down after five years.
Reason: The surest path to success for any enterprise is revitalization
through new leadership.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.
9) In any field of endeavor, it is impossible to make a significant
contribution without first being strongly influenced by past
achievements within that field.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
10) Nations should pass laws to preserve any remaining wilderness
areas in their natural state, even if these areas could be developed for
economic gain.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain
your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your
position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the
policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

11) People's behavior is largely determined by forces not of their own
making.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree
with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In
developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in which the
statement might or might not hold true and explain how these considerations
shape your position.

12) Governments should offer a free university education to any student

who has been admitted to a university but who cannot afford the tuition.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your
reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position,
you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and
explain how these consequences shape your position.

13) Universities should require every student to take a variety of

courses outside the student's field of study.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree
with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the
most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your
position.

14) A nation should require all of its students to study the same national
curriculum until they enter college.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain your
reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your position,
you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the policy and
explain how these consequences shape your position.

15) Educational institutions should actively encourage their students to

choose fields of study that will prepare them for lucrative careers.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree
with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to address the
most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to challenge your
position.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

16) Some people believe that in order to be effective, political leaders
must yield to public opinion and abandon principle for the sake of
compromise. Others believe that the most essential quality of an
effective leader is the ability to remain consistently committed to
particular principles and objectives.
Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with your
own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In developing
and supporting your position, you should address both of the views presented.

17) Formal education tends to restrain our minds and spirits rather than
set them free.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
18) The well-being of a society is enhanced when many of its people
question authority.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
19) Governments should focus on solving the immediate problems of
today rather than on trying to solve the anticipated problems of the
future.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
20) Some people believe that college students should consider only
their own talents and interests when choosing a field of study. Others
believe that college students should base their choice of a field of study
on the availability of jobs in that field.
Write a response in which you discuss which view more closely aligns with
your own position and explain your reasoning for the position you take. In
developing and supporting your position, you should address both of the
views presented.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

21) Laws should be flexible enough to take account of various
circumstances, times, and places.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
22) Claim: The best way to understand the character of a society is to
examine the character of the men and women that the society chooses
as its heroes or its role models.
Reason: Heroes and role models reveal a society's highest ideals.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.
23) Governments should place few, if any, restrictions on scientific
research and development.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
24) The best way to teach is to praise positive actions and ignore negative
ones.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
25) Governments should offer college and university education free of
charge to all students.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

26) The luxuries and conveniences of contemporary life prevent people
from developing into truly strong and independent individuals.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
27) In any field of inquiry, the beginner is more likely than the expert to
make important contributions.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
28) The surest indicator of a great nation is represented not by the
achievements of its rulers, artists, or scientists, but by the general
welfare of its people.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
29) The best way to teachwhether as an educator, employer, or parent
is to praise positive actions and ignore negative ones.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to
address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to
challenge your position.
30) Teachers' salaries should be based on their students' academic
performance.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to
address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to
challenge your position.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

31) Society should make efforts to save endangered species only if the
potential extinction of those species is the result of human activities.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain
your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your
position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the
policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.
32) College students should base their choice of a field of study on the
availability of jobs in that field.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim. In developing and supporting your position, be sure to
address the most compelling reasons and/or examples that could be used to
challenge your position.
33) As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more
comprehensible, but more complex and mysterious.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
34) In any situation, progress requires discussion among people who
have contrasting points of view.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
35) Educational institutions should dissuade students from pursuing
fields of study in which they are unlikely to succeed.
Write a response in which you discuss your views on the policy and explain
your reasoning for the position you take. In developing and supporting your
position, you should consider the possible consequences of implementing the
policy and explain how these consequences shape your position.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

36) Governments should not fund any scientific research whose
consequences are unclear.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
37) Society should identify those children who have special talents and
provide training for them at an early age to develop their talents.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
38) It is primarily through our identification with social groups that we
define ourselves.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
39) College students should be encouraged to pursue subjects that
interest them rather than the courses that seem most likely to lead to
jobs.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
40) Claim: When planning courses, educators should take into account
the interests and suggestions of their students.
Reason: Students are more motivated to learn when they are interested
in what they are studying.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

41) The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live
after them, not by their contemporaries.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
42) Students should always question what they are taught instead of
accepting it passively.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
43) The increasingly rapid pace of life today causes more problems than
it solves.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.
44) Claim: It is no longer possible for a society to regard any living man
or woman as a hero.
Reason: The reputation of anyone who is subjected to media scrutiny
will eventually be diminished.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.
45) Competition for high grades seriously limits the quality of learning at
all levels of education.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the statement and explain your reasoning for the position you
take. In developing and supporting your position, you should consider ways in
which the statement might or might not hold true and explain how these
considerations shape your position.

GRE - Pool of 50 Issue Topics

46) Universities should require every student to take a variety of
courses outside the student's field of study.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
47) Educators should find out what students want included in the
curriculum and then offer it to them.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
48) Educators should teach facts only after their students have studied
the ideas, trends, and concepts that help explain those facts.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.
49) Claim: We can usually learn much more from people whose views
we share than from those whose views contradict our own.
Reason: Disagreement can cause stress and inhibit learning.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the claim and the reason on which that claim is based.
50) Government officials should rely on their own judgment rather than
unquestioningly carry out the will of the people they serve.
Write a response in which you discuss the extent to which you agree or
disagree with the recommendation and explain your reasoning for the position
you take. In developing and supporting your position, describe specific
circumstances in which adopting the recommendation would or would not be
advantageous and explain how these examples shape your position.