GRE Issue Essay: Practice Sample Prompts

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The GRE Issue Essay will provide a brief quotation on an issue of general interest and instructions on how to respond. You must evaluate the issue and develop an argument with support for your side of the issue. In the GRE Issue Essay, you will be developing your own argument.
The GRE Analytical Writing measure consists of one 30-minute Analyze an Issue task. Your response receives a score from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Scoring considers the overall quality of your analysis and writing, including how clearly you develop your position, support it with reasons and examples, and organize your ideas.
Try the sample GRE Issue Essay prompts below for practice:


GRE Issue Essay Sample Prompt #1


1. The emergence of the online “blogosphere” and social media has significantly weakened the quality of political discourse in the United States. Reason: When anyone can publish political opinions easily, standards for covering news and political topics will inevitably decline.


Write a response in which you examine your own position on the statement. Explore the extent to which you either agree or disagree with it, and support your reasoning with evidence and/or examples. Be sure to reflect on ways in which the statement might or might not be true, and how this informs your thinking on the subject.


GRE Issue Essay Sample Prompt #2


2. Some people believe it is imperative for individuals living in developed nations to reduce their energy consumption and lead a more sustainable lifestyle, given the evidence for global climate change. Others believe that such drastic lifestyle changes are unwarranted, based on the existing evidence for global climate change.


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 Issue Essay Sample Prompt #3


3. So long as they are aware of the dangers involved, adults should not be legally bound to use seat belts.


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.



Remember that you’ll have 30 minutes to complete the GRE Issue Essay.

How to Practice With GRE Issue Essay Prompts

Use these prompts to practice turning a broad topic into a focused argument. Before drafting your response, work through these steps:

  • Read the specific instructions. Identify whether you need to address competing views, consider exceptions, or respond to challenges to your position.
  • Start with a concrete example. For the energy-consumption prompt, consider a household deciding whether to use public transportation. How might cost, location, or accessibility affect its options?
  • Explore more than one outcome. For the seat-belt prompt, consider both individual freedom and the potential effects of injuries on other people. Which considerations best support your position?
  • Use hypothetical situations thoughtfully. If you lack direct experience with a topic, describe a plausible scenario and explain what it illustrates. Make clear that it is hypothetical.
  • Choose a position you can support. Build your response around clear reasoning and relevant examples. You can qualify your agreement when the issue calls for a more nuanced answer.

Then write a complete response within 30 minutes, allowing time to plan and review. For additional practice, explore the official ETS Issue topic pool.

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Next: How to structure the GRE Argument Essay >

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